All female judges at 10th Borderway Dairy Expo at Carlisle

This massive dairy show of around 350 head of cattle, takes place on Saturday, March 12, and again features no fewer than seven dairy breeds. The event is expected to attract in the region of 7000 farmers, traders, industry experts and the next generation with around 85 trade stands expected.

“Judging this level of stock is not a task for the faint hearted and this year we have an all-female line-up of judges who are extremely well qualified for the job. It is testament to the stature of the event that we can attract leading lights of the international dairy industry to judge. All our judges are experts in their own special fields and their eye for detail is second to none.

Judge Brian Miller head forward to tap out the Holstein Wiltor Silver Centrepiece from N and L Sercombe as supreme champion at Borderway Dairy Expo Ref:RH140320245 Rob Haining / The Scottish Farmer

“Last year’s cancellation was hugely disappointing, so to be able to return this year to mark such a special milestone is just fantastic. The team here at H&H is looking forward to welcoming back all our exhibitors, traders, sponsors, speakers, visitors and everyone else involved in Borderway UK Dairy Expo to celebrate with us in March.”

UK Dairy Expo now prides itself as one of the key calendar events in the dairy industry. It acts as a shop window for breeders and producers and brings together some of the UK’s finest dairy stock. Alongside this, it is also a trade event where businesses within the industry can showcase the latest research, developments and innovative technology that farmers can utilise to improve efficiency and productivity as we navigate the uncertain times ahead.

A full ring for a big class of Holstein judging Ref:EC090319102

A new addition to this year’s programme is a series of thought-provoking seminars which will see keynote industry figures discussing and debating a range of current topics. Organised by H&H Land & Estates, the aim of these seminars is to bring to the fore some of the issues that face the dairy industry, with experts on hand to give insight and opportunity for audience participation at the end of each talk.

H&H is aware of the importance of encouraging and supporting the next generation and, through their own commitment to young farmers, have specifically tailored classes for young people to take part in. For many, competing and showing cattle in world class dairy events starts at a young age and it takes a huge amount of time, commitment and dedication. The aim of the showmanship championship is to inspire the next generation to get involved and gain experience and offer the opportunity to be guided by some of the best in the business.

Blaise receiving the John Dennison award from Margaret Dennison and family, pictured alongside previous winners of the award Ref:RH140320202 Rob Haining / The Scottish Farmer

As well as supporting the next generation, acknowledging the individuals who are key to the continuing success of the dairy industry is imperative. The John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award, now in its eighth year, is presented by the family of the late John Dennison, Cumbria who was one of the industry’s most respected breeders.

Established in memory of John, this highly acclaimed award aims to recognise a dairy cattle breeder or exhibitor judged to be a high achiever and excellent role model within the industry. Last year the award was presented virtually to David Yates from Meikle Firthhead, Castle Douglas, whose life achievements are an inspiration to future generations, including his own grandchildren.

Glyn concluded: “This year has not been without its uncertainties, but finally things seem to be looking up and we can confirm that we will be running the event as normal. We look forward to opening the doors on UK Dairy Expo once again and providing an environment where people can come together and drive forwards the dairy industry.”

Spectators look on as the Ayrshire show gets underway at Dairy Expo Ref:RH140320186 Rob Haining / The Scottish Farmer

Borderway UK Dairy Expo 2022 is a free event for spectators and takes place at Borderway Exhibition Centre, Carlisle, on Saturday, March 12. Free parking is also available. Pre-registration is required and can be done quickly and easily on our dedicated website.

Ayrshire judge, Katie Davidson

Judges

Holstein and Brown Swiss – Molly Sloan, Lake Mills, Wisconsin

No stranger to the Borderway Dairy Expo, having judged here in 2019, Molly is renowned within the genetics industry and has been the lead judge three times at World Dairy Expo and internationally at major shows in Australia, Brazil, France, UK, Peru, and Canada.

Molly has her own small herd of elite genetic heifers and has worked with many top show animals, including her own All-American Holstein and Red and White Holstein nominations.

She is currently global director of People Development and HR for the URUS Group, a dairy and beef holding company, where part of her focus is to develop training for global dairy producers.

Jersey and Red and Whites – Terri Packard, Boonsboro, Maryland

Terri Packard is a sixth generation dairy farmer. She and her husband breed, develop, and market a select group of deep-pedigreed Holsteins and Jerseys from their farm in Boonsboro.

Official judge for the National Jersey Jug Futurity, officiated twice at Eastern State Exposition, Terri has also placed State Shows and State Fairs in 12 US states.

British Friesian and Dairy Shorthorn – Jane Arrell

Jane Arrell has spent the last five years managing the prize winning Alderbarrow herd until its recent dispersal. Brought up on a dairy farm in Cheshire, she has been on the Holstein UK judging panel for more than 20 years and has judged shows all over the UK and Ireland, including the regional section of the UK Premier Herd on numerous occasions.

She, her husband Phil and daughter Isla, have their own herd of Holsteins and Jerseys under the Thistlerose and Sweetpea prefixes.

Ayrshire – Katie Davidson

Katie Davidson, was born and brought up on her family’s farm, home to Halmyre Urr Ayrshires and Glen Urr Ice Creams.

For the past 15 years, Katie has worked in various roles in the dairy industry and travelled for 16 months, working with some elite herds both at home and in Canada, the US, Australia and New Zealand.

As well as winning the Hugh Stevenson Memorial Award during her years of Ayrshire Young Breeders, Katie also enjoyed success at the All Britain All Breeds Calf Show, securing Ayrshire Showmanship Champion in 2005 and 2008.

Showmanship – Marie Eve Veronneau

Completing the all-female line up and judging the International Showmanship is Canada’s Marie Eve Veronneau. From Coaticook, Quebec she is the co-owner of The Philmardo prizewinning herd’s Ferme Philmardo, with her brother Dominic and father Phillipe.

Marie Eve has worked and showed with some of the best herds in North America including Provetaz, Piedmont, Lookout, Lexis, Arethusa, and Petitclerc; as well as showing in Australia, Italy, Switzerland, and Argentina.

Seminars

Visitors will also have the opportunity to listen to the thoughts and ideas of industry experts and to have their questions answered by the people at the coal face of these topics. The two sessions will cover: The Challenge of Increasing Productivity and Achieving Net Zero, commencing at 11am in Ring 4 and Rural Grants, which will kick off at 1pm.