ONCE again the very best of British dairy and industry technology will be under one roof for Harrison and Hetherington's Borderway UK Dairy Expo at Carlisle, next weekend, on Saturday, March 10.

Following the successes of recent years, the event has again attracted record entries across all sections and this year features the National British Friesian Show.

And, there is a world-class line-up of national and international judges set to put the cattle through their paces too.

Selwyn Donald, from one of New Zealand's oldest Ayrshire Stud families, has the biggest task as he will be judging the Holstein, Ayrshire and Brown Swiss Shows.

Meanwhile, Australia’s Dean Malcolm co/owner of Bluechip Genetics will be selecting the top winners in the Dairy Shorthorn, Jersey and Red and White sections.

Closer to home, Alan Timbrell, national key account manager for Alta Genetics, will be judging the National British Friesian Show and the showmanship classes staged the day before, on the Friday, will be placed by Ann Laird, who played an integral role in the development Blythbridge Holsteins and has also won many showmanship awards over the years.

Specifically designed to support farmers, as well as commercial representatives, the UK Dairy Expo attracts in the region of 7000 visitors every year, with its importance within the industry demonstrated by the fact that this year, livestock entries are up by almost 10%. There are also a number of new commercial exhibitors bringing the total number of trade stands to over 130.

With a total prize fund of £15,000, this year's cattle show features 70 classes across the seven breed sections which include, Holstein, Jersey, Ayrshire, Red and White, Brown Swiss, Dairy Shorthorn and British Friesian.

While the individual breed shows are always a spectacle for breeders, it is nevertheless the supreme grand championship judging and presentations, that is the highlight of the day.

The Showmanship Youth championships and stock judging classes are also a key element of the event as they are designed to encourage and inspire the next generation of dairy breeders. Competing for the top honours will be dozens of young breeders from across the UK and Europe.

Commenting on the Expo, David Pritchard event organiser and operations director for Harrison and Hetherington said: “From the outset we have always been very fortunate that Borderway UK Dairy Expo has been so well supported and this year is certainly no exception as we have a record amount of cattle entered and a number of first time exhibitors.

"We have attracted the very best competitors from the UK’s main dairy producing areas and a very high calibre of entries across all sections. These exhibitors really do highlight the exceptional quality of the cattle within the British dairy industry, and the extreme hard work of those involved, not only in the show ring, but on a day to day basis.”

“As the premiere Dairy Event in the UK, I would like to thank in advance our judges. We have a remarkable line-up, all with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry, and all are specialists in their field.

Borderway UK Dairy Expo is also an important business event for the industry and this year the UK and International exhibitors represent all sectors. Whether their business is technology, genetics, feeding, breeding or buildings, or if they are a professional organisation, they will be on hand to support and advise farmers, and to help them plan for the future.

New exhibitors include, AG Products, Z Tags, Viking Genetics, Strohfelder, Natural Stockcare Direct, Habro Ltd, Natwest Agriculture, JK Genetics, Heatsave, Germinal GB Ltd and Clipex Fencing and Stockyards.

Many of those attending are keen to see best practice highlighted through demonstrations and this year first-time exhibitor Fullwoodhead Dairy Supplies Ltd. Using their DP AGRI crush which is designed to maximise cow comfort and give the user complete access to all four hooves, with minimum stress to the animal they will demonstrate safe foot trimming techniques.

One element of this event which has become one of the day’s highlights is the presentation of the John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award. This award which commemorates the memory of Cumbrian dairy farmer and highly regarded breeder John Dennison, recognises a dairy cattle breeder, or exhibitor judged to be a high achiever and excellent role model within the industry.

Entrance to the event and parking is free of charge.

Event details

Friday, March 9

2.30pm Showmanship Youth championship

5pm Youngstock judging

Saturday, March 10

8am UK Dairy Expo opens

8.30am Showing commences

12pm Lunch

1pm Judging resumes

4pm Supreme presentations

8pm All Britain awards and dance at Shepherds Inn, Carlisle