#MadeForThis
Welcome to the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards 2024 which recognises and celebrates the highest standards of excellence in dairy farming with a focus on milk quality, animal welfare and sustainable farming practices.
Irish farming is more than just a business. It is a way of life, handed down from generation to generation. In every sense of the word, Irish farmers are #MadeForThis.
The judges for this year’s awards are Dr. David Gleeson, Teagasc; Professor Karina Pierce, UCD; and Professor Pat Wall, UCD.
Meet the 2024 Finalists
Corrigan Farm Pg 1
Dillane Farm Pg 2
Falvey Farm Pg 3
Hayes Farm
4
Kennedy Farm Pg 5
Killeen Farm Pg 6
Larkin Farm
Pg 7
McCarthy Farm
Pg 9
Somers Farm
Pg 11
Lynch Farm
Pg 8
O’Connell Farm
Pg 10
Corrigan Farm Co. Meath | Lakeland Dairies
Eoin Corrigan farms with his father Seán, mother, Catherine, and wife, Róisín on their dairy farm at Batterstown House, Trim, Co. Meath. The Corrigans are recent entrants to dairy farming having transitioned from beef, sheep and tillage farming in 2021. Eoin credits the high standards on the farm to the team effort that is shown by every member of the family.
The Corrigan farm consistently produces top quality milk through meticulous attention to detail. Excellent farmyard and paddock layout, stocking and EBI breeding indexes have also played a key role in ensuring the highest quality milk output is produced on farm. Animal welfare is important to Eoin, with hoof care and cleanliness of cow sheds and housing management a key priority.
Eoin is a big believer in educating the next generation about the importance of farming and sustainable milk production. The family has also hosted farm walks on farm and recently hosted an Animal Health Ireland/Teagasc CalfCare event to showcase best calf welfare practices.
KEY
Herd EBI: 224
Milk Supply (ltrs): 1,259,647
Concentrates (kg/cow): 800
solids (kg/cow)*: 445
footprint (CO2/kg FPCM): 0.80
Dillane Farm
Co. Kerry | Lee Strand Co-op
The Dillane family operates a multi-generational dairy farm in Doon, Tralee, Co. Kerry. Paudie and Catherine, along with their son Patrick, manage a herd of British Holstein Friesian cows, strategically split between Autumn and Spring calving to provide a consistent milk supply to their local Lee Strand Co-op.
Patrick, who holds a BSc in Agricultural Science and an MSc in Calf Health, plays a key role in driving the farm’s environmental and sustainability efforts. The Dillanes prioritise environmental stewardship, with a particular focus on water quality. They vigilantly monitor the river running along the bottom of their land to ensure its health. The farm’s carbon footprint stands at 0.84, and they are actively exploring innovative strategies to reduce methane emissions. Patrick is particularly interested in research on seaweed extracts as a potential method to lower methane output, reflecting his commitment to staying ahead of industry trends and addressing environmental concerns.
Work-life balance is a core value for the Dillanes. They practice effective time management on the farm to ensure they can enjoy quality time with family and friends. Both Paudie and Patrick are actively involved in their local GAA club, St. Brendan’s in Tralee, and are enthusiastic supporters of Kerry GAA.
Key stats:
Cow numbers: 100
Herd EBI: 158
Milk Supply (ltrs): 440,846
Concentrates (kg/cow): 1200
TBC (‘000 weighted average): 8
SCC (‘000 weighted average): 185
Fat % (weighted average): 4.13
Protein % (weighted average): 3.25
Milk solids (kg/cow)*: 337
Carbon footprint (CO2/kg FPCM): 0.84
Falvey Farm
Co. Cork | Bandon Co-op
Brian Falvey, from Curranure, Innishannon, Co. Cork, is the eighth generation of his family to farm the scenic 52-hectare holding where the Bandon River winds through the fields. He took over running the farm from his father, Seán, in 2000 and now manages it alongside his wife Ciara and their 13-year-old twin daughters, Róisín and Siún. At 87, Seán still maintains a strong interest in farm life.
The Falveys are committed to high-quality milk production and have a strong focus on sustainability. Brian, who knew from a young age that he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps, has embraced practices that boost both farm productivity and environmental stewardship. A key part of his grassland management strategy is the incorporation of clover, which has allowed the farm to significantly reduce its reliance on nitrogen fertilisers, yielding both productivity and environmental benefits.
