Tipperary milk supplier wins major award at Dairygold awards
Eamonn Morrissey won the award for best quality milk in the Tipperary Region at the 2025 Dairygold Milk Quality and Sustainability Awards
Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon presented Dairygold Milk Supplier Eamonn Morrissey of Ballylooby, Co Tipperary with the award for best quality milk in the Tipperary Region at the 2025 Dairygold Milk Quality and Sustainability Awards held in Springfort Hall, Mallow, Co Cork.
Eamonn and Nora Morrissey are milking 130 cows on a 45ha milking platform, with their family Laura, Ciara and Alan, and Eoghan Ryan.
The farm has a focus on both milk quality and sustainability, with ample slurry storage, cubicle spaces for cows and solar panels installed.
The judges highlighted the high milk quality on the farm, with four milk recordings completed a year and all bulls selected on farm in recent years based on genetics, solids, fertility, health and TB resistance.
The judges remarked that the Morrissey family is using almost all protected urea as their nitrogen source for a number of years, soil testing for optimum nutrient balance and are focused on enhancing water quality.
Michael and his father Martin Carroll from Granagh, Co Limerick were named Overall Winners at the Awards, in addition to receiving the Limerick Regional Award.
There were 18 finalists recognised across a range of categories and regions, reflecting the breadth of excellence throughout the Dairygold milk supplier base.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, highlighted that the quality of Ireland’s grass-based dairy produce from family farms is recognised worldwide, with exports to over 140 countries reaching a record €7 billion last year.
“The strength of Irish dairying continues to be built on the professionalism, resilience and commitment of our farming families. The standards showcased through these Awards are among the very best in the world, reflecting a deep-rooted focus on quality, sustainability and continuous improvement. Our farmers are operating in a period of enormous change whether that is from market volatility, the ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and rising input costs, to climate challenges and environmental pressures. What gives me real confidence in the future of the sector is the leadership being shown by farmers, who continue to adapt, innovate and respond to the challenges facing Irish agriculture.”
Speaking about the Awards, Dairygold Chairperson Pat Clancy said: “These Awards are an important opportunity to recognise the hard work, dedication and consistency of our Milk Suppliers. The standards we continue to see across our farming base are a credit to our Members and are central to the success of our Co-Op. Farmers like our Award-winners are demonstrating what can be achieved through a clear focus on quality, sustainability and continuous improvement.”
Dairygold Chief Executive Michael Harte congratulated all the winners.
“Our Award-winners clearly demonstrate how a progressive approach to farming, combined with strong technical performance, can deliver a high-quality and sustainable farming enterprise. It is very encouraging and inspiring to see the continued adoption of sustainable practices across our Milk Supplier base, which is critical to meeting customer and regulatory expectations and ensuring the long-term success of Dairygold and the wider Irish Dairy Industry.”