14 finalists in 2023 NDC Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards

Kerrygold and the National Dairy Council (NDC) are pleased to announce the 14 Irish farming families representing seven counties and 14 dairy cooperatives nationwide.

The 14 families have been shortlisted as finalists for the 2023 NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards.

The prestigious awards, now in their twelfth year, celebrate the highest standards of dairy production in Ireland with a focus on milk quality, animal welfare and sustainable farming practices.

The NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards honour dairy farming families from across the country who work tirelessly to produce the milk that earns Ireland its international reputation for quality and sustainably produced dairy.

Judging process

Following nomination from their respective cooperative, each farming family participated in an intensive judging process examining a broad range of criteria.

This included: Environmental management; animal health and welfare; farm infrastructure and hygiene; soil and grassland management, and technical performance.

The judging panel for this year’s awards included Karina Pierce, professor of dairy production at University College Dublin (UCD) School of Agriculture and Food Science; Dr. Patrick Wall, professor of public health at UCD; and Dr. David Gleeson of Teagasc.

Ireland’s dairy reputation

Commenting on the finalist announcement, Donal Buggy, interim chief executive office (CEO), Ornua, said:

“As Ireland’s largest dairy exporter and proud owner of Kerrygold, we at Ornua see first-hand how much Irish dairy is valued and appreciated by consumers worldwide.

“Ireland’s global reputation as a leading producer of quality dairy products would not be achievable without the passion, commitment and expertise of Irish farming families who produce the best quality milk in the world,” he stressed.

Zoe Kavanagh, CEO of the National Dairy Council said: “It’s more important than ever to highlight and celebrate the incredible hard work, commitment and energy that is demonstrated 24/7 by Ireland’s 17,500 dairy food producers. The finalists for this competition demonstrate the highest standards of sustainable dairy production.

“Dairy farming has been going on in Ireland for over 4,000 years; it’s a part of our national identity. Our grass-fed family farming system is ideally suited to the Irish climate and delivers world class produce.

“The farmers who have been shortlisted this year represent the highest standards as food producers delivering an exceptional product that is enjoyed at home and revered by consumers all over the world,” she added.

In recognising the strengths of Ireland’s family dairy farming system, the NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards also represent a celebration of the very best of Irish food production, which quality and sustainably produced dairy is very much at the heart of.

Widely considered one of Ireland’s leading culinary destinations, the award-winning Ballymaloe House, will host this year’s special awards ceremony next month, where the overall winner of the NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards will be announced.