Dairygold has announced the winners of its Milk Quality and Sustainability Awards, recognising the outstanding achievements of its Milk Suppliers in delivering high-quality milk and implementing sustainable farming practices.

At a special Awards ceremony, Michael and his father Martin Carroll from Granagh, Co. Limerick were named Overall Winners of the Dairygold Milk Quality and Sustainability Awards, in addition to receiving the Limerick Regional Award.

The Awards ceremony in Springfort Hall, Mallow, Co. Cork on Thursday, 21st May 2026 recognised 18 finalists across a range of categories and regions, reflecting the breadth of excellence throughout the Dairygold milk supplier base.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, highlighted that the quality of Ireland’s grass-based dairy produce from family farms is recognised worldwide, with exports to over 140 countries reaching a record €7 billion last year.

“Our farmers are operating in a period of enormous change whether that is from market volatility, the ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and rising input costs, to climate challenges and environmental pressures. What gives me real confidence in the future of the sector is the leadership being shown by farmers, who continue to adapt, innovate and respond to the challenges facing Irish agriculture.”

Speaking about the Awards, Dairygold Chairperson Pat Clancy said:

“These Awards are an important opportunity to recognise the hard work, dedication and consistency of our Milk Suppliers. The standards we continue to see across our farming base are a credit to our members and are central to the success of our Co-Op. Farmers like our Award-winners are demonstrating what can be achieved through a clear focus on quality, sustainability and continuous improvement.”

Dairygold Chief Executive Michael Harte congratulated all the winners.

“Our Award-winners clearly demonstrate how a progressive approach to farming, combined with strong technical performance, can deliver a high-quality and sustainable farming enterprise. It is very encouraging and inspiring to see the continued adoption of sustainable practices across our Milk Supplier base, which is critical to meeting customer and regulatory expectations and ensuring the long-term success of Dairygold and the wider Irish Dairy Industry.”

Overall Winners

Michael and his father Martin Carroll combine a strong family tradition with a progressive approach to dairy farming on the farm at Granagh, Co. Limerick. A fifth-generation farmer, Michael farms alongside his wife Stephanie and their three children, Donagh, JJ and Eliza. The farm comprises a 54-hectare milking platform, supported by two nearby silage blocks totalling 34 hectares, allowing for an efficient and well-structured system. Since 2019, Michael has employed a full-time team member, Ollie O’Brien, enabling a sustainable workload and supporting a strong work-life balance for the family

Having gained valuable international experience in New Zealand, Michael returned home to farm in partnership with his parents, Martin and Mary. He continues to build his knowledge through active participation in the Kilmallock Discussion Group, demonstrating a strong commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

The Judges highlighted that Michael and Martin have together established a high-performing dairy enterprise built on strong foundations of milk quality, efficiency and sustainability. The attention to detail and willingness to adopt best practice is evident across all aspects of the farm. A strong focus on clover incorporation, efficient nutrient management and consistent reseeding has underpinned the development of a resilient and productive system.

After receiving the Overall Winner Award, Michael Carroll said: “It is lovely to have the Judges visit the farm, look around and appreciate all of the hard work that you do. We get such enjoyment out of the farm and we are very proud of it. It is lovely to get this recognition and the Award means an awful lot to the family.”

The awards were based on milk quality performance and sustainability criteria assessed across Dairygold’s 2,400 milk suppliers. Eighteen finalists were shortlisted from each of the six Dairygold regions and assessed by a team of expert judges Dr. William Burchill, a lecturer in Soil Science in University College Cork (UCC) and Daire Cregg, Dairy Specialist with the Irish Farmers Journal.