A Westmeath farmer has today (Wednesday, June 17) been named Supreme Champion in the Lakeland Dairies Milk Quality Awards.
Thomas Loughrey of Multyfarnham has been recognized for the exceptional milk quality and outstanding standards on his farm.
Thomas and the other winners of the Lakeland Dairies Milk Quality Awards were revealed at a ceremony in Clogher, Co. Tyrone.
The awards recognize excellence in milk production throughout CooperativeA network of more than 3,200 farm families in 17 counties produces more than 2 billion liters of milk annually for Lakeland Dairies.
The awards were presented by Dr Sinclair Mayne, former CEO of the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI).
Milk Quality Awards
Lakeland Dairies has also announced the winners in several categories at the 2026 Milk Quality Awards as follows:
Republic of Ireland
As well as being named Supreme Champion, Thomas Loughrey won the award for the Over 500,000L Product category in the Republic of Ireland.
A highly acclaimed runner-up in the over 500,000 litres category was Gerard Sherlock from Tydavnet, Co. Monaghan.
Sean Coyle of Kilnaleck, Co., won. Cavan with product category less than 500,000 litres.
Ashley and Stuart McLean from Smithborough, Co. Monaghan were highly acclaimed runners-up in the Under 500,000 Producers category.
Colm and Millie McIntyre from Daingean, Offaly won the Lakeland Dairies Sustainability Award for their outstanding commitment to sustainable milk production as well as environmental and economic sustainability.
Northern Ireland
Stephen and Marina Hamilton of Tandragee, Co., won. Armagh wins the 1 million-plus liter milk product category in Northern Ireland.
Stanley and Rhona Burns from Hillsborough, County Down were highly acclaimed runners-up in this section.
Robin and Elaine Morrow from Newtownards, Co., won. Down in the Under 1 Million Liters product category in Northern Ireland.
It was Philip Kyle of Aughnacloy, Co. Tyrone is a highly acclaimed runner-up.
New arrivals
Mark Maguire from Grangegeeth, Collon, Co., was announced as the winner. Louth won the Republic of Ireland Rookie of the Year award.
James Purcell from Limavady, Co. won. Derry won the Northern Ireland Newcomer of the Year award.
James McEvoy from Guildford, Armagh won the Lakeland Dairies Young Farmer Award.
This award aims to recognize the activity and participation of young farmers in bringing new and fresh ideas to the family farm.
The winner receives a scholarship to participate in an agricultural study tour of their choice before the end of 2027.
Lakeland dairy
Lakeland Dairies Chairman, Niall Matthews, congratulated the award winners.
“The Milk Quality Awards recognize the best of what our cooperative stands for, which is a deep-rooted commitment to dairy excellence at farm level.
“Across our network of farming families, quality is a way of life, built through dedication, care and consistency.
“It is a great honor to celebrate the people who continue to set the standard for our industry,” he said.
Lakeland Dairies Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Colin Kelly added:
“These awards reflect the strength and ambition of our milk suppliers, who continue to raise the bar year after year through innovation, attention to detail and a relentless focus on quality.”
