The UK’s premier dairy event, Dairy-Tech, at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, has been hailed a success after bumper visitor numbers flocked to the show yesterday (7 April).
The event had 300 exhibitors showcasing the latest innovation and technology in the sector, with over 80 new product launches.
Crowds packed out the Dairy and Innovation Hubs, where topical discussions took place and showcased the latest innovations. Keynote speaker Nigel Owens moved the audience to tears as he highlighted his mental health struggles.
The event also saw some prestigious awards presented, including the NMR/ RABDF 2020 Gold Cup, which went to the Torrance family from Essex. Other winners included:
- Max Mitchell from Harper Adams University, who won the Dairy Student Award.
- Rebekah Patterson from Bristol University, Louise Harrison from Duchy College and Marley Lamerton from Harper Adams University won the vet, agricultural college and agricultural universities Farm Health Management award categories.
- Cattle Eye, which claimed the Royal Dairy Innovation Award.
Commenting on the show, RABDF managing director Matt Knight, said: “There was a real buzz about the show. After so long without any face-to-face events, farmers and exhibitors were clearly keen to get back to doing business.
“Dairy is facing real struggles with rising input costs, labour issues and increasing pressure to reduce emissions. There was a definite requirement by visitors to better understand the market situation and ways in which they can manage the pressures.”
The RABDF’s next event is Down to Earth on 15 June, a one-day show hosted by dairy farmer Tim Downes in Shropshire, where visitors can learn about regenerative farming practices and see them in action. For more information about the event, visit https://projectdowntoearth.co.uk/
