Two dairy farming families in County Armagh have been honoured with Holstein UK Master Breeder Awards, placing their herds among the top ten in the United Kingdom.

The Glasson herd in Portadown and the Kilvergan herd in Lurgan, both owned by branches of the Haffey family, received the awards at the recent Balmoral Show from Holstein UK president Mark Logan.

MP Carla Lockhart, who represents Upper Bann, attended the ceremony and congratulated the recipients, saying the awards reflected years of dedication to maintaining high standards.

Holstein NI secretary John Martin stated that the Master Breeder Award is the highest recognition for Holstein UK members, given to herds that excel in production, conformation, health and longevity. Only ten herds receive the award each year. For 2026, three Northern Ireland herds made the list: Glasson, Kilvergan, and the Redhouse herd in Dungannon, County Tyrone. The other seven awardees are based in England, Scotland and Wales.

The Glasson herd milks 150 cows twice a day, with an average annual yield of 10,635 kilograms per cow at 4.56% butterfat and 3.51% protein. The herd has gained recognition for high genetic merit and achieved a top sale price of 14,000 guineas at a 2020 sale.

The Kilvergan herd, managed by Stephen Haffey and his three sons, runs 350 cows under an indoor robotic milking system in place since 2013. Average production stands at 13,045 kilograms per cow, with 4.26% butterfat and 3.45% protein. The herd was established in the 1950s by William Haffey, and pedigree registrations began in the 1980s. Kilvergan recently won best large herd and other prizes at the 2025 Holstein NI Herds Inspection Competition and has taken reserve champion at the Irish National Holstein Show.