Hailed a ‘major success’ by the organisers Holstein UK, the doors to the second UK Dairy Day burst open with record-breaking visitor numbers.
7,112 people herded themselves through the doors to the International Centre in Telford and an outstanding 181 cattle were on-site throughout the day. With more trade stands, visitors, dairy suppliers and exhibitors - the show was bigger than before, with an overwhelming positive atmosphere amongst dairy farmers and suppliers despite the current dairy challenges. Dairy farmers, agricultural students, and industry experts networked, shared knowledge and did business at an extremely successful UK Dairy Day 2015.
The Cattle Show was a highlight of the day with Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Dairy Shorthorn, Jersey and Holstein breeds on parade in the Main Ring.
Visitors also watched a visual depiction of the cows’ anatomy using paint by Scarsdale Vets, joined Tim Carter and David Rowe for live foot trimming and knife sharpening demonstrations in the External Demonstration Area - and quenched thirst with a nutritious milk cocktail mixed up by professional Mixologist, Wesley Harrington from Zest Mixology.
In addition live seminars took place in the Learning and Development Zone throughout the day and the winner of the New Product Zone was announced. Claiming the top spot for innovation was GEA Farm Technologies with DairyProQ. DairyProQ can reduce typical milking labour requirements by up to 65%. It removes all associated costs, direct and indirect, attached to staff savings, and reduces management cost and staffing issues. For more information please visit: http://www.ukdairyday.co.uk/trade-stands/new-products.
At 4.30pm the Main Ring came alive with crowds of spectators supporting the Red Ribbon Sale; a new feature to the show this year. The sale included 30 of the best dairy animals of any breed, hand-picked, and specially selected by Glyn Lucas, Senior Dairy Auctioneer at Harrison & Hetherington. Topping the sale was lot 10 Sterndale Atwood Noel at £20,000 and a new Jersey breed record was set at £11,000 for Bluegrass Vindications Harp (Lot 5).
Carl Smith, UK Dairy Day Show Director, commented; “UK Dairy Day would like to congratulate all exhibitors, visitors, breed competitors and sponsors for coming together in support of the dairy industry and helping to create such a thriving one-day event.
A major recognition goes to our four principal sponsors, Barclays, Cogent Breeding, NWF Agriculture and Eprinex who have provided a substantial amount of support and investment to make the show possible.
UK Dairy Day really is the most important and dedicated event for the dairy industry; it is where new concepts, products, ideas and innovations are shared and where dairy farmers meet with suppliers and milk buyers. Thank you to all our exhibitors, contractors, suppliers and dairy farming visitors – we look forward to welcoming you all back to UK Dairy Day 2016.”
