Two neighbouring families from Eyrecourt, Ballinasloe Co Galway took home awards at the 2024 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards this week. Dara and Beatrix Killeen who supply Aurivo Co-op won the Grassland Management Award while Michael Larkin, supplying Arrabawn won the Lowest SCC Award.
The prestigious annual awards programme, now in its 15th year, saw 11 farming families from six counties and 11 dairy co-operatives, celebrated for excellence in milk production and sustainable dairying at a special ceremony hosted at Lyrath Estate Hotel, Co Kilkenny.
Following their nominations by Aurivo and Arrabawn Co-operatives respectively, the Killeens and Larkins took part in a comprehensive judging process that evaluated a range of the most important aspects of modern dairy farming. These topics included environmental sustainability, animal health and welfare, farm infrastructure, hygiene standards, soil and grassland management, and technical performance amongst other important factors including advocacy and community engagement.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD said the reputation of our Irish dairy industry both at home and abroad relies on the excellent quality standards epitomised by the farm families here today.
“This high standing is only made possible through suppliers who are willing to be leaders in the drive to produce the best quality milk in a sustainable way. All of today’s nominated families should therefore be immensely proud of the exemplary standards that have earned them the recognition of their own co-ops and the dairy industry at large.
I would like to commend all of the finalists, category winners and overall winner, and wish them every continued success in proudly flying the flag for Irish dairying.”
Conor Galvin, Chief Executive, Ornua said: “On behalf of Ornua, I would like to congratulate the Kennedy farm for being honoured as the overall winners of the 2024 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards. The standards they have set across a broad range of criteria reflects the dedication to craft and meticulous attention to detail needed to produce the world-class milk behind our world-famous dairy products. Each of the finalists have a unique approach and story to tell but are each connected through the many meanings of the word quality. I would like to thank them, their teams, co-operatives and milk advisors, for raising standards year after year, ensuring Ireland’s global reputation as a leading
