Multyfarnham farmer named Lakeland Dairies Supreme Milk Quality Champion

Tomas Loughrey from Ballinredra, Multyfarnham, won the >500,000 litre producer category award in the Republic of Ireland and was named as the Supreme Champion, when Lakeland Dairies held the Milk Quality Awards, at Clogher in Tyrone.

In a statement, Lakeland Dairies said 2inning a milk quality award is a truly excellent achievement. The awards recognise excellence in milk production across a network of more than 3,200 farm families in 17 counties producing over 2 billion litres of milk each year for Lakeland Dairies.

The awards were presented by Dr Sinclair Mayne, former CEO of the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute.

Speaking in a video clip on Lakeland Dairies social media, Thomas said; “It’s a job I love. I can’t see myself being anything else. I don’t think of it as work, I love doing it.”

“My father started dairying in the late 1960s. I expanded the farm as the years went on, and we’re currently milking 190 cows.”

Also speaking on the video, filmed at the awards event, Thomas’s wife Margaret said; “It was absolutely fantastic. He totally deserves it, it’s lovely to see him being recognised for all his hard work. He’s just, yeah, he’s good most of the time!”

Thomas concluded: “It’ll take a while for it to sink in. It’s great to get the recognition, must be doing something right.”

In addition to the Supreme Champion, Lakeland Dairies also announced winners in other categories at the 2026 Milk Quality Awards, and highly commended runner-up in the >500,000 litre producer category was Gerard Sherlock from Tydavnet, County Monaghan.

The <500,000 Litre Category winners are: Sean Coyle from Kilnaleck, County Cavan won the <500,000 litre producer category. Ashley and Stuart McClean from Smithboro, County Monaghan were the highly commended runners-up in the <500,000 producer category.

Sustainability Award

Colm and Millie McIntyre from Daingean, County Offaly won the Lakeland Dairies Sustainability Award for outstanding commitment to sustainable milk production as well as environmental and economic sustainability.

Northern Ireland

>1m Litre Category Winners: Stephen and Marina Hamilton from Tandragee, County Armagh won the >1m litre milk producer category in Northern Ireland. Stanley and Rhona Burns from Hillsborough, County Down were the highly commended runners-up in the >1m litre producer category of the awards in Northern Ireland.

<1m Litre Category Winners: Robin and Elaine Morrow from Newtownards, County Down won the <1m litre producer category in Northern Ireland. Philip Kyle from Aughnacloy, County Tyrone was the highly commended runner-up in the <1m litre producer category in Northern Ireland.

Best New Entrants

Mark Maguire from Grangegeeth, Collon, County Louth was named winner of the Republic of Ireland Best New Entrant Category. James Purcell from Limavady, County Derry/Londonderry won the Northern Ireland Best New Entrant Category.

Young Farmer Award

James McEvoy from Gilford, Armagh won the Lakeland Dairies Young Farmer Award. The award is aimed at recognising the activity and involvement of young farmers in bringing fresh and new ideas to the family farm. The winner receives a bursary to take part in an agricultural study tour of their choice before the end of 2027.

The Lakeland Dairies chairperson, Niall Matthews stated: “The Milk Quality Awards recognise the best of what our co-operative represents, a deep-rooted commitment to dairy excellence at farm level. Across our network of farm families, quality is a way of life, built through dedication, care and consistency. It is a privilege to celebrate the people who continue to set the standard for our industry.”

Lakeland Dairies Group CEO Colin Kelly added: “These awards reflect the strength and ambition of our milk suppliers, who continue to raise the bar year-on-year through innovation, attention to detail and a relentless focus on quality. That commitment underpins everything we do at Lakeland Dairies, delivering world-class dairy products while supporting sustainable, progressive farming across our regions.”