Five Cork farming families among finalists for 2025 Quality Milk Awards
From left: Dairygold chief executive Michael Harte, Teagasc director Frank O'Mara, award co-host Aidan Kennedy, National Dairy Council chief executive Emma Walls, co-host Derval Kennedy, and Ornua chief executive Conor Galvin at an open day on the farm of 2024 National Winners of the National Dairy Council and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards. Picture: O'Gorman Photography.
The 12 Irish dairy farming families who have been shortlisted as finalists for the 2025 National Dairy Council (NDC) and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards have been announced.
Representing seven counties and 12 dairy co-operatives from across the country, this year's finalists are:
- Arrabawn Tipperary — Kelly Farm, Nenagh, Co Tipperary;
- Aurivo Co-op — Ronayne Farm, Claremorris, Co Mayo;
- Bandon Co-op — O'Donoghue Farm, Bandon, Co Cork;
- Barryroe Co-op — O'Donovan Farm, Kinsale, Co Cork;
- Centenary Thurles — Ryan Farm, Thurles, Co Tipperary;
- Dairygold Co-op — Sheehan and O'Leary Farm, Whitechurch, Co Cork;
- Drinagh Co-op — Duggan Farm, Dunmanway, Co Cork;
- Kerry Dairy Ireland — Killeen Farm, Kilrush, Co Clare;
- Lakeland Dairies — McElroy Farm, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan;
- Lisavaird Co-op — O'Neill Farm, Clonakilty, Co Cork;
- North Cork Creameries — Stack Farm, Listowel, Co Kerry;
- Tirlán — Byrne Farm, Dungarvan, Co Waterford.
Recognised as Ireland’s leading dairy farming awards initiative, the annual NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards honour Ireland’s leading dairy producers who continue to work to enhance standards of excellence in dairy farming and milk production in Ireland.
The finalists, each nominated by their respective co-op, display excellence in dairy production over a number of key areas, including animal health and welfare, dairy parlour facilities, milk hygiene, and a range of sustainability measures.
Following nomination by their respective co-operative, each finalist participated in a rigorous judging process carried out by an independent judging panel that examined a broad range of criteria, including milk quality, animal care, farm infrastructure and hygiene, soil and grassland management, and technical performance, among other core environmental indicators.
Ornua chief executive Conor Galvin said: “Every year, the NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards recognise the unique skills and expertise of Irish dairy farmers from across the country who work tirelessly to raise the bar of excellence in dairying.
National Dairy Council chief executive Emma Walls added: “Come rain or shine, every day our farmers continue to inspire with a consistent commitment to quality, an unwavering focus on sustainability, and a drive to be the best. This is what distinguishes Irish dairy, at home and abroad.”
The judging panel includes Karina Pierce, a professor of dairy production at the UCD School of Agriculture & Food Science; Patrick Wall, a professor of public health in UCD; and David Gleeson, a research office of milk quality at the Teagasc Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre.
In addition to celebrating milk quality, the programme acknowledges those who are paving the way in enhancing sustainable dairy farming practices in Ireland.
This year’s awards programme spotlights areas such as reduction of carbon footprint, biodiversity, energy and water conservation, animal welfare and soil nutrient management.
The overall winner of the 2025 NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards and category award winners will be announced at a special ceremony on Thursday, October 23, 2025, in Co Kilkenny.
