Tipp farm up for quality milk award
Ornua and the National Dairy Council (NDC) are pleased to announce the 11 Irish dairy farming families, representing six counties and 11 dairy co-operatives nationwide, who have been shortlisted as finalists for the 2024 NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards.
Among the 2024 finalists is the Kennedy Farm from Cahir, Co. Tipperary representing Dairygold Co-op.
Recognised as Ireland’s leading dairy farming awards initiative, the annual NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards honours Ireland’s leading dairy producers who work tirelessly to enhance standards of excellence in dairy farming and milk production.
Conor Galvin, Chief Executive, Ornua said: “Ornua is proud to continue to celebrate distinction in dairy farming through our partnership with the National Dairy Council. Each year, the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards highlight the expertise of Irish dairy producers who strive for excellence on every morning and every late evening, every day of the week. The standards they collectively uphold ensures Irish dairy products are regarded as some of the very best in the world. We see this first-hand through the global appreciation for the food we bring to market, including Kerrygold. This year’s finalists are a credit to their co-operatives, their families and local communities and I’d like to commend them all, along with their milk advisors for this well-earned recognition.”
Mark Keller, Interim CEO, National Dairy Council, added: “I am delighted to congratulate our 11 finalists this year. This is exactly why Irish dairy is so unique and special, the family farming model that has been practised in Ireland for over 6,000 years and continues to ensure that the Irish dairy is renowned and revered for its high quality at home and abroad. We need to continue to celebrate the sustainability of Ireland’s grass-based production system which sets us apart and creates a highly nutritious and affordable product, which will continue to nourish generations to come!”
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.
The judging panel includes: Prof Karina Pierce, Professor of Dairy Production, UCD School of Agriculture & Food Science; Prof. Patrick Wall, Professor of Public Health, UCD; and Dr David Gleeson, Research Officer - Milk Quality, Teagasc Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre.
In addition to celebrating milk quality, the programme, which is a partnership between Ornua - the Kerrygold owner - and the National Dairy Council, 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.
Introducing the 2024 NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Award Finalists:
•Arrabawn – Larkin Farm, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway
•Aurivo Co-op – Killeen Farm, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway
•Bandon Co-op – Falvey Farm, Innishannon, Co. Cork
•Barryroe Co-op – Hayes Farm, Old Head, Kinsale, Co. Cork
•Dairygold Co-op – Kennedy Farm, Cahir, Co. Tipperary
•Drinagh Co-op – Lynch Farm, Skibbereen, Co. Cork
•Kerry Agribusiness – McCarthy Farm, Milltown, Co. Kerry
•Lakeland Dairies – Corrigan Farm, Trim, Co. Meath
•Lee Strand Co-op – Dillane Farm, Tralee, Co. Kerry
•North Cork Creameries – O’Connell Farm, Mallow, Co. Cork
•Tirlán – Somers Farm, Arklow, Co. Wicklow
The overall winner of the 2024 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards will be announced at a special ceremony on Tuesday, October 1, at Lyrath Estate Hotel in Co. Kilkenny.