Waterford farm wins major national award 

Ornua and the National Dairy Council announced last week that the Byrne Farm, from Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, won the Lowest SCC Award at the 2025 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards.

The prestigious annual awards programme, now in its 16th year, saw 12 farming families from seven 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 Tirlán Co-op, the Byrne Family took part in a comprehensive judging process that evaluated a range of the most important aspects of modern dairy farming. These areas of environmental sustainability, animal health and welfare, farm infrastructure, hygiene standards, soil and grassland management, farm advocacy and technical performance.

The Byrne family dairy farm, located in Coolnasmear near Dungarvan, at the foot of the Comeragh Mountains, is run by John and Mary Byrne, their children Molly and Eamon, and John’s parents, Eamon and Mary. Supplying Tirlán, the fifth-generation family farm milks 220 cows and produced an impressive 556kg of milk solids per cow in 2024, with exceptionally low TBC (12) and SCC (56) results. With a strong focus on milk quality, animal welfare, and sustainability, the Byrnes see themselves as stewards of the land, maintaining the highest hygiene standards in their 20-unit DeLaval parlour and continually improving the farm for future generations.

Meanwhile, the Ryan Farm from Thurles, Co. Tipperary, supplying Aurivo Co-op – Trench, were announced as the overall winners at the awards.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, commented: “I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to this year’s overall winner of the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards, the Ryan family from County Tipperary, whose dedication to everyday excellence, from paddock to parlour, has deservedly earned them recognition at this year’s awards. Ireland’s global reputation as a sustainable producer of quality dairy is built upon the hard work and commitment of Irish farming families like the Ryans and all those we celebrate today. Not only have they each earned the recognition of their own co-operatives, they have represented their families, local communities, and the national dairy sector with pride, showcasing what it takes to produce a top quality product while upholding the highest standards in animal care and environmental stewardship."

Conor Galvin, Chief Executive, Ornua said: “On behalf of Ornua, I am delighted to congratulate Tom, Mary and Michael Ryan and Centenary Thurles on being named the overall winners of the 2025 NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards. The Ryans’ exceptional performance across every aspect of milk production is underpinned by their dedication to craft, time-honoured expertise, and a genuine passion for what they do."

"Each finalist brings their own unique perspective and heritage story to this year’s awards, but they all share the same deep commitment to quality that earns grass-fed Irish dairy, and Kerrygold, a place in the hearts and homes of consumers all over the world," he said.

Emma Walls, CEO, National Dairy Council said: “Each of our finalists are a winner in their own right, demonstrating that excellence in dairy production is achievable every day.  The dedication shown by our finalists, category winners and overall winners reaffirms Ireland’s pride in its dairy farming families, processors and advisors.”