The National Dairy Council (NDC) and Ornua have announced the 11 farms which are finalists in the 2024 NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards.
The annual awards honour Ireland’s leading dairy producers who work to enhance standards of excellence in dairy farming and milk production.
The awards focus on milk quality, animal welfare and sustainable farming practices.
Quality Milk Awards
Following nomination by their respective co-operative, each finalist participated in a rigorous judging process carried out by an independent judging panel.
This process examined a broad range of criteria including milk quality, animal care, farm infrastructure and hygiene, soil and grassland management and technical performance, among other core environmental indicators.
The judging panel includes: Prof. Karina Pierce, professor of dairy production, University College Dublin (UCD); Prof. Patrick Wall, professor of public health, UCD; and Dr. David Gleeson, research officer – milk quality, Teagasc.
This year’s finalists represent six counties and 11 dairy co-operatives nationwide, as follows:
- Arrabawn – Larkin Farm, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway;
- Aurivo Co-op – Killeen Farm, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway;
- Bandon Co-op – Falvey Farm, Innishannon, Co. Cork;
- Barryroe Co-op – Hayes Farm, Old Head, Kinsale, Co. Cork;
- Dairygold Co-op – Kennedy Farm, Cahir, Co. Tipperary;
- Drinagh Co-op – Lynch Farm, Skibbereen, Co. Cork;
- Kerry Agribusiness – McCarthy Farm, Milltown, Co. Kerry;
- Lakeland Dairies – Corrigan Farm, Trim, Co. Meath;
- Lee Strand Co-op – Dillane Farm, Tralee, Co. Kerry;
- North Cork Creameries – O’Connell Farm, Mallow, Co. Cork;
- Tirlán – Somers Farm, Arklow, Co. Wicklow.
This year’s awards programme will highlight areas such as the reduction of carbon footprint, biodiversity, energy and water conservation, animal welfare and soil nutrient management.
Conor Galvin, chief executive of Ornua the owner of the Kerrygold brand, said that the awards “highlight the expertise of Irish dairy producers who strive for excellence on every morning and every late evening, every day of the week”.
“The standards they collectively uphold ensures Irish dairy products are regarded as some of the very best in the world.
“We see this first-hand through the global appreciation for the food we bring to market, including Kerrygold.
“This year’s finalists are a credit to their co-operatives, their families and local communities and I’d like to commend them all, along with their milk advisors for this well-earned recognition,” he added.
Mark Keller, interim chief executive National Dairy Council, also congratulated the 11 finalists.
“This is exactly why Irish dairy is so unique and special, the family farming model that has been practised in Ireland for over 6,000 years and continues to ensure that the Irish dairy is renowned and revered for its high quality at home and abroad.
“We need to continue to celebrate the sustainability of Ireland’s grass-based production system which sets us apart and creates a highly nutritious and affordable product, which will continue to nourish generations to come,” he said.
The overall winner of the 2024 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards will be announced at a special ceremony on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at Lyrath Estate Hotel in Co. Kilkenny.
Last year’s overall winners were the Macnamara family from Hospital, Co. Limerick who supply Kerry Agribusiness.
John Macnamara alongside his wife, Olivia and their four children, Caoimhe, Conor, Ailbhe and Padraic all contribute to the running of the farm.
The family were recognised among their peers and judges for demonstrating “high standards of excellence” across the board.