Six Cork families competing in the ‘Oscars of the dairy world’

SIX Cork families are among 14 farm families to have reached the finals of the 2023 National Dairy Council (NDC) and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards.

The Coleman family of Carrigeen, the Collins family of Carhoovauler, the Dullea family from Keelnameela, the Kingstons from Dunmanway, the O’Leary family of Upper Cloghroe, and the O’Riordans from Ballynoe have all been shortlisted for the award, dubbed the ‘Oscars of the Dairy World’.

Representing seven counties and 14 dairy co-ops nationwide, the NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards recognise and celebrate the highest standards of dairy production with a focus on milk quality, animal welfare, and sustainable farming practices.

“As Ireland’s largest dairy exporter and proud owner of Kerrygold, we at Ornua see first-hand how much Irish dairy is valued and appreciated by consumers worldwide,” said Ornua interim chief executive Donal Buggy. “Ireland’s global reputation as a leading producer of quality dairy products would not be achievable without the passion, commitment, and expertise of Irish farming families, who produce the best quality milk in the world.

“We are pleased to continue to shine a light on the immense qualities of Ireland’s family dairy farming system that underpins that global reputation, through the annual NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards.”

The awards, now in their 12th year, honour farming families who work hard every day to produce top- quality dairy using sustainable production methods.

In recent years, additional criteria have been added to acknowledge dairy farmers who prioritise animal welfare, sustainability, and hygiene on their farms.

Following nomination from their respective co-operative, each farming family participated in an intensive judging process examining a broad range of criteria including environmental management, animal health and welfare, farm infrastructure and hygiene, soil and grassland management, and technical performance, among other core indicators.

The judging panel for this year’s awards includes Karina Pierce, professor of dairy production in UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science; Dr Patrick Wall, professor of public health at University College Dublin, and Dr David Gleeson of Teagasc.

National Dairy Council CEO Zoe Kavanagh said: “It’s more important than ever to highlight and celebrate the incredible hard work, commitment, and energy that is demonstrated 24/7 by Ireland’s 17,500 dairy food producers.

“The finalists for this competition demonstrate the highest standards of sustainable dairy production.

“Dairy farming has been going on in Ireland for over 4,000 years; it’s a part of our national identity.

“Our grass-fed family farming system is ideally suited to the Irish climate and delivers world-class produce.

“The farmers who have been shortlisted this year represent the highest standards as food producers, delivering an exceptional product that is enjoyed at home and revered by consumers all over the world.”

Widely considered one of Ireland’s leading culinary destinations, the award-winning Ballymaloe House will host this year’s special awards ceremony next month, where the overall winner of the NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards will be announced.