Beyond farming, the Falvey family is deeply involved in their local community. As passionate sports enthusiasts, they regularly support their daughters’ teams, with Ciara serving as a mentor for the local Ladies Gaelic Football team. Brian, a former player, is a huge supporter of Valley Rovers GAA. When they’re not busy with farm work, the Falveys make time for family holidays, helping them maintain a strong work-life balance.
KEY STATS:
Cow numbers: 86
Herd EBI: 228
Milk Supply (ltrs): 482,826
Concentrates (kg/cow): 1200
% (weighted average): 4.28
% (weighted average): 3.56 Milk solids (kg/cow)*: 456
Carbon footprint (CO2/kg FPCM): 0.83
TBC (‘000 weighted average): 8 SCC (‘000 weighted average): 139
Hayes Farm
Co. Cork | Barryroe Co-op
Eoin Hayes farms in Lispatrick, Old Head, Kinsale, Co. Cork. Eoin’s wife, Rachel, his brother, and his cousin also contribute to the farm’s operations. Miceál, Eoin’s father, brings over 60 years of farming experience, offering invaluable knowledge and expertise to the Hayes’ operation.
With a 24-hectare grazing platform, Eoin is a master of grass production, a skill honed over years working at the nearby Old Head of Kinsale Golf Course. Eighteen percent of his land contains clover, and he has a firm commitment to reseeding 10% of the farm annually. His grazing system allows his cows to be out for a remarkable 280 days each year, contributing to their production of an average of 464 kg of milk solids. This output is achieved with just 600 kg of concentrates per cow, showcasing his expertise in maximizing grass as a feed source.
Family is at the heart of Eoin’s operation. His father, Miceál, provides valuable advice and assistance, while his wife, Rachel, handles administrative tasks and helps with herd vaccinations. Eoin’s cousin, Jacob, trained by Eoin himself, serves as the farm’s relief milker and also works with other farms in the area. This strong support network allows Eoin to maintain a healthy work-life balance and spend quality time with his family.
KEY STATS:
Cow numbers: 63
Herd EBI: 244
Milk Supply (ltrs): 342,057
Concentrates (kg/cow): 600
TBC (‘000 weighted average): 7
SCC (‘000 weighted average): 93
Fat % (weighted average): 4.62
Protein % (weighted average): 3.63
Milk solids (kg/cow)*: 464
Carbon footprint (CO2/kg FPCM): 0.82
Kennedy Farm
Co. Tipperary | Dairygold Co-op
Aidan Kennedy, along with his wife Derval and their children Nickolas and Galina, represent the sixth generation to manage their farm in Cahir, Co. Tipperary. They are supported by a dedicated team. Farm manager Roger O’Donnell, who holds a dairy business degree from UCD and spent seven years working in New Zealand, plays a pivotal role in daily operations. The team also includes long-standing employees Paul Moloney and Nerimantus Mikuckas, with 30 and 17 years of service respectively, and Vasile Barbieru, another valued team member.
With a herd of 374 cows milked through a state-of-the-art 50-unit rotary parlor, the Kennedys manage a 132-hectare milking platform, along with an additional 61 hectares, producing over 2 million litres of milk annually.
A founding member of the Teagasc Dairymis Group, Aidan values the group as a vital learning hub, helping him access cutting-edge research to enhance farm practices. He is also an active participant in the Munster Bovine Herd Health Programme.
KEY STATS: Cow numbers: 374 Herd EBI: 250 Milk Supply (ltrs): 2,084,488
Concentrates (kg/cow): 730 TBC (‘000 weighted average): 11
(kg/cow)*: 496
footprint (CO2/kg FPCM): 0.93
Killeen Farm
Co. Galway | Aurivo Co-op
Dara Killeen and his wife Beatrix farm in Bawnmore, Eyrecourt, Co. Galway by the banks of the River Shannon with their two children, Isabella and Oliver. Beginning his milking journey in 2019, Dara has quickly risen through the ranks. He won the FBD Young Farmer of the Year in 2020, in his first year of dairy farming, as well as a CellCheck award and now is the Aurivo representative in the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards.
