The Milk Quality Awards are recognition of the achievements of Lakeland Dairies' milk suppliers who are committed to quality in all aspects of their milk production.

Winning a milk quality award is a truly excellent achievement. The winners emerged from among 3,200 farm families across 17 counties who produce milk for the 2bn litres Lakeland Dairies milk pool. The awards were presented recently by Minister for Social Protection, Rural and Community Affairs, Heather Humphreys TD, with Lakeland Dairies Chairman Niall Matthews and Group Chief Executive Colin Kelly at a special event held in Cavan.

Speaking at the awards, Minister Heather Humphreys said:

"It's an excellent achievement to be acknowledged by your own co-operative for producing superior quality milk. That kind of quality doesn't just happen overnight. It's an enduring commitment, involving a lifetime's dedication to unmatched standards each time you walk the fields, check on your herd or enter the milking parlour. I express my admiration for Lakeland Dairies' farming families. They form the foundation of an impressive cross-border operation, making a remarkable impact both locally and internationally. I am also very pleased to note that sustainability is a driving force for Lakeland Dairies and a platform for their ongoing progress and success through the production of world-class food."

Lakeland Dairies Chairman, Niall Matthews paid tribute to the award winners:

"As dairy farmers, we produce the 2 billion litres of nutritious milk that serve as the foundation for a very wide range of Lakeland dairy products enjoyed by consumers across the globe. Dairy farming is a profession that spans generations, providing sustenance for families, fuelling rural economies, and playing an essential role in environmental sustainability. We are proud of the very high quality of our milk pool. I extend my congratulations to all of our dedicated dairy farmers for their commendable achievements and their invaluable, ongoing contribution to our farmer-owned dairy co-operative."

Lakeland Dairies Group CEO Colin Kelly said:

"I'm delighted to pay tribute to the accomplishments of our farm families as we acknowledge the winners of our milk quality awards. Excellence and sustainability are at the centre of our operation and these principles inspire the confidence that our customers and consumers have in us. The dedicated milk producers of Lakeland Dairies have consistently met the requirement for quality with unwavering commitment. As the global population grows, there's an increasing reliance on the reliability and integrity of the worldwide food supply chain, from the pastures to the plate. Dairy, as a versatile and nutrient-rich food, holds a key role in addressing this rising demand. Our exceptional milk producers, with their dedication to quality, will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of all these developments."

Milk Quality Award Winners

Pictured below, the awards were presented by Minister Heather Humphreys TD; Lakeland Dairies' Chairman Niall Matthews; Vice-Chairman Keith Agnew and Group Chief Executive Colin Kelly, at a special ceremony held in Cavan.

The Supreme Champions of the Lakeland Dairies Milk Quality Awards are Stephen Cargill (pictured) and son David Cargill, Templepatrick, Ballyclare, Co. Antrim, who claimed the accolade for the exceptionally high quality of milk produced on their farm throughout the past year, among a milk supplier base of over 3,200 family farms. Stephen and David also took home the >1m litre producer category award in Northern Ireland:

In addition to the Supreme Champions, Lakeland Dairies also announced winners in the other categories of the Milk Quality Awards.

 Peter and Enda Duffy, Cornahoe, Ballybay, Co. Monaghan won the >500,000 litre producer category award:

Kieran Duffy and his son Conor, together with farm staff member Colin Shorthall, Ballinahown, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, were the highly commended runners-up in the >500,000 litre producer category:

Seamus McNally and his daughter Julie (Mullarkey), Glaslough, Co. Monaghan were winners of the <500,000 litre producer category of the Lakeland Dairies Milk Quality Awards. Julie, her husband Eamonn and their children Christine and Eddie received the award:

Thomas and Colm Mallon (Colm, pictured) Lislum, Kenagh, Co. Longford were the highly commended runners-up in the <500,000 producer category:

 Killian and Madeline Brennan, Kilcogy Upper, Co. Longford won the Sustainability Award for outstanding commitment to sustainable milk production and environmental and economic sustainability, pictured with their children Chloe, Dara and Ryan:

Laurence Dorian, his nephew Patrick Lynch and Miriam Lynch, Mullins Cross, Dunleer, Co. Louth, were declared winners of the Best New Entrant category in ROI. Lakeland Dairies has welcomed over 400 new milk producers to the co-operative in recent years:

Smyth McCann, Bangor, Co. Down was the highly commended runner-up in the >1m litre producer category of the awards in Northern Ireland, pictured with Jim and Avril McCann and Aoife O'Sullivan:

Derick and Hall Donnell, Ballymagorry, Strabane, Co. Tyrone, won the Northern Ireland <1m litre producer category:

Michael Quinn senior and Michael junior, Mullaghbane, Newry, Co. Down were the highly commended runners-up in the <1m litre producer category:

Gary and Amanda Agnew, Kingstown, Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh won the Best New Entrant Category in Northern Ireland:

We congratulate all winners of the Lakeland Dairies Milk Quality Awards.