Dairygold Cooperative suppliers, the Kennedy farm from Cahir, Co. Tipperary has been announced as the overall winners of the 2024 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards.

The prestigious annual awards programme, now in its 15th year, saw 11 farming families from six counties and 11 dairy co-operatives, celebrated for excellence in milk production and sustainable dairying at a special ceremony hosted at Lyrath Estate Hotel, Co Kilkenny.

Following their nomination by Dairygold, the Kennedys excelled through a comprehensive judging process that evaluated a range of the most important aspects of modern dairy farming. These topics included environmental sustainability, animal health and welfare, farm infrastructure, hygiene standards, soil and grassland management, and technical performance amongst other important factors including advocacy and community engagement.

Aidan and Derval Kennedy along with their children, Nickolas and Galina, and farm team, were recognised for demonstrating the highest standards of excellence in dairy farming and were presented with the 2024 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards perpetual cup.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, commented: “I would like to extend my congratulations to this year’s overall winner of the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards, the Kennedy family, for their commitment to producing the highest quality milk through sustainable dairy farming methods.

The reputation of our Irish dairy industry both at home and abroad relies on the excellent quality standards epitomised by the farm families here today. This high standing is only made possible through suppliers who are willing to be leaders in the drive to produce the best quality milk in a sustainable way. All of today’s nominated families should therefore be immensely proud of the exemplary standards that have earned them the recognition of their own co-ops and the dairy industry at large.

I would like to commend all of the finalists, category winners and overall winner, and wish them every continued success in proudly flying the flag for Irish dairying.”

Conor Galvin, Chief Executive, Ornua said: “On behalf of Ornua, I would like to congratulate the Kennedy farm for being honoured as the overall winners of the 2024 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards. The standards they have set across a broad range of criteria reflects the dedication to craft and meticulous attention to detail needed to produce the world-class milk behind our world-famous dairy products. Each of the finalists have a unique approach and story to tell but are each connected through the many meanings of the word quality. I would like to thank them, their teams, co-operatives and milk advisors, for raising standards year after year, ensuring Ireland’s global reputation as a leading producer of sustainable, quality dairy products is secured.”

Mark Keller, Interim CEO, National Dairy Council said: “First, congratulations to the Kennedy farm for this tremendous achievement and recognition in winning the prestigious NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Award for 2024. All of our National Finalists are winners in their own right demonstrating that the highest standards are achievable and we salute their commitment to quality excellence across all aspects of dairy production. Ireland’s international reputation as a dairy producing nation has been built on this commitment as global customers look to our dairy farmers for leadership in sustainable grass-based quality milk production. There are many challenges ahead but with our finalists, our category winners and overall 2024 winner Ireland can take pride in its dairy farming families, it processors and the advisors who support our dairy farmers 24/7 for 365 days each year!”

Karina Pierce, Professor of Dairy Production, UCD School of Agriculture & Food Science added: “On behalf of the judging panel, I would like to warmly congratulate the Kennedy farm, the overall winners of the 2024 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards. We spent a lot of time making the difficult decision to choose an overall winner this year as all finalists are excellent. Before the judges reach the farmgate, we know that the milk quality is of a superior standard across the board, but witnessing efforts around areas such as sustainability, animal welfare, water quality and biodiversity show what can be achieved on farm in terms of efficiency, climate action and technological innovation. The measures this year’s finalists are employing fills me with positivity for the future of Irish dairy. Well done to them all and the Kennedys for their distinction and deserved recognition as the overall winner.”

In addition to the overall prize, five category award winners were recognised for excellence in the individual areas of milk hygiene and facilities, environmental stewardship, grassland management, advocacy and engagement, and low somatic cell count (SCC).

2024 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards Finalists and Award Winners (alphabetical by surname):

• Corrigan Farm, Trim, Co. Meath – Lakeland Dairies (winner of Advocacy and engagement award)
• Dillane Farm, Tralee, Co. Kerry – Lee Strand Co-op
• Falvey Farm, Innishannon, Co. Cork – Bandon Co-op
• Hayes Farm, Old Head, Kinsale, Co. Cork – Barryroe Co-op
• Kennedy Farm, Cahir, Co. Tipperary – Dairygold Co-op (overall winner and winner of Milking Hygiene and Facilities award)
• Killeen Farm, Eyrecourt, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway – Aurivo Co-op (winner of Grassland Management award)
• Larkin Farm, Eyrecourt, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway – Arrabawn (winner of Lowest SCC award)
• Lynch Farm, Skibbereen, Co. Cork – Drinagh Co-op
• McCarthy Farm, Milltown, Co. Kerry – Kerry Agribusiness (winner of Environmental Stewardship award)
• O’Connell Farm, Mallow, Co. Cork – North Cork Creameries
• Somers Farm, Arklow, Co. Wicklow – Tirlán