A fourth-generation farmer on the Bawnmore land, Dara is the youngest of seven children. He is supported in his efforts by his father Charlie, who handles tractor work and herding, and his mother Mary, who assists with calf rearing. Beatrix contributes to the business planning, while his daughter Isabella helps manage calves and grass measurement, making this very much a family-run enterprise. Even young Oliver, their baby, plays his part by keeping Dara company on the farm.
Dara is extremely involved with the farming community and has hosted many discussion groups, spoken with schools and agricultural colleges around the county, held farm walks as part of the Aurivo Farm Profitability Programme, participated in FarmerTime, and featured on the Teagasc Dairy Conference. He is also a member of the West Awake Discussion Group and is a previous winner of FBD Young Farmer of the Year. Dara hopes to inspire the next generation to continue farming in Bawnmore.
KEY STATS:
Cow numbers: 154
Herd EBI: 235
Milk Supply (ltrs): 801,152
Concentrates (kg/cow): 750
TBC (‘000 weighted average): 12
SCC (‘000 weighted average): 111
Fat % (weighted average): 4.83
Protein % (weighted average): 3.80
Milk solids (kg/cow)*: 465
Carbon footprint (CO2/kg FPCM): 0.77
Larkin Farm
Michael Larkin farms in Eyrecourt, Co. Galway along with his father Michael, mother Marion and his wife Linda. Michael and Linda have two small children, Jamie and Ally. A business graduate from the University of Limerick, Michael worked in a bank prior to returning home to farm. He ensures that every aspect of the farm runs with precision, but it is truly a family affair. His mother, Marion, plays a vital role, undertaking numerous tasks, including the postmilking cleanup and overseeing the cows crossing the road with the same care as a local school’s lollypop lady. His father, Michael Senior, brings expertise in machinery and crops, while he and Marion work hand-in-hand in rearing the calves. Michael is dedicated to making improvements in how his farm operates, striving for excellence when it comes to milk quality parameters and environmental performance indicators.
A member of the Galway Grazers, the South Galway Grass 10 and the Green Grass discussion groups, Michael is dedicated to honing his craft as a farmer and ensuring improvements are made where possible. He is recognised by his Co-op Arrabawn as a leader in milk quality and on-farm sustainability.
Michael balances his farm work with his passion for hurling. Still playing for Meelick-Eyrescourt and managing their junior team, he ensures farm activities wind down by 6 p.m. most days. Weekends are reserved for essential tasks only, and there is a regular weekend relief milker, allowing work-life balance to be prioritised.
KEY STATS:
Cow numbers: 170
Herd EBI: 239
Milk Supply (ltrs): 959,098
Concentrates (kg/cow): 576
TBC (‘000 weighted average): 11
Co. Galway | Arrabawn Co-op *milk
SCC (‘000 weighted average): 69
Fat % (weighted average): 4.60
Protein % (weighted average): 3.74
Milk solids (kg/cow)*: 487
Carbon footprint (CO2/kg FPCM): 0.78
Lynch Farm
Co. Cork | Drinagh Co-op
Oliver Lynch and his family are the fifth generation to operate their dairy farm in Skibbereen, Co. Cork. Currently, three generations live and work on the farm: Oliver, his wife Sheila, their three children Kate, Aine and Patrick, and Oliver’s mother, Mary. The records of the farm go back to 1828, a testament to their enduring commitment to the land.
Oliver took over the operation of the farm at the age of 22 from his parents after completing college at Clonakilty Agricultural College. Like his father before him, Oliver is deeply committed to the continuous improvement of the farm. 50% of the farm’s grazing platform is dedicated to clover and Oliver has plans to further increase the use of clover on the farm, as well as increasing the use of protected area usage, and reducing concentrate feed levels. He has also planted and maintained hedgerows across the farm, implemented protected habitats and fenced waterways.
The Lynch family participates actively in the local community. Both Oliver and his wife Sheila train underage teams for the local GAA club. Work-life balance is something that Oliver believes is key to proper functioning of the farm.
