Quality Milk Awards announces 12 finalists

Finalists across 12 co-ops have been shortlisted as finalists for the NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards

L-R: David Gleeson, Karina Pierce, Jeanne Kelly, Pat Wall and Emma Walls. Pic: Tom Ryan Casey Photography

The 2026 Quality Milk Awards have announced its 12 shortlisted finalists, who have been recognised for the high-quality milk while also embracing innovation and mitigating environmental impacts.

The Ornua and the National Dairy Council (NDC) announced the shortlist for the NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards, which is recognised as Ireland’s leading national dairy farming awards programme. The awards aim to honour the country’s leading producers and farm families at the forefront of advancing standards within grass-based dairy farming and milk production.

The 2026 Milk Quality Awards Finalists

• 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.

Now in its 17th year, the programme, which is a collaboration between Ornua and the National Dairy Council, recognises the ‘best of the best’ from Ireland’s dairy farming community. 

Collectively, the finalists represent a blueprint for the future of Irish dairying, each producing high-quality milk from healthy cows, operating profitable businesses, embracing innovation, while reducing environmental impact and engaging positively with and on behalf of their communities.

CEO of the NDC, Emma Walls, said: “As we mark another year of the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards, we once again have the privilege of recognising the exceptional standards being achieved on dairy farms across the country. 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.

Beyond producing high-quality milk, these farmers 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.” 

Communications Director, Ornua, Jeanne Kelly, said: “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. Together, these standards ensure Irish grass-fed dairy continues to represent the gold standard globally.” 

Each finalist was chosen by their co-ops as the farms that best represent their co-ops' milk suppliers. Judging for the 2026 awards is nearing its conclusion with the winner announced later this year.

Over the past fortnight, finalist farms have been assessed by an independent judging panel comprising Professor Karina Pierce, Professor of Dairy Science in UCD; Dr David Gleeson, one of Ireland's leading dairy milk quality specialists; and Professor Patrick Wall, former Chief Executive of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and former Chair of the European Food Safety Authority. Together, the judges bring expertise spanning dairy production, grassland management, milk quality, animal health, food safety, sustainability and consumer expectations.

Speaking on behalf of the judging panel, Professor Karina Pearce said:

These finalists have already achieved something very special. Each has been selected by its 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.” 

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.