Patrick Kelly of Waterwheel Farm was named overall winner of the 2026 Aurivo Milk Quality Awards which took place on Wednesday 29 April.

Hailing from Killygordon, Co Donegal, Kelly also received the milk sustainability champion award, which acknowledged his outstanding performance across milk quality, farm management and long-term sustainability.

Kelly runs a highly efficient dairy enterprise with a focus on milk quality, animal health and welfare and meticulous hygiene standards underpinning his excellent performance.

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A key priority for Kelly is sustainability, with the aim of future-proofing the business while maintaining high-quality and efficient output, which reflects his progressive and modern approach to dairy farming.

“Producing high-quality milk starts with the dedication and expertise of our farmers. These awards recognise the commitment, attention to detail and pride that our suppliers bring to their farms every day,” general manager at Aurivo dairy Stephen Blewitt commented on the awards.

“At Aurivo, we are proud to work alongside dairy farmers who continue to raise the bar for quality and sustainability across the Irish dairy sector."

Other category winners

Other farms that received awards for excellence included:

  • Highest milk solids - Cian Devaney, Lakeview Farm Partnership, Hazelwood, Co Sligo.
  • Milk quality award (liquid milk) - Cathal and Adam Harper, Castlefin, Co Donegal.
  • Milk quality award (under 600,000 litres) - Jason Mullin, Headford, Co Galway.
  • Milk quality award (over 600,000 litres) - Micháel and Kevin Fagan, Ballinagee Farm, Co Westmeath.
  • Best new entrant - David Hanley, Portumna, Co Galway.
  • Best Northern Ireland supplier - Graham, Hillary and Mark Kernohan, Broughshane, Co Antrim.
  • Excellence in udder health - Thomas and Anne Gormley, Elphin, Co Roscommon.

    • Winners at the Aurivo milk quality awards on Wednesday 29 April 2026. Back row: Thomas Gormely, David Hanley, Graham Kenohan, Jason Mullin. Front row: Patrick Kelly, Michael Fagan, Cian Devaney, Adam Harper.