Finalists for this year’s NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards have been announced.
The awards recognise standards of excellence in dairy farming, with dairy co-operatives throughout the country invited to nominate their top suppliers.
Nine finalists were each visited by judges over the last three months and the winner will be announced at the awards ceremony in Dublin on October 3.
FINALISTS
The 2018 Quality Milk Awards finalists are: Tom, Mary & Michael Ryan Lisheen Lower Moyne, Thurles, Co. Tipperary (nominated by Centenary Thurles); John O’Shaughnessy, Ballynolan, Kildimo, Co. Limerick (nominated by Kerry Agribusiness); Liam and Dolores O’Donovan, Clohane, Skibbereen, Co. Cork (nominated by Drinagh); Else Furney, Ballinagaragh, Kilbrittain, Bandon, Co. Cork (nominated by Barryroe Co Op); Tim and Dan Crowley, Careys Cross, Clancoolbeg, Bandon, Co. Cork (nominated by Bandon Co Op); Kevin Downing, Parkduv Farm Ltd, Farranastig, Whitechurch, Co. Cork (nominated by Dairygold Co Op); John Patrick Keating & Family, Crobally, Old Parish, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford (nominated by Glanbia Ireland); Darren McKenna, Derrygasson Farms Ltd, Derrygasson, Emyvale, Co. Monaghan (nominated by Lacpatrick Dairies); John McTiernan, Mullaghavorneen, Co. Longford (nominated by Aurivo).
The judges for this year’s awards are Dr Jack Kennedy, Dairy Editor of the Irish Farmers Journal, Professor Pat Wall from UCD and, Dr David Gleeson from Teagasc.
Chef and food writer Clodagh McKenna is once again Food Ambassador for the 2018 awards.
In addition to identifying the top dairy farm, the national judges reserve the option to award specific category awards in sectors which stand out from year to year, such as care for the environment or animal care and welfare.
Learn more about this year’s winners at www.qualitymilkawards.ie #MADEFORTHIS
