The 12 finalists still in the race to be crowned champion of the 2025 National Dairy Council (NDC) and Kerrygold quality milk awards have been announced.

There is just a little under eight weeks left until category winners and the overall winner are announced by Ornua and the NDC in Co Kilkenny.

There are six categories that the finalists have been judged on in this year’s competition: milking hygiene and facilities; lowest SCC; environmental stewardship; grassland management; lowest carbon footprint; and animal health and welfare.

The line-up of judges on the independent marking panel includes UCD’s Professor Karina Pierce, UCD’s Professor Patrick Wall and Teagasc research officer Dr David Gleeson.

Twelve farms

The shortlist features farmers nominated by 12 dairy co-ops from across seven counties, chosen on their “display excellence in dairy production”:

  • Arrabawn Tipperary – the Kelly Farm in Nenagh, Co Tipperar.y
  • Aurivo Co-op – the Ronayne Farm in Claremorris, Co Mayo.
  • Bandon Co-op – the O'Donoghue Farm in Bandon, Co Cork.
  • Barryroe Co-op – the O'Donovan Farm in Kinsale, Co Cork.
  • Centenary Thurles – the Ryan Farm in Thurles, Co Tipperary.
  • Dairygold Co-op – the Sheehan and O'Leary Farm in Whitechurch, Co Cork.
  • Drinagh Co-op – the Duggan Farm in Dunmanway, Co Cork.
  • Kerry Dairy Ireland – the Killeen Farm in Kilrush, Co Clare.
  • Lakeland Dairies – the McElroy Farm in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan.
  • Lisavaird Co-op – the O'Neill Farm in Clonakilty, Co Cork.
  • North Cork Creameries – the Stack Farm in Listowel, Co Kerry.
  • Tirlán – the Byrne Farm in Dungarvan, Co Waterford.

    • High standards

    Ornua chief executive Conor Galvin stated the awards promote those achieving the highest standards in Irish dairy farming.

    “Their dedication, craft and commitment to quality are fundamental to safeguarding Ireland’s reputation as a producer of world-class, grass-fed dairy products,” Galvin said of the competitors.

    “We at Ornua recognise the instrumental role these farmers and families play in protecting the platform that enables us to bring this unmatched proposition to the world and we congratulate them all on their deserved recognition as finalists.”

    NDC CEO Emma Walls offered her congratulations to the 12 finalists.

    “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,” she commented.

    “This is what distinguishes Irish dairy, at home and abroad.”

    The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Thursday 23 October in Co Kilkenny.