A brand new national dairy show will be opening its doors on Wednesday, September 17, 2014. Following two years without a national specialist dairy show, this brand new event has generated unprecedented interest.
Pioneered by Holstein UK’s team of Richard Evans, Lynette Smale and Simon Gee, the one-day dairy trade event will be a beacon for all progressive, profit-driven dairy farmers across the breed spectrum.
“UK Dairy Day is an industry-specific event held at a time of year when many producers are looking to make important decisions before the winter season starts,” says show organiser Simon Gee.
“The theme of the event is ‘Helping increase profits’, and with a combination of business seminars, showing classes and a wide range of exhibitors, visitors will have everything they need to improve their business under one roof.”
Sponsored by Cogent Group, Holstein UK and NWF Agriculture, UK Dairy Day, which runs from 9am to 5pm; will cover every facet of profitable dairy farming, from milk buyers and feeding, through hygiene and breeding, to management and financial advice.
“We have been overwhelmed at the level of interest in UK Dairy Day,” adds Mr Gee.
“Trade stand space has sold out, with more than 170 stands booked and others being held on a waiting list as we look at how best to take on additional space at the venue.”
One of the UK’s largest dedicated exhibition centres, the Telford’s International Centre has three main exhibition halls, more than 1,300 free parking spaces and two on-site hotels. With easy access from the M54, the event will draw farmers from some of the leading dairy producing counties.
“Dairy farming is an exciting and forward-thinking industry to be in, but farmers must have sustained profitability to survive and thrive in the future,” says Mr Gee.
“UK Dairy Day gives farmers a unique opportunity to come along and speak to new suppliers, admire top quality cattle and gather all the business skills and information they need to push their business forward.”
Showing classes will be held for all dairy breeds, with a generous prize fund of £16,375 likely to attract the best cows from across the UK.
“We are extremely pleased to be hosting the National Holstein classes, with 26 regional clubs entering teams,” says Mr Gee.
“This team approach is proving very popular, attracting a mix of established and new young exhibitors, who may have animals that are good enough to show but not necessarily the time or expertise to exhibit themselves. And with three classes for each of the coloured breeds, we’re anticipating at least 250 entries, meaning visitors will be able to watch the best of every dairy breed in action.”
Class sponsors include Cogent Breeding, Delaval, Farmers Guardian, Holstein UK, Kuhn Farm Machinery, NWF Agriculture and Provita Eurotech. Breed champions will scoop £500 each, with reserve champions receiving £250, class winners £175 and cash prizes available all the way down to 10th place.
Coloured breed classes will be held in the morning and the National Holstein classes in the afternoon.
The day’s finale will be the Holstein team of four, which will be judged by leading Danish breeder Niels Erik Haahr, and offers a £1000 prize for the champion team.
UK Dairy Day will be held on Wednesday, September 17, at the International Centre, Telford, from 9am to 5pm.
Tickets are available online at UK DairyDay, and visitors can simply use their smart phone to display their e-ticket on arrival or print off hard copy versions at home.
Source: Shropshire Star