The Killeen dairy farming family from Doonbeg, Co Clare have been shortlisted in the NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards.
Recognised as Ireland’s leading dairy farming awards initiative, the annual NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards honours Ireland’s leading dairy producers who continue to work to enhance standards of excellence in dairy farming and milk production in Ireland.
The Killeen Family Farm in Doonbeg is a model of resilience and tradition, enduring across five generations of farmers. Andrew and Bernadette farm with their son James, milking 110 cows and supply to Kerry Dairy Ireland. The farm was struck with BSE in 2004, requiring a full herd depopulation. The family rebuilt and today, the herd carries an EBI of 250 with replacements at 284.
Caring for the environment is second nature here, with more than 40% of the platform designed as a Special Area of Conservation. The Killeens are part of the Farming for Water programme and have installed bunded drains, sediment traps and reed beds.
Deeply rooted in the community, the family is involved in myriad activities including the school board and parish council; drama festivals, traditional music, dance and choirs; and, of course, the GAA, where James is a talented footballer.
Recognised as Ireland’s leading dairy farming awards initiative, the annual NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards honours Ireland’s leading dairy producers who continue to work to enhance standards of excellence in dairy farming and milk production in Ireland. The finalists, each nominated by their respective co-op, display excellence in dairy production over a number of key areas including animal health and welfare, dairy parlour facilities, milk hygiene and a range of sustainability measures.
Conor Galvin, Chief Executive, Ornua said: “Ornua is proud to promote the highest standard in Irish dairy farming through our continued collaboration with the National Dairy Council. Every year, the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards recognise the unique skills and expertise of Irish dairy farmers from across the country who work tirelessly to raise the bar of excellence in dairying. Their dedication, craft and commitment to quality, are fundamental to safeguarding Ireland’s reputation as a producer of world-class, grass-fed dairy products. We at Ornua recognise the instrumental role these farmers and families play in protecting the platform that enables us to bring this unmatched proposition to the world, and we congratulate them all on their deserved recognition as finalists.”
Emma Walls CEO of the National Dairy Council said:“The NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards is an annual celebration of a daily practice on Ireland’s dairy farms. Come rain or shine, every day our farmers continue to inspire with a consistent commitment to quality, an unwavering focus on sustainability and a drive to be the best. This is what distinguishes Irish dairy, at home and abroad. The National Dairy Council is proud to partner with Ornua to celebrate the success of these exemplary family farms and we offer our heartfelt congratulations to the 12 finalists.”
Following nomination by their respective co-operative, each finalist participated in a rigorous judging process carried out by an independent judging panel that examined a broad range of criteria including milk quality, animal care, farm infrastructure and hygiene, soil and grassland management and technical performance, among other core environmental indicators.
The judging panel includes Prof. Karina Pierce, Professor of Dairy Production, UCD School of Agriculture & Food Science; Prof. Patrick Wall, Professor of Public Health, UCD; and Dr. David Gleeson, Research Officer – Milk Quality, Teagasc Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre.
In addition to celebrating milk quality, the programme, which is a partnership between Ornua – the Kerrygold owner – and the National Dairy Council, acknowledges those who are paving the way in enhancing sustainable dairy farming practices in Ireland. This year’s awards programme spotlights areas such as reduction of carbon footprint, biodiversity, energy and water conservation, animal welfare and soil nutrient management.
Judges will recognise six category award winners this year including winners for the following awards:
Milking Hygiene and Facilities
Lowest SCC
Environmental Stewardship
Grassland Management
Lowest Carbon Footprint
Animal Health and Welfare
The overall winner of the 2025 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards and category award winners will be announced at a special ceremony on Thursday, October 23rd, 2025 in Co. Kilkenny.
Meet all the 2025 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards finalists here