NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards 2022 Finalists

Kerrygold and the National Dairy Council (NDC) are pleased to announce the 13 farming families, representing eight counties and 13 dairy co-ops nationwide, who have reached the finals of the 2022 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards. The awards, dubbed the ‘Oscars of the Dairy World’ recognise, and celebrate, the highest standards of excellence in dairy farming with a focus on milk quality, animal welfare, and sustainable farming practices.

The prestigious awards, now in their eleventh year, reward farming families working every day to produce high quality dairy through sustainable production methods. In recent years, the awards have introduced additional criteria to acknowledge farmers that operate a sustainable dairy operation with clear evidence of excellent technical practices in the areas beyond quality milk, namely; care for the environment and animal welfare; dairy and parlour facilities; and hygiene.

Commenting on the awards, John Jordan, CEO, Ornua said, “As Ireland’s largest exporter of dairy products, and proud owners of Kerrygold, we see first-hand how Irish dairy is revered by consumers in every corner of the world. This is owing to our unique grass-based grazing system, our dedicated farming families and their continued commitment to sustainable production. We’re proud to support the Quality Milk Awards each year and to celebrate the passionate farming families who work tirelessly to produce world-class dairy and maintain Ireland’s global reputation as a leading sustainable producer of quality dairy products.”

The judging panel for this year’s awards included Dr Jack Kennedy, Deputy Editor of the Irish Farmers Journal, Prof. Patrick Wall, Professor of Public Health at UCD, and Dr David Gleeson, Research Officer in the Livestock Systems Department, Teagasc Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre at Moorepark.

Commenting on the announcement, Dr Jack Kennedy stated, “NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards are the stamp of excellence and raise the bar for dairy production at its highest level. More than ever before we need to highlight and reward the high standards undertaken by dairy farmers all over Ireland who are putting in place high calibre production practices and a clear commitment to sustainable farming that will really make a difference to the future of the industry. Irish consumers enjoy some of the best quality dairy produce in the world, a food that is highly nutritious, affordable and accessible and is globally revered for its unique flavour and taste. All finalists clearly demonstrated excellent standards in all facets of food production and are gold star ambassadors for the Irish dairy industry at home and abroad!”

Zoe Kavanagh, CEO of the National Dairy Council said, “With more scrutiny than ever on how farmers produce milk, dairy’s reputation depends upon demonstrating greater commitment to practices that protect the environment. The single most important challenge facing the Irish dairy farmers is ‘social licence to produce’. The Quality Milk Awards are so important as they highlight and reward the high standards of dairy production being carried out by dairy farmers all over the country, respecting the land, protecting the precious biodiversity and operating at the highest standards of responsible food production. It is in all our interests to continue to nurture that approach and support future generations to farm with excellence.”

The overall winner of the 2022 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards will be announced at a special ceremony in Ballyvolane House, Co. Cork on Wednesday 14th September.

Introducing the 2022 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Award Finalists:

Collins farm, Drinagh: Collins Farm — NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards

Connelly farm, Aurivo: Connelly Farm — NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards

Deasy farm, Barryroe: Deasy Farm — NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards

Egan farm, Kerry agribusiness: Egan Farm — NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards

Hawkes farm, Bandon Co-op: Hawkes Farm — NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards

Heery farm, Glanbia: Heery Farm — NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards

Hogan farm, Centenary Thurles: Hogan Farm — NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards

Maher farm, Dairygold: Maher Farm — NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards

Moynihan farm, North Cork Creameries: Moynihan Farm — NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards

Nicholson farm, Lakeland Dairies: Nicholson Farm — NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards

O’Brien farm, Lee Strand: O'Brien Farm — NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards