Fifth-generation Waterford family farm recognised for dairy excellence at national awards

A Waterford family farm has been recognised among Ireland's best at the 2025 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards, taking home a top national prize.

The Byrne Family Dairy Farm from Coolnasmear near Dungarvan received the Lowest Somatic Cell Count (SCC) Award, which honours exceptional milk hygiene and animal welfare.

The fifth-generation farm, run by John and Mary Byrne, their children Molly and Eamon, and John's parents Eamon and Mary, was nominated by Tirlán Co-op.

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Located at the foot of the Comeragh Mountains, the Byrne family milk 220 cows and produced 556kg of milk solids per cow in 2024, achieving impressively low TBC (12) and SCC (56) results. Their strong focus on quality, sustainability and animal health impressed judges during a detailed assessment covering farm infrastructure, hygiene standards, grassland management and environmental practices.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, congratulated all winners and said Irish farming families like the Byrnes "represent their families, local communities, and the national dairy sector with pride."

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Organised by Ornua and the National Dairy Council, the annual awards celebrate excellence in milk production and sustainable dairy farming across Ireland.

This year's overall winners were the Ryan family from Thurles, County Tipperary, with the Byrnes proudly flying the flag for Waterford among the 12 finalist farms representing seven counties.