The ‘Oscars of the Dairy World’ announces finalists

The awards, dubbed the ‘Oscars of the Dairy World’, acknowledge and celebrate the highest standards of excellence in dairy farming with a focus on milk quality, animal welfare and sustainable farming practices.

These awards are more relevant than ever this year. Throughout what continues to be a challenging 2020, Ireland’s 18,000 dairy farming families are working hard to keep the country’s supermarket shelves stocked with rich, creamy grass-fed dairy products whilst maintaining exceptional standards in milk quality.

In response, communities all over Ireland are showing an increased appreciation for access to quality, home-grown food produce.

Every year, the finalists gather with their families and are celebrated at a very special awards ceremony in Dublin. Given this year’s constraints and to ensure the achievements of these families are recognised, the finalists will be showcased, and the winner revealed, on nationwide television during a three-minute special extended ad break of the Late Late Show on Friday 30th October.

Introducing the 2020 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards finalists:

Catherine & Edward Bowe, Tipperary nominated by Centenary Thurles Coopv

Eamon Cormican, Galway nominated by Arrabawn Coop

Nigel Daunt & Family, Cork nominated by Bandon Coop

Stanley & Tanya Graham, Cavan nominated by Lakeland Dairies Coop

Jerry Keohane, Cork nominated by Barryroe Coop

Fiachra & Mary Liston, Limerick nominated by Kerry Agribusiness Coop

Denis, Nora & Michael Lordan, Cork nominated by Dairygold Coop

William & Dan O’Donovan, Cork nominated by Drinagh Coop

Thomas Junior, Thomas and Mary O’Grady, Kildare nominated by Glanbia Ireland Coop

William Stack, Kerry nominated by North Cork Creameries Coop

Richard Starrett, Donegal nominated by Aurivo Coop

Commenting on the announcement, John Jordan, CEO Ornua said: “It is now more important than ever to acknowledge the community of farming families who have worked really hard and shown great resilience in keeping quality, nutritious dairy in our fridges despite the unprecedented challenges of 2020.

“ As a nation, we should be incredibly proud of our dairy industry – our grass-fed produce is revered all over the world and it is incredibly fitting that these families will be celebrated nationwide during the Late Late Show at the end of October.”

All farming finalists undergo a detailed assessment by an expert judging panel based on milk quality test results, technical reports spanning 12 months and evidence of sustainable and animal welfare on-farm practices.

Finalists were visited by judges Professor Pat Wall from UCD, Dr David Gleeson from Teagasc and Dr Jack Kennedy, Deputy Editor of the Irish Farmers Journal in September under strict Covid-19 protocols, with the standard of finalists having improved further since the national awards programme was introduced in 2009.