Finalists revealed for 2026 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards
Ornua and the National Dairy Council (NDC) have today (Monday, July 6) announced the 12 finalists for the 2026 NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards.
The awards honour the country’s leading producers and farm families at the forefront of advancing standards of excellence in grass-based dairy farming and milk production.
Now in its 17th year, the programme recognises the ‘best of the best’ from Ireland’s dairy farming community.
According to Ornua and the NDC, the finalists, who were nominated by their respective co-ops, represent "a blueprint for the future of Irish dairying".
The farms have been shortlisted for producing high-quality milk, operating profitable businesses, embracing innovation, while reducing environmental impact and engaging positively with their communities.
Quality milk awards
The 2026 NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Award finalists are as follows:
- 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.
Each shortlisted finalist emerged from a "rigorous internal selection process" within their own co-op and has been chosen as "the farm that best represents their co-op’s milk suppliers".
The finalists have each progressed to the most demanding phase of the programme as judging for the 2026 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards nears its conclusion.
While milk quality remains at the heart of the awards, the judging process reflects the "increasingly broad expectations" placed on modern dairy farmers.
The judges are seeking a farm that not only produces exceptional milk but also demonstrates "excellence in animal welfare, environmental stewardship, sustainability, business management and ambassadorial potential".
Judging
Over the past fortnight, finalist farms have been assessed by an independent judging panel comprising Professor Karina Pierce, Professor of Dairy Science in University College Dublin (UCD); Dr David Gleeson, a dairy milk quality specialist; and Professor Patrick Wall, former chief executive of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and former chair of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
"These finalists have already achieved something very special," Professor Karina Pearce, said.
"Each has been selected by their co-operative as the farm to represent its milk suppliers, so the national competition is effectively an all-ireland contest between the very best dairy farms.
"What the judges are now looking for is excellence across the entire farming system; exceptional milk quality, healthy animals, environmental responsibility, commercial viability and the ability to act as an ambassador for Irish dairying.
"The farm that ultimately wins will be one that demonstrates that all of these elements can be successfully combined on a modern family farm," she said.
Dairy
Commenting on the programme, Emma Walls, chief executive of the National Dairy Council said:
"Year after year, these awards shine a spotlight on farmers whose commitment to quality, sustainability and continuous improvement sets the benchmark for excellence.
"The standard of entries remains remarkably high, reflecting the dedication and professionalism that underpin Ireland's dairy sector."
Walls said these farmers also play an "increasingly important role as ambassadors for Irish dairy".
"By sharing their experiences and opening up conversations about modern farming, they help build trust and understanding, giving consumers a greater appreciation of the care, commitment and expertise that define Irish dairy farming," she said.
Jeanne Kelly, communications director, Ornua added that the "awards have come to stand for quality that goes beyond the quality of the milk itself".
"They represent excellence in farm management, from hygiene and grassland practices to breeding, environmental stewardship and animal care, as well as recognising the importance of advocating for what you do to help encourage and inspire the next generation of dairy farmers," she said.
The overall winner of the 2026 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards will be announced at an awards ceremony in Kilkenny in September.
