In this special Focus for the NDC/Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards, we profile the nine farming families who have been shortlisted in this year’s competition. I can say without fear of contradiction all are fantastic ambassadors for the dairy industry and dairy farming in general.

For each of the nine farms, we detail the combined fat and protein percent for each month of the year, the total volume sold from the farm, the weighted average somatic cell count (SCC) and the total bacteria count (TBC). These results go a long way to explaining the excellent performance, but, of course, judging a competition, we have to take much more into account.

As judges, we form a view on how the farm looks in terms of cleanliness, how the farmers understand the reasoning behind why they complete various actions and how the farmers react under intense questioning.

It’s not all about fancy new equipment. Some farmers have invested in brilliant new equipment recently, but others are working with equipment installed over 20 to 30 years ago and are still producing excellent results. Once again, I can say you don’t need new equipment to produce top-quality milk. The purpose of this competition is to profile dairy farmers doing a top job, but who also are commercially sustainable.

Rounding the solution to quality in west Cork

Strong vision leads to successful milking partnership

Monaghan leader making quality moves

Moyne supplier building for a top-class future

Lean operation in Longford for Aurivo

Safety paramount for Kerry Agribusiness supplier

From the tractor seat to the milking parlour

Development and progress overlooking Bandon

Downing and Carr combining well in Whitechurch