In this special Focus supplement for the NDC/Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards, we profile the 14 farming families who have been shortlisted in this year’s competition. Given the space available it is not possible to detail all of the elements of each dairy business.

For each farm 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).

Some farmers have invested in new equipment but others are working with equipment installed over 20 years ago. You don’t need new equipment to produce top-quality milk. The purpose of this competition is to profile dairy farmers who are doing a top job but are also commercially sustainable.

Three of the key milk quality parameters assessed in the short listing process are TBC, SCC and milk solids. The milk quality standards being achieved on these nominated farms are increasing each year. This year, the average TBC and SCC for those nominated farms were 7,000 cfu/ml, and 84,000 cells/ml, respectively, with protein of 3.53% and fat of 4.14%.

As part of the scoring system used to find the overall winner, a weighting is applied to milk quality, cleanliness of facilities, milk solids performance, sustainability and technical understanding and knowledge of quality milk.

All of those shortlisted for farm visits demonstrate excellent standards in food production, are leaders in their industry and are role models for fellow milk producers.

My fellow judges Professor Patrick Wall, UCD and Dr David Gleeson, Teagasc Moorepark visited all the farms in July and August. Results will be announced at the Quality Milk Awards on 4 October.

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Fourteen farming families reach NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards finals