KEY STATS:
McCarthy Farm
Co. Kerry | Kerry Agribusiness
Eoghan McCarthy operates his farm with his wife Sinead and two children, Niamh and Dylan, in Milltown, Co. Kerry. He is the third generation of his family to operate the farm and is proud of the heritage and knowledge that has been passed down from generation to generation. The whole family, including his children, are actively involved in the operation of the farm, creating a warm and connected work environment.
Eoghan and Sinead consistently produce milk to the highest quality standard. They have a strong passion for what they do and focus on sustainable farming practices, which maintain the top quailty of their product. Milking 158 cows through an 18-unit parlour, the herd delivered an impressive average of 470 kg of milk solids in 2023, with an annual average total bacterial count (TBC) of 4 and somatic cell count (SCC) of 75.
Eoghan is a passionate advocate for the Irish dairy sector. He has been a McDonald’s Flagship Farmer since 2013, representing Ireland’s grass-based dairy system at international conferences. He is also a board member of Kerry Agribusiness and a member of the Killarney Young Farmers Discussion Group. His mantra, ‘You can’t manage what you don’t measure,’ underpins the farm’s success, where attention to performance metrics has turned the farm into a model of efficiency and productivity. Eoghan actively collaborates with educational institutions, hosting students from Munster Technological University and Teagasc Green Cert to foster real-time research and knowledge sharing.
KEY STATS:
Cow numbers: 158
Herd EBI: 243
Milk Supply (ltrs): 898,282
Concentrates (kg/cow): 980
TBC (‘000 weighted average): 4
(‘000 weighted average): 75
% (weighted average): 4.37
% (weighted average): 3.62
solids (kg/cow)*: 470 Carbon footprint (CO2/kg FPCM): 0.81
O’Connell Farm
Co. Cork | North Cork Creameries
Brian O’Connell and his father Denis farm in partnership on their fifthgeneration dairy farm along the banks of the Blackwater River in Cullen, Mallow, Co. Cork. They are supported by Brian’s mother and Denis’ wife, Marian, as well as Brian’s partner, Joanne. Brian completed his Green Cert in 2023 at Clonakilty Agricultural College. Brian works part-time as a fitter for a multi-national business and credits this and his time spent working in Australia for his ability to implement new practices and fresh thinking on farm.
Brian and Denis continuously strive to make the farm more efficient and sustainable to ensure they can continue to produce the highest quality milk. The O’Connells are passionate about farming sustainably and making a positive impact on the environment. They have incorporated clover into their grazing system to reduce nitrogen usage, use low emission slurry spreading protected urea and slurry inoculants, and actively promote biodiversity through several initiatives.
Farming is a way of life for the O’Connells but they know that time away from the farm is important to ensure continued operational success. Both are also passionate about the importance of farming as a socially sustainable career option for young people and Brian credits his father for empowering him to be able to pursue other career interests alongside farming.
KEY STATS:
Cow numbers: 48
Herd EBI: 203
Milk Supply (ltrs): 285,223
Concentrates (kg/cow): 1200
TBC (‘000 weighted average): 8
SCC (‘000 weighted average): 90
Fat % (weighted average): 4.54
Protein % (weighted average): 3.65
Milk solids (kg/cow)*: 503
Carbon footprint (CO2/kg FPCM): 1.18
Somers Farm
Co. Wicklow | Tirlán
Danny Somers and his son Dan, based in Barnacleagh, Arklow, Co. Wicklow, represent Tirlán in this year’s NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards. Dan leads the management of the farm, supported by the invaluable knowledge provided by his father, Danny, who still enjoys milking and playing an active role on farm.
Dan implements a stringent grassland management system on the farm, which includes regular grass walking and measuring. His average annual TBC was 7 with an average SCC of 167 in 2023: these scores reflect the Somers’ dedication to high quality milk production and hygiene management. The herd which features Montbéliarde cows, a breed originally from France renowned for its fertility, longevity, ease of calving, and high-quality milk, are milked through a 22-unit parlour.
The Somers understand the importance of implementing sustainable farming practices to ensure they can protect and preserve the environment for generations to come. Dan is of the firm belief if you make small improvements on a regular basis, overtime this will lead to real and impactful change.
