The event forms part of the FBD National Dairy Show which returns to Green Glens Arena, Millstreet, Co. Cork on Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10.

The awards recognise a new product or service, launched within the past 12 months, that has revolutionised some aspects of dairy farming.

In addition, to an overall winner and an overall sustainability winner, awards are also presented across two further categories, scientific, and technology and engineering, as well as a best start-up award.

Some of the industry's newest products and services will be examined by the judges on Friday afternoon, before the winners are announced at a special prize ceremony that evening.

Innovation awards

The following companies have been selected as finalists in the science category:

Agristock: Breeze Buddy

Breeze Buddy was brought to the market in Autumn 2025.

The eucalyptus-based granular feed supplement is made for weanlings and store cattle.

Breeze Buddy helps reduce the incidences of pneumonia, which then can help significantly reduce antibiotic usage across the dairy sector. This may also result in a potential cost-saving for dairy farmers.

The product is designed to slot into whatever feeding system a farmer uses as the granules can go on silage, into the daily ration, or through the diet feeder and can be fed indoors or outdoors.

Interchem: FerAppease

FerAppease is a pour-on product designed to reduce the effects of stress by calming and relaxing the animal.

Maternal Bovine Appeasing Substance (mBAS) is a natural pheromone secreted from the cow's udder that calms the calf during feeding.

FerAppease contains a synthetic analogue of mBAS designed to mimic this natural signal.

FerAppease offers a science-led, practical tool to complement good management during transport, regrouping, weaning, introducing heifers to the milking herd and robotic milking training, supporting cattle welfare and smoother transitions.

Whyte Country Supplies: GrowMax

GrowMax is a high-quality multivitamin and trace element drench developed to support dairy cattle at key stages of production.

GrowMax focuses on three key areas: supporting growth, improving fertility and boosting immunity, helping dairy cattle perform to their full potential.

According to Whyte Country Supplies, what makes GrowMax different is its formulation with copper, manganese and zinc glycinates.

These highly available forms of essential trace elements are designed to be efficiently utilised by the animal compared with standard mineral sources.

Technology and engineering

The following companies have been selected as finalists in the technology/engineering category:

Alltech: Planet of Plenty Partnership Framework

The Planet of Plenty Partnership Framework is Alltech's model for making sustainable farming pay for everyone.

It brings farmers, processors and brands together around shared, measurable on-farm results, so the cost and risk of change does not fall on farmers alone.

Each programme follows a process: identify an intervention, validate it on farm over 12 months, measure outcomes such as emissions, nutrient retention, fertiliser use, crop performance and animal welfare, then share the evidence across the supply chain.

Eminex is the first proof of concept and is built to scale across species, technologies and countries, turning environmental progress into commercial value.

Dairygold: Gateway App

The Dairygold Gateway App is the primary digital communication and engagement platform connecting Dairygold with members.

Developed with direct farmer input, it provides instant access to key co-op updates, milk quality results, financial statements, benchmarking tools, compliance information and technical advisory content in one easy-to-use location.

Real-time alerts ensure members receive timely information, while advanced data visualisation, milk solids analysis and delegated access for family members and farm managers support informed decision-making.

Udder Logic: Automatic Dipping & Flushing System (ADF)

The Automatic Dipping & Flushing System is an affordable add-on, designed to fit any make or configuration of dairy parlour.

It automates an essential post-milking process by accurately applying teat dip immediately after milking and automatically flushing each cluster between cows.

This creates a consistent hygiene routine, helping reduce human error and the risk of cross-contamination.

The ADF System can help contribute to fewer mastitis cases and lower somatic cell counts (SCC), supporting herd health, improved milk quality and cow longevity.

Udder Logic said that by automating labour intensive tasks, the ADF System saves time and helps increase productivity, making milking simpler, more efficient and consistent.

All of the finalists will be showcased throughout the FBD National Dairy Show, giving visitors a first look at the innovations shaping the future of Irish dairy farming.

Last year's overall winner, and gold winner in the Engineering category, was Easyfix, which was recognised for its ePulse Aeration System.