Next month sees the return of one of the UK's largest dairy events, Dairy-Tech which takes place on April 7, at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.

The event which was postponed from its original date on February 2, due to concerns over the new Omicron variant, will this year, more than ever, be centred around equipping producers with the knowledge they need to help their businesses adapt and remain profitable.

More than 300 exhibitors will be at the event organised by The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF), which will see in excess of 80 new product launches – the highest number to date!

The Dairy Hub will be covering all things topical, including the latest information on emissions, permitting and the Clean Air Strategy, ELMS, market outlooks, and advice on staffing and overcoming labour shortages, to name but a few.

Sessions will take the form of panel debates, interviews and interactive talks with all speakers providing take-home information to help farmers increase profits and performance.

Tom Gill, head of sustainability at Promar International and Peter Alvis, RABDF, will be discussing how maximise performance in dairy farming, while Aberdeenshire's Bruce Mackie, of Rora Holsteins, will talking about his own adventures with dairy cow breeding.

Other hot topics up for debate include the main drivers of reproductive performance in a herd by Chris Hudson, clinical associate professor in dairy health and production at the University of Nottingham vet school and how to fine tune a calf shed for improved health by Jamie Robertson, Livestock Management Systems Ltd and Becca Cavill, ruminant veterinary adviser, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health,

The Innovation Hub which boasts the latest technology, new concepts and apps, always attracts big crowds being designed to help businesses adapt to the upcoming challenges.

This year Nick Swallow, New Zealand Trade Commissioner to UK and Ireland will be highlighting the latest agritech innovation from down under, while Duncan Forbes, head of dairy at Apri-EPI Centre will be presenting a vision for the future of sustainable dairy in – Game Changing agri-tech.

Christian Nightingale, commercial sales support, Barn Equipment Lely, will be discussing where next for the future of robotics on dairy farms; and Phil Bicknell, head of business development Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock CIEL, has been posed the question, Agriculture’s net zero challenge – what are the realistic options for dairy?

And, with slurry handling becoming a huge issue, Dr Chris Mann, chairman of Bennamann, will be discussing all things to do with its management and the potential financial, operational and environmental benefits.

The popular live foot trimming demonstrations also make a return, with some of the industry's leading vets and foot trimmers showing best practice techniques and answering visitor queries.

World rugby refereeing legend, inspirational speaker and mental health ambassador Nigel Owens will address the issue of mental health in farming, something he is passionate about after having struggles himself. Since retiring from refereeing, Owens has been very busy with his farm in South Wales building up a pedigree herd of Hereford cattle.

The 2020 Gold Cup winner will also be announced as the competition celebrates its 100th year. The presentation will take place at 4pm on the NMR stand and is not to be missed as six top dairy producers vie for the prestigious award.

Visitors can save money by purchasing their tickets in advance for £17 at dairy-tech.uk. Tickets can be bought at the door for £20. RABDF Members get free entry to the event.

Find out more about the event and what's on at www.dairy-tech.uk