Ornua and the National Dairy Council (NDC) have today (Friday, May 17) announced that the 2024 NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards programme is now accepting entries.
Dairy co-ops across the country are being invited to nominate their top milk suppliers for the prestigious competition before this year’s closing date of Friday, May 31, 2024.
The annual awards, now in its 15th year, champion the highest standards of excellence in dairy farming and milk production in Ireland.
The independent judging panel for this year’s awards comprises Prof. Karina Pierce, professor of dairy production, University College Dublin (UCD) School of Agriculture and Food Science; Prof. Patrick Wall, professor of public health, UCD; and Dr. David Gleeson, research officer – milk quality, Teagasc.
Quality Milk Awards
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.
The minimum qualifying standard for entry for this national competition is Total Bacteria Count (TBC) of 15,000 or less/ml average per month, with no count greater than 50,000 ml.
Entrants should also have a monthly average Somatic Cell Count (SCC) of 200,000 or less/ml, with no count greater than 400,000 ml in any given month of the year in question.
This year’s winners will be announced at an awards event on October 1, 2024.
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.
Sustainability
The 2024 Quality Milk Awards programme will see a renewed focus on sustainable farming practices this year.
The judges will pay particular recognition to farmers who are leading 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 that they were pleased to continue their longstanding partnership with NDC on the programme.
“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,” he said.
Mark Keller, interim chief executive of NDC added that the awards pay tribute to hard working dairy farming families across Ireland.
“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,” he said.
Last year’s overall winners were the Macnamara family from Hospital, Co. Limerick who supply Kerry Agribusiness.
John Macnamara alongside his wife, Olivia and their four children, Caoimhe, Conor, Ailbhe and Padraic all contribute to the running of the farm.
The family were recognised among their peers and judges for demonstrating “high standards of excellence” across the board.