Agriland is teaming up with the National Dairy Council (NDC) and Ornua for a series of articles showcasing the 12 finalists in the 2026 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards.

The Inside the 2026 Quality Milk Awards: Meet the Finalists series

The ‘Inside the 2026 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards: Meet the Finalists’ series will give readers an insight into the people, farms and practices behind this year’s finalists, showcasing what makes each of the 12 farming families exceptional.

Now in its 17th year, the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards recognise dairy farmers who demonstrate outstanding standards across areas including milk quality, animal health and welfare, farm infrastructure, hygiene, grassland management, environmental sustainability and farm advocacy.

The 12 finalists, nominated by their respective dairy co-operatives, represent farms from across six counties and 12 different co-operatives.

Each finalist has their own approach to dairy farming, with different systems, facilities, experiences and priorities contributing to their success.

Inside the 2026 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards: Meet the Finalists

The Inside the 2026 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards: Meet the Finalists series will take readers behind the scenes on all 12 finalist farms.

Through a combination of video, farm facts and interviews, the series will introduce readers to the families behind the awards and explore the approaches they have taken to achieve high standards on their farms.

The series will look at the people behind each farming enterprise, as well as the practical aspects of running their farms - from milk quality and animal care to grassland management, infrastructure, technology, environmental initiatives and their involvement in their local communities.

The series will also highlight some of the individual features and practices that have helped each farm stand out during the Quality Milk Awards judging process.

While the 12 finalists have all taken different approaches to farming, they share a commitment to producing high-quality milk and continually improving their farming enterprises.

Follow the 2026 Quality Milk Awards: Meet the Finalists series on Agriland over the next few weeks to gain insights into what it takes to be nominated as a finalist for this competition.

Quality Milk Awards finalists

The 2026 finalists are:

ArraTipp Co-op - Breen Farm, Gorteen, Co. Tipperary;
Aurivo Co-op - Kelly Farm, Ballyarrell, Co. Donegal;
Bandon Co-op - Kelleher Farm, Tullyland, Co. Cork;
Barryroe Co-op - Kirby Farm, Ballinascarty, Co. Cork;
Centenary Thurles Co-op - Campion Farm, Graigue, Co. Tipperary;
Dairygold Co-op - Carroll Farm, Coolrus, Co. Limerick;
Drinagh Co-op - O’Donoghue Farm, Maulatrahane, Co. Cork;
Kinisla - Troy Farm, Newtownshandrum, Co. Cork;
Lakeland Dairies - Loughrey Farm, Multyfarnham, Co. Westmeath;
Lisavaird Co-op - Buttimer Farm, Lyre, Co. Cork;
North Cork Creameries - Dennehy Farm, Kilbrin, Co. Cork;
Tirlán - Fitzgerald Farm, Portlaw, Co. Waterford.

Tune in to Agriland as we visit the 12 finalists over the coming weeks to meet the families behind the farms, explore their approach to dairy farming and find out what makes them stand out among Ireland’s leading dairy producers.