THE leading spring showcase for the dairy industry, the UK Dairy Expo, returns for the sixth year to Harrison and Hetherington’s Borderway mart, in Carlisle tomorrow (March 11).
Since its inception, Borderway’s UK Dairy Expo has become the leading dairy event in the UK and is recognised across Europe, with its prize fund of £15,000 attracting international interest. Last year, more than 6000 visitors came to see 350 cattle on display across 62 classes.
Last year, the star of the show was Alister Laird, of Blyth Bridge, in Peebles-shire. Alister and his family won three championships, including champion of champions with a five-year-old Holstein cow, Illens Atwood Australia. He was also presented with the John Dennison Award for his contributions to the dairy industry.
The highlight of the 2017 event is the 67 cattle classes, which include sections for Holsteins, Ayrshire, Jersey, Dairy Shorthorn, Red and White, Brown Swiss and British Friesian, which will also be hosting its national show.  
Another key event in this year’s schedule is the showmanship youth championships. Aimed at encouraging and inspiring the next generation of dairy breeders, this will bring together young breeders from across the UK and Europe to compete for the top honours.
David Pritchard, the event organiser and operations director for Harrison and Hetherington, said: “Once again this year we have a remarkable line-up of judges, all with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry, and all specialists in their field. We have a fantastic number of dairy cattle entered in the show classes, which really does showcase the quality of the British dairy industry, and the extreme hard work of those involved, not only on the day, but on a day-to-day basis.”
Judging the classes will be a line-up of British and International judges – Roger Turner, of Wisconsin, America, will judge the Holstein classes; Canada’s Blair Weeks, of Prince Edward Island, will judge the coloured breed classes; the UK’s Meurig James will judge the British Friesian national show; Paul Harrison, of Northumberland, will place the champion of champions; and Michael Halliwell will judge the UK and international showmanship championships.
Now one of the dairy industry’s most notable awards, the John Dennison ‘Lifetime achievement award’ commemorates the memory of the lifetime industry contribution made by Cumbrian dairy farmer and highly regarded breeder, John Dennison.  
The aim of this accolade is to recognise the dairy cattle breeder, or exhibitor judged to be a high achiever and excellent role model within the industry. It will be presented at the event.
Following Borderway UK Dairy Expo, is the All-Britain Awards presentation sinner and dance in The Shepherd’s, Carlisle, and tickets are available to order e-mail Carolyn.charlton@borderway.com
For more information on Borderway UK Dairy Expo visit www.harrisonandhetherington.co.uk. Entry to the event is free of charge.