Ornua and the National Dairy Council are pleased to announce that the 2024 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards programme is officially open for entries with dairy co-ops throughout the country invited to nominate their top milk suppliers before the closing date of Friday 31st May 2024.
The prestigious annual awards, now in its 15th year, champion the highest standards of excellence in dairy farming and milk production in Ireland.
Last year’s overall winners were the Macnamara family from Co. Limerick – supplying Kerry Agribusiness.
The independent judging panel for this year’s awards comprises Prof. Karina Pierce, Professor of Dairy Production, UCD School of Agriculture & Food Science; Prof. Patrick Wall, Professor of Public Health, UCD; and Dr. David Gleeson, Research Officer – Milk Quality, Teagasc Animal & Grassland Research, and Innovation Centre.
The judges will initially undertake detailed assessments based on the nomination forms and technical reports spanning a full 12-month period, in order to select a shortlist of finalists. The judges will then arrange to visit each of the finalist farms for an inspection over the summer months.
The programme, which is a partnership between Ornua, the Kerrygold owner, and the National Dairy Council, will see a renewed focus on sustainable farming practices this year, paying particular recognition to farmers who are paving the way in areas such as reduction of carbon footprint, biodiversity, energy and water conservation, animal welfare and soil nutrient management.
Conor Galvin, Chief Executive, Ornua said:
“We are pleased to continue our longstanding partnership with the National Dairy Council through the NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards. These awards celebrate the very best of Irish dairy farming and have become a vital industry platform to recognise the commitment of Ireland’s leading dairy farmers who are driving tangible improvements in sustainability on-farm. This commitment has earned Ireland its global reputation as a leading dairy producer. As Ireland’s largest exporter of primary Irish dairy products, we at Ornua see first-hand the importance of that reputation and the value it helps to create.”
Mark Keller, Interim CEO of NDC said,
“The National Dairy Council is delighted to continue its partnership with ORNUA as together we pay tribute to the hard-working dairy farming families across the country who continue to excel in producing high quality dairy product. The NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards celebrate the dedication of leading Irish dairy farmers recognising their commitment and contribution to the industry’s journey towards a sustainable food production system. Irish dairy is renowned both at home and across the globe for its nutritional value, and of course, its distinctive taste! These awards highlight Irish dairy farmer’s commitment to protect and grow that reputation!”
In addition to identifying the top dairy farm, specific category awards will recognise excellence in environmental stewardship, grassland management, animal health and welfare, and milk quality.
Nominations for the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards should be submitted by co-ops and co-op farm services managers using the official entry forms. For further information and entry forms please email the team on info@qualitymilkawards.ie
Please note that the minimum qualifying standard for entry for this national competition is TBC of 15,000 or less/ml average per month, with no count greater than 50,000 ml; and monthly average SCC of 200,000 or less/ml, with no count greater than 400,000 ml in any given month of the year in question.
The winners will be announced at an awards event on 1st October 2024.
ENDS
For further information, please contact Cathy Curran, Communications Lead, National Dairy Council, ccurran@ndc.ie Tel: 01 290 2518 or 086 8777 664.
For Ornua / Kerrygold, please contact Seán P O’Brien, Communications Manager, Ornua | sean.p.obrien@ornua.com | +353 87 910 7740
