UK Dairy Day 2016 has hit astonishing new heights. More than 7,740 visitors descended on the International Centre in Telford on Wednesday 14^th September - this is an 8.847% increase on last year’s 7,112 visitors. Coupled with 171 cattle on-site and more than 300 dairy businesses exhibiting, this was the largest UK dairy Day to date – and everyone was talking about it with #ukdairyday even trending on Twitter well before lunchtime!   

The Cattle Show was a major attraction with crowds of people piling around the main ring to catch a glimpse of the action. The show saw immaculate cattle from all breeds, Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Dairy Shorthorn, Jersey and Holstein on parade - with live streaming continuously taking place on the UK Dairy Day website throughout the day. The full list of results can now be viewed online: http://www.ukdairyday.co.uk/2016-show-results

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 - and networked amongst the diverse array of trade stands. ADF Milking picked up the award for best large stand on the day and Dairymaster claimed the small/ medium stand prize.

In the sharing knowledge zone farmers, students and industry associates engaged in stimulating seminars provoking discussion and debate. Seminar topics were wide ranging – from the cost for BVD, the right flooring for cow comfort through to agritech opportunities and calf gut health. The display of the 12 most innovative products launched in the last 12 months caught visitors’ attention. Dairymaster claimed most innovative with their MooMonitor+App, closely followed by INUI LED for the LED UFO-S Series High Bay Light. The judges also made a special mention to AHDB Dairy and their Inbreeding Checker.

Sue Cope, Event Director, commented on the shows’ success; “UK Dairy Day 2016 has been sensational; I thank everyone - visitors, exhibitors, sponsors, competitors, staff and helpers - together we have made an incredible event for the dairy sector. The UK dairy industry is a global leader and this was clearly displayed at UK Dairy Day with the wealth of technology, equipment, ideas and innovations that were on display – as well as the high standard of cattle. Visitor numbers were up, cattle entries were up and so too were spirits as people networked, chatted and did business.”  

Sue adds; “UK Dairy Day has received positive growth every year and attracts dairy businesses and farmers from all over the UK – as well as having a strong international following. Holstein UK and the UK Dairy Day team have worked extremely hard to develop this fantastic event for the dairy industry – and we’re committed to delivering this stand alone event in Shropshire – one of the leading dairy producing counties in the UK. Thank you to everyone who supported us this year; make sure Wednesday 13^th September 2017 is already free in your diary and we hope to welcome you all back next year.”