A Co. Cork farm has crowned the overall winner of the 2026 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards.

Ornua and the National Dairy Council (NDC) announced the Troy family farm as the winners at a special ceremony hosted at Lyrath Estate Hotel, Co. Kilkenny today (Wednesday, September 30).

The prestigious annual awards programme, now in its 17th year, saw 12 farming families from six counties and 12 dairy cooperatives, celebrated for excellence in milk production and sustainable dairying.

Nominated by Kinisla, the Troys were announced as this year’s overall winner, having distinguished themselves through a comprehensive assessment covering environmental sustainability, animal health and welfare, farm infrastructure, hygiene standards, soil and grassland management, farm advocacy and technical performance.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, commented: “My warmest congratulations to this year’s overall winner of the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards, the Troy family from Co. Cork and to all of this year’s finalists and category winners.

"The commitment demonstrated by this year’s finalists to the highest standards in milk quality, animal health and welfare, environmental sustainability and excellent farm management represents the very best of Irish dairy farming.

"These awards demonstrate the exceptionally high standards that maintain that reputation and help distinguish Irish dairy in markets around the world."

The minister added that Ireland's future success will depend on maximising the value of what Irish farmers produce, building on the quality and sustainability of the grass-based production system.

Chief Executive, Ornua, Conor Galvin said: “This award recognises the Troy family’s outstanding commitment to excellence and their continuous pursuit of the highest standards in milk production.

"This year's finalists represent the very best of Irish dairy farming, demonstrating exceptional standards in milk quality, farm management and environmental stewardship, while also recognising the importance of inspiring and encouraging the next generation of dairy farmers.

"Congratulations to all of this year's finalists on achieving this recognition and for the role they play in maintaining Ireland's reputation for world-class, sustainably produced dairy.”

CEO, National Dairy Council, Emma Walls added: “The NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards are an opportunity to recognise the people, passion and hard work behind the high-quality dairy produced on farms across Ireland.

"This year’s finalists have demonstrated outstanding dedication, delivering across milk quality, animal welfare, grassland management and a commitment to more sustainable actions. They are ambassadors both for their communities and for dairy farming as a sector."

In addition to the overall prize, five category awards were presented for excellence in the individual areas:

Milking Hygiene & Facilities;
Environmental Stewardship & Biodiversity;
Advocacy (Community & Industry Leadership);
Grassland Management;
Lowest Carbon Footprint.

NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards finalists and award winners

ArraTipp Co-op – Breen Farm, Gorteen, Co. Tipperary (Lowest Carbon Footprint Award winner);
Aurivo Co-op – Kelly Farm, Ballyarrell, Co. Donegal (Advocacy Award (Community & Industry Leadership) Award winner);
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 (Grassland Management Award winner);
Drinagh Co-op – O'Donoghue Farm, Maulatrahane, Co. Cork;
Kinisla – Troy Farm, Newtownshandrum, Co. Cork (Overall Winner & Milking Hygiene & Facilities Award winner);
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 (Environmental Stewardship & Biodiversity Award winner).