The cream of the country’s cattle will be on parade at what promises to be the biggest and best ever Dairy Show.
It will be celebrations all round as this year’s show at the Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, marks its 25th anniversary in spectacular style.
Located in the heart of one of the main dairy regions in the UK, the Show, sponsored by NatWest, Dairy Crest and Farmers Guardian, is now recognized as one of the country’s top speciality shows for farmers.
This year’s Show on October 5th features over 300 quality dairy cattle, over 250 tradestands, the presence of key players at all levels of the industry, and a wealth of seminars and displays, making it a premier event for all dairy farmers.
Highlights include the Supreme Dairy Cattle Championship, The Calf Show, Showmanship Classes open to all juniors and The Interbreed Heifer Championship. New features this year include Brown Swiss classes, sponsored by Future Genetics, plus a Special Silver Jubilee points accumulator competition for breeders, sponsored by Kingfisher Veterinary Practice.
Tickets are already being snapped up fast for the prestigious Dairy Industry Dinner, sponsored by Lloyds TSB and Dairy Crest, which takes place the night before the Show. The Juniors’ Showmanship Classes will be judged at the reception before the dinner, and the presentation of the coveted Dairy Industry Award will be made during the evening to a key player in the dairy world.
The presentation of the prestigious 2005 South West Dairy Farm Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Milklink and Barclays will be made the following day during the Show.
Seminars followed by question and answer sessions will be held in the Westex Theatre at 11am and 2pm. Topics to be covered are “Electronic Identification,” and “Lameness – Prevention and Cure.”
Up to date information and advice will be on offer from experts at the wide range of tradestands, and the very latest techniques, systems and machinery will be on display, including state of the art cooling and milking equipment from show supporters Fullwoods.
Show chairman Edwin White said: “We are looking forward to this very special show. The dairy industry has experienced momentous changes over the last 25 years. In that period the number of dairy farmers has almost halved and herd sizes have doubled. Cow numbers and milk volume have stayed virtually the same whilst their means of production has become ever more efficient and professional.
“Whether it is a family run farm or a large dairy unit, skilled workers, efficiency and tight controls are the tools to stay at the forefront of change.
Everything the farmer needs to survive and succeed in the industry today can be found at the Dairy Show, and we look forward to welcoming old friends and new faces at what promises to be most spectacular event in the Show’s history.”
In the run-up to the Show organisers are keen to hear from people who have been show stalwarts over the last 25 years and have any interesting stories, anecdotes, photos or memories they wish to share. If you have a Dairy Show tale to tell please contact marketing manager Fran Weelen at the Showground on 01749 822213.
Entries close dates for the Show are September 5th for cattle stall bookings and further details can be obtained from the Showground on 01749 822213.