BORDERWAY UK Dairy Expo 2020 returns for the ninth year on Saturday, March 14.

The highly successful showcase, being held at the Borderway Exhibition Centre, Carlisle, will bring together the elite of the global dairy industry – linking farmers, exhibitors, dairy experts and the next generation of dairy farmers.

Alongside the outstanding show of dairy cattle, the exhibition embraces some of the latest genetics, science and technology, and a major platform for business. It offers a dynamic hub for advice, information, exchange, and commerce, with its importance reiterated by the number of trade stand attendees.

This is a key role for the industry, with UK and international business exhibitors representing all sectors. The companies and organisations represented cover accountancy, breeding, buildings, engineering, equipment, feeding, financial, genetics, legal, technology, and veterinary.

All will be there to provide advice and support, and to help farmers and breeders plan for the future. Many of the exhibitors will also be on hand to demonstrate the use of their products first-hand.

Attracting a large attendance of visitors, Borderway UK Dairy Expo is not only seen as an event for showing, it is also an event for those within the dairy industry to share commercial, innovation and educational developments.

The livestock competing for the Championship Awards and a share of the £15,000 prize fund continue to be at the heart of the event, with in the region of 400 head of the finest dairy cattle in the UK being shown.

There are a total of 70 classes across the seven breed sections - Holstein, Ayrshire, Jersey, Dairy Shorthorn, Red and White, and Brown Swiss. In addition, the event also hosts the British Friesian National Show.

For the exhibitors, winning adds to the reputation of the herd, and makes its livestock more valuable in the marketplace.

Taking away the prestigious Champion of Champions is the ultimate accolade.Last year, for an unprecedented third time, it went to the incredible Holstein cow Sahara-Sanchez Ambrosia 3, owned by Mark and Sue Nutsford and Michael and Barbara Hollins from Cheshire.

For many, competing and showing cattle in world-class dairy events starts at a young age and it takes a huge amount of time, commitment and dedication. The young people entering the Showmanship classes demonstrate tremendous knowledge and attention to detail with this the future generation starting their showmanship careers within the industry from as young as five years old.

The organiser of Borderway UK Dairy Expo, Harrison & Hetherington, is aware of this and underlines the importance of supporting the next generation through their own commitment to young farmers. Specifically tailored to encourage young people to take part, the Showmanship Youth Championships and Stock Judging classes inspire the next generation of dairy breeders. With dozens of young breeders from across the UK and Europe competing, these classes are key to overall success and popularity of the event.

David Pritchard, event organiser and joint managing director at Harrison & Hetherington, said:“Borderway UK Dairy Expo is a unique event specifically aimed at the best in the dairy industry. Its reputation has continued to grow year-on-year to become the event for dairy farmers, and for the wider industry as a whole. Its reputation continues to grow.

“It has and continued to be a challenging year for the farming community, so as we move into the new decade, it will be imperative that we pull together to drive forward the dairy industry so that we remain a progressive force. Borderway UK Dairy Expo 2020 is the perfect environment to ensure that we can provide the right information to dairy farmers to ensure that they can future-proof their businesses.”

* The 2020 Borderway UK Dairy Expo is a free event for spectators and takes place at the Borderway Exhibition Centre, Carlisle, on Saturday, March 14.