Tomas Loughrey from Multyfarnham, Co Westmeath, has been named supreme milk quality champion at the Lakeland Dairies milk quality awards.

The awards, held in Clogher, Co Tyrone, on Wednesday, were presented by Dr Sinclair Mayne, former CEO of the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute.

They recognise excellence in milk production across more than 3,200 farm families in 17 counties, producing over 2bn litres of milk each year for Lakeland Dairies.

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In addition to the supreme champion, Lakeland Dairies also announced winners in several other categories at the milk quality awards.

>500,000 litre category winners

Loughrey also won the >500,000 litre producer category award, with Gerard Sherlock from Tydavnet, Co Monaghan named as the highly commended runner-up.

<500,000 litre category winners

Sean Coyle from Kilnaleck, Co Cavan, won the <500,000 litre producer category, while Ashley and Stuart McClean from Smithboro, Co Monaghan, were the highly commended runners-up in this category.

Sustainability award

Colm and Millie McIntyre from Daingean, Co Offaly, were named sustainability award winners.

Their outstanding commitment to sustainable milk production as well as environmental and economic sustainability was highlighted.

Young dairy farmer award

James McEvoy from Gilford, Armagh, won the Lakeland Dairies young farmer award. He will receive a bursary to take part in an agricultural study tour of his choice before the end of 2027.

Best new entrant

Mark Maguire from Grangegeeth, Collon, Co Louth, claimed best new entrant in the Republic of Ireland.

Northern Ireland

Stephen and Marina Hamilton from Tandragee, Co Armagh, won the >1m litre milk producer category in Northern Ireland.

Stanley and Rhona Burns from Hillsborough, Co Down, were named as highly commended runners-up in this category.

Robin and Elaine Morrow from Newtownards, Co Down, won the <1m litre producer category in Northern Ireland.

The runner-up in this category was Philip Kyle from Aughnacloy, Co Tyrone.

The Northern Ireland best new entrant category was won by James Purcell from Limavady, Co Derry.

“These awards reflect the strength and ambition of our milk suppliers, who continue to raise the bar year-on-year through innovation, attention to detail and a relentless focus on quality,” Lakeland Dairies’ group CEO Colin Kelly commented.

“That commitment underpins everything we do at Lakeland Dairies, delivering world-class dairy products while supporting sustainable, progressive farming across our regions.”