National Dairy and Pig Farming Awards Announced for 2026 in Ireland
The National Dairy Awards have opened entries for their fourth annual event, scheduled to take place at the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise on November 5, 2026. Since its inception in 2023, the awards have played a significant role in recognizing excellence and innovation within the Irish dairy industry. The event will celebrate achievements across the entire dairy ecosystem, including farmers, advisors, processors, and industry leaders.
This year, the awards will be distributed across 20 categories within five main groups: Farmer Awards, Farm Network Awards, Dairy Produce Awards, Processing Awards, and Headline Awards. Organisers are inviting participants from all areas of the dairy sector to submit their entries by September 25, 2026. The awards ceremony, described as a black-tie event, will bring together representatives from across the industry for a night of recognition and networking.
In a similar vein, the pig farming sector will also see a celebration of achievements with the announcement of the Pig Farming Awards 2026 by FBD. This program includes a new €10,000 Innovation Bursary aimed at supporting an individual who can bring significant benefits to the pig sector through research and innovation. The awards will honor notable accomplishments in pig production, animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and leadership within the industry. Winners will be announced at a ceremony on October 14, 2026, at the Killashee Hotel in Naas, Co. Kildare.
