Following on from the successes of recent years, Harrison & Hetherington’s Borderway UK Dairy Expo will return to Carlisle on Saturday 10th March 2018. This flagship event in the dairy community will be held at the Borderway Exhibition Centre in Carlisle, will see the very best of British dairy and industry technology under one roof.
Borderway UK Dairy Expo is an event specifically designed to support farmers, as well as commercial representatives and it is without doubt one of the leading showcases in the UK dairy industry’s calendar. Attracting in the region of 7000 visitors its importance within the industry is demonstrated by the fact that this year livestock entries are up by almost 10% and there are a number of new commercial exhibitors.
Testament to the success of Borderway UK Dairy Expo is also demonstrated through the continued support it receives from its mainline sponsors; Holstein UK, CIS, Clydesdale Bank, Norbrook, Farmers Guardian, Carrs Billington and Harrison and Hetherington.
With a total prize fund of £15,000, this year features 70 classes across the seven breed sections which include, Holstein, Jersey, Ayrshire Red & White, Brown Swiss, Dairy Shorthorn and British Friesian (National Breed Show). The day culminates with the highly anticipated supreme championship judging and presentations. The Showmanship Youth Championships and Stock judging classes are also a key element of the event as they are designed to encourage and inspire the next generation of dairy breeders. Competing for the top honours will be dozens of young breeders from across the UK and Europe.
The line-up of judges are world class and reflect the exceptional standard of dairy cattle and industry professionals exhibiting. Selwyn Donald, 4th generation from one of New Zealand’s oldest Ayrshire Stud families, will judge the Holstein, Ayrshire & Brown Swiss Show. Australia’s Dean Malcolm co/owner of Bluechip Genetics will be judging the Dairy Shorthorn, Jersey & Red & White Show. Representing the UK, and judging the National British Friesian show, is internationally renowned judge Alan Timbrell, who is National Key Account Manager for Alta Genetics. Judging the showmanship classes is Ann Laird who played an integral role in the development of Blythbridge Holsteins, Arran.
Commenting in advance, David Pritchard Event Organiser and Operations Director for Harrison and Hetherington said:
“From the outset we have always been very fortunate that Borderway UK Dairy Expo has been so well supported and this year is certainly no exception as we have a record amount of cattle entered and a number of first time exhibitors. We have attracted the very best competitors from the UK’s main dairy producing areas and a very high calibre of entries across all sections. These exhibitors really do highlight the exceptional quality of the cattle within the British dairy industry, and the extreme hard work of those involved, not only in the show ring, but on a day to day basis.”
“As the premiere Dairy Event in the UK, I would like to thank in advance our judges. We have a remarkable line-up, all with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry, and all are specialists in their field.
Borderway UK Dairy Expo is also an important business event for the industry and this year the UK and International exhibitors represent all sectors. Whether their business is technology, genetics, feeding, breeding or buildings, or if they are a professional organisation, they are there specifically to support and advise farmers, and to help them plan for the future. New exhibitors include, AG Products, Z Tags, Viking Genetics, Strohfelder, Natural Stockcare Direct, Harbro Ltd, Dovea Genetics, JK Genetics, Heatsafe and Germinal GB Ltd.
Many of those attending are keen to see best practice highlighted through demonstrations and this year first-time exhibitor Fullwoodhead Dairy Supplies Ltd. Using their DP AGRI Crush which is designed to maximise cow comfort and give the user complete access to all four hooves, with minimum stress to the animal they will demonstrate safe foot trimming techniques.
One element of this event which has become one of the day’s highlights is the presentation of the John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award. This award which commemorates the memory of Cumbrian dairy farmer and highly regarded breeder John Dennison, recognises a dairy cattle breeder, or exhibitor judged to be a high achiever and excellent role model within the industry. Recipient of the 2017 award went to renowned Holstein breeder, Mark Nutsford of Riverdane Holsteins, Cheshire.
Any industry event requires support and certainly a large proportion of the success of Borderway UK Dairy Expo is thanks to the contribution and continued support from the mainline sponsors.
Commenting on the important role that the sponsors play at the event, David Pritchard said:
“Our mainline sponsors are all key industry players within dairying. Without their support over the years, the event would certainly not be the success that it is today.
Source: Stackyard