The 12 shortlisted finalists for the 2026 National Dairy Council (NDC) and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards has been announced by Ornua and the NDC.

The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony in Kilkenny in September.

The Quality Milk Awards honour the country’s leading producers and farm families at the forefront of advancing standards of excellence in grass-based dairy farming and milk production.

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Now in its 17th year, the awards are recognised as Ireland’s leading national dairy farming awards programme.

Each shortlisted finalist emerged from a rigorous internal selection process within their own co-operative and has been chosen as the farm that best represents their co-op’s milk suppliers.

2026 NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards finalists:

  • Arratipp Co-op – Breen Farm, Gorteen, Co Tipperary.
  • Aurivo Co-op – Kelly Farm, Ballyarrell, Co Donegal.
  • Bandon Co-op – Kelleher Farm, Tullyland, Co Cork.
  • Barryroe Co-op – Kirby Farm, Ballinascarty, Co Cork.
  • Centenary Thurles Co-op – Campion Farm, Graigue, Co Tipperary.
  • Dairygold Co-op – Carroll Farm, Coolrus, Co Limerick.
  • Drinagh Co-op – O'Donoghue Farm, Maulatrahane, Co Cork.
  • Kerry Dairy Ireland – Troy Farm, Newtownshandrum, Co Cork.
  • Lakeland Dairies – Loughrey Farm, Multyfarnham, Co Westmeath.
  • Lisavaird Co-op – Buttimer Farm, Lyre, Co Cork.
  • North Cork Creameries – Dennehy Farm, Kilbrin, Co Cork.
  • Tirlán – Fitzgerald Farm, Portlaw, Co Waterford.

    • NDC CEO Emma Walls said: “Beyond producing high-quality milk, these farmers play an increasingly important role as ambassadors for Irish dairy.

    "By sharing their experiences and opening up conversations about modern farming, they help build trust and understanding, giving consumers a greater appreciation of the care, commitment and expertise that define Irish dairy farming.

    “The National Dairy Council is proud to partner with Ornua in celebrating the achievements of these outstanding family farms and we extend our sincere congratulations to the 12 finalists.”

    Ornua communications director Jeanne Kelly said: “The awards have come to stand for quality that goes beyond the quality of the milk itself.

    "They represent excellence in farm management, from hygiene and grassland practices to breeding, environmental stewardship and animal care, as well as recognising the importance of advocating for what you do to help encourage and inspire the next generation of dairy farmers.”

    Over the past fortnight, finalist farms have been assessed by an independent judging panel comprising professor of dairy science in UCD Karina Pierce; Dr David Gleeson, one of Ireland's leading dairy milk quality specialists; and former chief executive of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and former chair of the European Food Safety Authority professor Patrick Wall.

    Judging

    While milk quality remains at the heart of the awards, the judging process reflects the increasingly broad expectations placed on modern dairy farmers and they seek a farm that demonstrates excellence in animal welfare, environmental stewardship, sustainability, grassland management, business management and ambassadorial potential.

    The judges also assess the wider farm business, including labour efficiency, infrastructure, technology adoption, succession planning and long-term resilience.