KEY STATS:
Cow numbers:
Herd EBI:
(ltrs): 1,395,837
Concentrates (kg/cow): 1000 TBC (‘000 weighted average): 7
% (weighted average): 3.47
solids (kg/cow)*: 465
footprint (CO2/kg FPCM): 0.72
Meet the Judges
Dr. David Gleeson
Milk Quality Research Officer at Teagasc
“Being a judge for the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards is a great honour and a most enjoyable experience, meeting new people and learning of their experience. Every farmer does something different, but the attention to detail and consistency in what they do best is what makes them stand out.
This competition is playing a large part in the promotion of quality milk and serves to boost Ireland’s dairy reputation at home and abroad. It’s a testimony to the competition that most farmers nominated are putting their best foot forward to win the competition, making it even more difficult for us judges. This year was by far the toughest competition in terms of picking a winner for the overall prize.”
Dr. David Gleeson is a Research Officer in the Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark. He is currently responsible for a research area with a focus on improving the quality of milk produced on dairy farms, with specific focus on milk hygiene, milk storage, teat disinfection, cleaning of milking equipment, detergents, minimizing residues at farm level and udder health.
David is presently leading a number of research projects and has published over eighty peer-reviewed research papers. His previous research interests include machine milking, milking frequency, calf-rearing and farm labour efficiency. He hails from a farming background in Newport, Co. Tipperary. He has an MSc from University College Cork and a PhD degree from University College Dublin.
Professor Karina Pierce Professor of
Dairy Production, UCD
“These awards represent the highest quality in Irish family farming and all of the 11 finalists are already winners in their own right, as they have been nominated by their co-ops as examples of the best of the best. I had the honour, with my fellow judges, of visiting each farm over the summer months to spend time with the farmers and their families and see, firsthand, the hard work being done. We already know before we arrive on the farms that the milk quality is excellent, but we can add that technical information to what we learn from being on the farm and witnessing efforts around issues such as sustainability, animal welfare, water quality and biodiversity.
As judges, we each bring a different expertise to the process: Patrick is a vet, David is a milk quality specialist and I am involved in research around dairying systems. We spent a lot of time making the difficult decision to choose an overall winner: all entrants are excellent. These farmers are an example of what can be achieved on farms in terms of efficiency, climate action and technological innovation. The measures they are employing will help us reach our targets and, having visited them, I would be very positive for the future of Irish dairy.”
Professor Karina Pierce graduated with a BAgrSc in 2001 and completed her PhD in 2005, both from UCD. She is Professor of Dairy Production, Director of External Relations and Programme Director for the BAgrSc Dairy Business Programme in the School of Agriculture and Food Science, UCD. Her research focus is on the sustainability of dairy production systems.
Karina is a board member of Bord Bia and chairs the Meat and Livestock Subsidiary Board. She is also a Board Member of AgriAware, a past President of the Agricultural Science Association and a former member of the Teagasc Authority. Karina is also a 2019 Nuffield Ireland Scholar and a former Board Member of Nuffield Ireland. Her Nuffield research focused on future-proofing the agri-food sector through robust research.
Professor
Patrick Wall
Professor of Public Health at UCD
“In this year’s competition, all of the finalists have proven to be exceptional ambassadors for the Irish dairy sector. They are producing a highly nutritious product essential for human health while adhering to the highest standards of hygiene, with animal health and welfare at the core of their operations. Each of these farmers has integrated best practices into their daily routines, ensuring they consistently deliver quality milk year-round. Consumers of Irish dairy can take pride in knowing their milk comes from pristine, well-managed farms, where every detail is carefully considered. Judging these farms has truly made me proud to be Irish.”
Prof. Patrick Wall is both a vet and a medical doctor. He is Professor of Public Health in University College Dublin, and a member of the UCD Institute for Food and Health. His research areas include food safety, nutrition and managing lifestyle related disease through behavioural change. As a doctor he is a specialist in Communicable Diseases and was the head of the Foodborne Diseases Division of the UK CDC.
He was the first Chief Executive of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and contributed to the setting up of this science-based consumer protection agency created in response to the BSE crisis. He is a member of the international scientific advisory committee of the Chinese National Agency for Food Safety and Risk Assessment. He is also on the Scientific Advisory Committee for the Saudi Food and Drug Authority.
He is chairperson of Independent Milk Laboratories, a joint venture between Progressive Genetics and the UK National Milk Records Group (NMR). He is on the board of management of Agri Aware.