Two Tipperary finalists announced for 2025 NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards

Two Tipperary dairy farming families have been shortlisted in the NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards. Recognised as Ireland’s leading dairy farming awards initiative, the annual NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards honours Ireland’s leading dairy producers who continue to work to enhance standards of excellence in dairy farming and milk production in Ireland.

Arrabawn – Kelly Farm, Nenagh.

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Nestled by the shores of Lough Derg, Ned Kelly’s Ballydrennan farm is home to 141 milking cows supplying Arrabawn Tipperary Co-op, the farm reflects both a deep family tradition and Ned’s determination to maintain a vibrant dairy enterprise for the future.

The farm is home to Ned, his wife Eleanor, and their children, Liam, Orlaith and Eoin, all deeply engaged with the farm.

Ned’s father, William, is still hands-on, while his nephew, also called William, is a central member of the team.

Centenary Thurles – Ryan Farm, Thurles.

Maryland Farm at Lisheen outside Thurles is home to the Ryans and their family farm which dates back five generations to 1860. Tom, Mary and their son Micheal have forged a three-way partnership, combining tradition and innovation with a deep-seated respect for the environment.

With a closed herd, the Ryans milk 150 cows, achieving an impressive average of 523kg solids per cow in 2024. During the year, the average TBC was just 9, while the SCC was 71. These numbers reflect disciplined routines and attention to detail, and a system that prioritises animal health and welfare. The Ryan Farm supplies Centenary Co-op.

Recognised as Ireland’s leading dairy farming awards initiative, the annual NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards honours Ireland’s leading dairy producers who continue to work to enhance standards of excellence in dairy farming and milk production in Ireland.

The finalists, each nominated by their respective co-op, display excellence in dairy production over a number of key areas including animal health and welfare, dairy parlour facilities, milk hygiene and a range of sustainability measures.

Conor Galvin, Chief Executive, Ornua said: “Ornua is proud to promote the highest standard in Irish dairy farming through our continued collaboration with the National Dairy Council.

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Every year, the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards recognise the unique skills and expertise of Irish dairy farmers from across the country who work tirelessly to raise the bar of excellence in dairying.

Their dedication, craft and commitment to quality, are fundamental to safeguarding Ireland’s reputation as a producer of world-class, grass-fed dairy products.

We at Ornua recognise the instrumental role these farmers and families play in protecting the platform that enables us to bring this unmatched proposition to the world, and we congratulate them all on their deserved recognition as finalists.”

Emma Walls, CEO of the National Dairy Council said: “The NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards is an annual celebration of a daily practice on Ireland’s dairy farms. Come rain or shine, every day our farmers continue to inspire with a consistent commitment to quality, an unwavering focus on sustainability and a drive to be the best. This is what distinguishes Irish dairy, at home and abroad. The National Dairy Council is proud to partner with Ornua to celebrate the success of these exemplary family farms and we offer our heartfelt congratulations to the 12 finalists.”

Following nomination by their respective co-operative, each finalist participated in a rigorous judging process carried out by an independent judging panel that examined a broad range of criteria including milk quality, animal care, farm infrastructure and hygiene, soil and grassland management and technical performance, among other core environmental indicators.

The judging panel includes Prof Karina Pierce, Professor of Dairy Production, UCD School of Agriculture & Food Science; Prof Patrick Wall, Professor of Public Health, UCD; and Dr David Gleeson, Research Officer - Milk Quality, Teagasc Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre.

In addition to celebrating milk quality, the programme, which is a partnership between Ornua - the Kerrygold owner - and the National Dairy Council, acknowledges those who are paving the way in enhancing sustainable dairy farming practices in Ireland.

This year’s awards programme spotlights areas such as reduction of carbon footprint, biodiversity, energy and water conservation, animal welfare and soil nutrient management.

Judges will recognise six category award winners this year including winners for the following awards:

-Milking Hygiene and Facilities;
-Lowest SCC;
-Environmental Stewardship;
-Grassland Management;
-Lowest Carbon Footprint;
-Animal Health and Welfare.

The overall winner of the 2025 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards and category award winners will be announced at a special ceremony on Thursday, October 23, in Co Kilkenny.