A record 9,000 visitors descended on the International Centre in Telford last week for the 5th annual UK Dairy Day along with a record amount of businesses represented.
Having experienced a long hot summer putting potential pressures on winter forage supplies and with Brexit changes imminent, it seemed dairy farmers were more than ever keen to meet with suppliers, discuss future production and make important business decisions.
This year’s show classes included The National Holstein Show, The National Ayrshire Show and new for 2018 The National Brown Swiss Show.
Exhibitors competed for a share of the £20,000 prize fund with a leading line of up of judges casting their professional eye over each class.
The Interbreed Heifer Champion judged by Dr. Angelo Pozzatti was awarded to Allstar Provider Honesty by ET Tomlinson, Evie Tomlinson and I Wilson.
The Interbreed Senior Champion was awarded to Davlea Bradnick Alicia by BL Davies & Son and the Interbreed Dairy Pairs awarded to the Jerseys with Bluegrass Tequila Blondette and Windyridge Tequila Diamond. clinching the top prize.
Sandyford Ayrshires won Best Presented Cattle Line and the prize for the tidiest lines went to Sterndale and Peak.
The Howard Sneesby Memorial Trophy was awarded to Yasmin Bradbury and Bill Nadin of the Sterndale and Peak herd who over the years have made a significant difference to others through constant support and encouragement.
Debate and learning
Aside from the action in the show ring, throughout the day, visitors participated in topical debate in the varied and insightful seminar sessions with the most popular ‘Traceability and Innovation within the M&S Dairy and Beef Supply Chain’.
Other topics included youngstock health, drying off, profit per pregnancy, ammonia regulations, winter forage supplies, calf rearing, lameness and farm labour post Brexit.
Another lively debate discussed how to work with the public and improve its perception of the dairy industry.
Sue Cope, event director said: “The UK Dairy Day team and its organisers Holstein UK, would like to say an enormous thank you to the dairy industry for their continued support. The energy and atmosphere felt at Wednesday’s show really do demonstrate the strength of our industry.”
“This year was our fifth annual event and it continues to go from strength to strength.
The quality and diversity of exhibitors really adds credibility to the day and farmers can meet with suppliers from across the complete dairy supply chain.
“There is also the opportunity for visitors to be exposed to industry experts, milk buyers, excellent speakers and leading dairy businesses to learn about the latest welfare and healthcare developments, regulations and legislation.”
