A Waterford family is among 14 farms who has reached the finals of the 2023 National Dairy Council (NDC) and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards.
Representing Tirlán, the Dower family from Craggs, Clashmore, has been shortlisted for the award, dubbed the ‘Oscars of the Dairy World’.
Representing seven counties and 14 dairy co-ops nationwide, the NDC/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.
The prestigious awards, now in their twelfth 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 included Karina Pierce, Professor of Dairy Production in University College Dublin School of Agriculture and Food Science; Dr Patrick Wall is Professor of Public Health at University College Dublin; and Dr David Gleeson of Teagasc.
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/Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards will be announced.
