Ornua and the National Dairy Council are delighted to announce the Troy farm from Newtownshandrum, Co. Cork supplying Kinisla as the overall winners of the 2026 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards.
The prestigious annual awards programme, now in its 17th year, saw 12 farming families from six counties and 12 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 nomination by Kinisla, the Troys were announced as this year’s overall winner of the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards, having distinguished themselves through a comprehensive assessment covering environmental sustainability, animal health and welfare, farm infrastructure, hygiene standards, soil and grassland management, farm advocacy and technical performance.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, commented:
“My warmest congratulations to this year’s overall winner of the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards, the Troy family from Co. Cork and to all of this year’s finalists and category winners. Ireland’s reputation for producing high quality, sustainable dairy is built every day on the dedication, expertise, commitment and hard work of family farms across the country. The commitment demonstrated by this year’s finalists to the highest standards in milk quality, animal health and welfare, environmental sustainability and excellent farm management represents the very best of Irish dairy farming.
These awards demonstrate the exceptionally high standards that maintain that reputation and help distinguish Irish dairy in markets around the world. As we look to the future, our continued success will depend on maximising the value of what Irish farmers produce, building on the quality, provenance and sustainability of our grass-based production system, underpinned by our quality assurance schemes.
Each finalist has demonstrated excellence across every aspect of their farming enterprise. I congratulate the Troy family on their outstanding achievement and thank all of this year’s finalists for the contribution they make to the continued success of our dairy sector.”
Conor Galvin, Chief Executive, Ornua said:
“On behalf of Ornua, I am delighted to congratulate the Troy Farm, supplying Kinisla, on being named the overall winners of the 2026 NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards. This award recognises the Troy family’s outstanding commitment to excellence and their continuous pursuit of the highest standards in milk production.
This year's finalists represent the very best of Irish dairy farming, demonstrating exceptional standards in milk quality, farm management and environmental stewardship, while also recognising the importance of inspiring and encouraging the next generation of dairy farmers. Together, these standards ensure Irish grass-fed dairy continues to set the benchmark globally, and through Kerrygold, Ornua is proud to bring these qualities into the lives and homes of millions of consumers around the world every day.
Congratulations to all of this year's finalists on achieving this recognition and for the role they play in maintaining Ireland's reputation for world-class, sustainably produced dairy.”
Emma Walls, CEO, National Dairy Council said:
“Congratulations to the Troy family and Kinisla on this fantastic achievement. The NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards are an opportunity to recognise the people, passion and hard work behind the high-quality dairy produced on farms across Ireland. This year’s finalists have demonstrated outstanding dedication, delivering across milk quality, animal welfare, grassland management and a commitment to more sustainable actions. They are ambassadors both for their communities and for dairy farming as a sector.
We are delighted to celebrate their achievements and to recognise the important contribution dairy farming families make to Ireland’s food story and our international reputation for quality dairy. These 12 farming families play an important role in the NDC’s work to advocate for Irish dairy farmers, helping us to share their stories and showcase the pride and commitment that underpin dairy farming in Ireland.”
In addition to the overall prize, five category awards were presented for excellence in the individual areas of Milking Hygiene & Facilities, Environmental Stewardship & Biodiversity, Advocacy (Community & Industry Leadership), Grassland Management, and Lowest Carbon Footprint.
2026 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards Finalists and Award Winners
- ArraTipp Co-op – Breen Farm, Gorteen, Co. Tipperary (Lowest Carbon Footprint Award winner)
- Aurivo Co-op – Kelly Farm, Ballyarrell, Co. Donegal (Advocacy Award (Community & Industry Leadership) Award winner)
- Dairygold Co-op – Carroll Farm, Coolrus, Co Limerick (Grassland Management Award winner)
- Kinisla – Troy Farm, Newtownshandrum, Co. Cork (Overall Winner & Milking Hygiene & Facilities Award winner)
- Tirlán – Fitzgerald Farm, Portlaw, Co. Waterford (Environmental Stewardship & Biodiversity Award winner)
