THE countdown is on to UK Dairy Day – the premier event celebrating the best of British dairying at Telford International Centre on Wednesday, September 16.
This one-day event, now in its 12th year, continues to enjoy strong support, although the Scottish cattle entry is lighter this time, with just six exhibitors currently listed to make the journey south.
That number could yet deteriorate, with some breeders wary of the latest bluetongue return-movement rules. The show itself does not require cattle to be vaccinated, instead it is reminding exhibitors that they must comply with the regulations applying in their own country.
For those travelling from Scotland, however, the practical challenge comes on the road home. The Scottish Government has replaced the previous four-day show and sale exemption with a one-day rule for Scottish animals attending events in a bluetongue Restricted Zone, while from September 10 cattle returning north from a Restricted Zone to live must generally have been vaccinated for BTV-3 using Bultavo-3, unless covered by the same-day exemption.
Organisers have stressed that the current rules are temporary and subject to change as the disease situation develops, leaving exhibitors having to keep a close eye on the guidance in the run-up to the event.
UK Dairy Day provides an unparalleled opportunity to network, share knowledge, learn and do business. Visitors can explore more than 280 trade stands featuring products, services and seminars backed by expert advice, with every aspect of dairy farming represented, from animal health and nutrition to machinery, parlour systems, feed, veterinary support, milk buyers, dairy and farm equipment suppliers, professional services and charities.
Trade stands will be spread across the internal and external exhibition areas, with ringside stands from principal sponsors NWF Agriculture and Lely Centre Midlands.
Trade exhibitors and sponsors have also been invited to enter the New Product Competition, sponsored and judged by IDEXX, with finalists selected from products and services launched in the last 12 months. Stand design, build and interactivity will again be recognised through the Trade Stand Awards, judged and sponsored by AssuredPartners.
Cattle show
The annual showcase of dairy cattle will see six breeds compete under the spotlights, with the event hosting National Shows for the Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Dairy Shorthorn and Holstein breeds, alongside classes for Guernseys and Jerseys.
The show ring will also set the stage for some of the industry’s most coveted accolades, with Holstein UK banners awarded to the Premier Holstein Breeder and Exhibitor, alongside the Howard Sneesby Award and prizes for best presented and tidy lines.
One of the afternoon highlights will be the announcement of the Holstein UK Premier Herd Award recipient. This year’s winner will be revealed by last year’s winner, David Booth, of the Feizor herd, with Scottish representation from David and John Brewster, of Boclair Holsteins.
The cattle show will be live-streamed for those unable to attend, with the link available from the event website, www.ukdairyday.co.uk .
Beyond the ring, there will be a stronger focus on practical demonstrations. Shropshire Farm Vets return to demonstrate and discuss lung scanning techniques in calves, looking at the data it provides and how farmers can assess lung damage caused by pneumonia as calves transition into the milking herd. Demonstrations by veterinary surgeon Duarte Monteiro MRCVS will take place at 10.45am, 11.45am and 2.00pm.
The ever-popular and visual ‘Beneath the Black and White’ calf painting demonstration also returns, with Carolyn Baguley and the team from Scarsdale Vets using paint to help explain calf health, welfare and rumen function.
In the external trade stand area, Tim Carter will run practical demonstrations on foot trimming and blocking with dairy cows, as well as offering advice on knife sharpening. Streamed to a large TV screen with commentary, the sessions will give visitors a close-up view of trimming, blocking and knife sharpening. Mr Carter is an instructor and assessor for the SRUC/CHCSB Level 4 qualification.
UK Dairy Day is free to attend with no need to pre-register. Doors open at 8.00am. On-site car parking remains free and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Organisers recommend using the multi-storey car parks near the venue or the town centre. Due to the installation of ANPR vehicle registration in some Telford town centre car parks, free parking can no longer be offered.
Share