Organisers of this year’s Dairy Show, taking place on October 2, have said that the next generation will be the focus of the event.
The event, which will return to the Bath & West Showground, will feature competitons and seminars centred on building a bright future for dairy.
‘Careers’ is the theme for this year’s seminars – aiming to take a holistic approach to the industry’s growing need for new minds, perspectives and appetites.
Organisers have said the show will host some of the UK’s finest dairy livestock, welcoming past, present and future generations of talent and class.
Exhibitors will travel from all over the country to compete in a variety of breed classes before respective champions go head-to-head for the Supreme Champion title.
Before the title is bestowed, the ring will host the next generation of handlers in the Showmanship classes, including age groups 7-12, 13-17 and 18-26.
This, followed by the calf classes, will be a chance to spot a few new showing stars, organisers said.
Dairy Show
The Dairy Show will also once again host the UK Jersey Cattle Society’s and the English Guernsey Cattle Society’s National Shows.
A showcase of the latest technologies, services and advice will also be on offer – enabling discussions and collaboration which capitalise on opportunity, build resilience, and help prepare for the future.
Head of shows for the Royal Bath & West of England Society, Jess Chiplen, said: “The dairy sector – and the industry as a whole – has a wealth of career prospects.
“But despite there being an extraordinary breadth of careers, young people and those looking for new career opportunities have often expressed that they are at a loss of where to go for advice, how to get their foot in the door – or even afford a career change.
“With so many businesses and key stakeholders present at the show, it felt like a prime opportunity for us to tackle the careers topic and work towards dismantling barriers.”
The show will launch its Dairy Discovery Day this year – linking farming with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), with its pilot interactive careers tour taking place at the show.
Shows and education coordinator, Lilanie Self, said: “As we continue to broaden our education horizon, we are excited to be launching a new initiative to the Dairy Show, specifically aimed at key stage two students who are beginning to explore possible career paths.
“The career choices are limitless, and we are passionate about providing a platform to raise awareness of the breadth of opportunity within agriculture.”
