Loughrey Farm a finalist for NDC, Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards

Loughrey Farm, Multyfarnham, representing Lakeland Dairies, is one of the 12 finalists for the 2026 NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards.

Now in its 17th year, the programme – a collaboration between Ornua (Kerrygold owners) and the National Dairy Council – recognises the ‘best of the best’ fro. Collectively, the finalists represent a blueprint for the future of Irish dairying, each producing high-quality milk from healthy cows, operating profitable businesses, embracing innovation, while reducing environmental impact and engaging positively with and on behalf of their communities.

Shortlisted finalists emerged from rigorous internal selection processes within their own co-operatives and have been chosen as the farms that best represent their co-ops’ milk suppliers.

The shortlisted finalists have each progressed to the most demanding phase of the programme as judging for the 2026 NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards nears its conclusion.

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

Together, the judges bring expertise spanning dairy production, grassland management, milk quality, animal health, food safety, sustainability and consumer expectations.

Speaking on behalf of the judging panel, Professor Pearce said: “These finalists have already achieved something special. Each has been selected by their co-operative as the farm to represent its milk suppliers, so the national competition is effectively an all-Ireland contest between the very best dairy farms.

"What the judges are now looking for is excellence across the entire farming system; exceptional milk quality, healthy animals, environmental responsibility, commercial viability and the ability to act as an ambassador for Irish dairying. The farm that ultimately wins will be one that demonstrates that all of these elements can be successfully combined on a modern family farm.”

The overall winner of the 2026 NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards will be announced at an awards ceremony in Kilkenny in September.