Lakeland Dairies milk quality award winners revealed
A farmer from Co. Westmeath has today (Wednesday, June 17) been named supreme champion at the Lakeland Dairies milk quality awards.
Tomas Loughrey from Multyfarnham was recognised for exceptional milk quality and outstanding standards on his farm.
Tomas and the other winners of the Lakeland Dairies Milk Quality Awards were revealed at an event held at Clogher, Co. Tyrone.
The awards recognise excellence in milk production across the co-op's network of more than 3,200 farm families in 17 counties producing over 2 billion litres of milk each year for Lakeland Dairies.
The awards were presented by Dr. Sinclair Mayne, former chief executive of the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI).
Milk quality awards
Lakeland Dairies also announced winners in numerous categories at the 2026 Milk Quality Awards as follows:
Republic of Ireland
Along with being named supreme champion, Tomas Loughrey won the greater than 500,000 litre producer category award in the Republic of Ireland.
The highly commended runner-up in the greater than 500,000 litre producer category was Gerard Sherlock from Tydavnet, Co. Monaghan.
Sean Coyle from Kilnaleck, Co. Cavan won the less than 500,000 litre producer category.
Ashley and Stuart McClean from Smithboro, Co. Monaghan were the highly commended runners-up in the less than 500,000 producer category.
Colm and Millie McIntyre from Daingean, Co. Offaly won the Lakeland Dairies Sustainability Award for outstanding commitment to sustainable milk production as well as environmental and economic sustainability.
Northern Ireland
Stephen and Marina Hamilton from Tandragee, Co. Armagh won the greater than one million litre milk producer category in Northern Ireland.
Stanley and Rhona Burns from Hillsborough, Co. Down were the highly commended runners-up in this section.
Robin and Elaine Morrow from Newtownards, Co. Down won the less than one million litre producer category in Northern Ireland.
Philip Kyle from Aughnacloy, Co. Tyrone was the highly commended runner-up.
Mark Maguire from Grangegeeth, Collon, Co. Louth was declared winner of the Republic of Ireland Best New Entrant category.
James Purcell from Limavady, Co. Derry won the Northern Ireland Best New Entrant category.
James McEvoy from Gilford, Armagh won the Lakeland Dairies Young Farmer Award.
This award is aimed at recognising the activity and involvement of young farmers in bringing fresh and new ideas to the family farm.
The winner receives a bursary to take part in an agricultural study tour of their choice before the end of 2027.
Lakeland Dairies
Lakeland Dairies’ chairperson, Niall Matthews congratulated the award winners.
"The milk quality awards recognise the very best of what our co-operative represents, a deep-rooted commitment to dairy excellence at farm level.
"Across our network of farm families, quality is a way of life, built through dedication, care and consistency.
"It is a privilege to celebrate the people who continue to set the standard for our industry," he said.
Lakeland Dairies’ group chief executive officer (CEO) Colin Kelly added:
"These awards reflect the strength and ambition of our milk suppliers, who continue to raise the bar year-on-year through innovation, attention to detail and a relentless focus on quality."
