The best of dairy cattle from around the UK will be competing in the prestigious show at Borderway UK Dairy Expo 2015 for a share of the £15,000 prize fund. In just four years, this Harrison and Hetherington organised event has become the largest dedicated show of dairy cattle in the UK, and a leading showcase for British dairy breeding.

Taking place on Saturday, 7th March, at the Borderway Exhibition Centre in Carlisle, it has attracted entries from all four nations, and in the region of 7,000 visitors are expected to attend from across the globe.

Class entries and exhibitors in this major dairy sector showcase include Somerset consigner, Molly Westwood with Panda Holsteins from Molland Ridge Farm. There are also exhibitors from the length and breadth of the UK as well as from the renowned Shorthorn, Jersey and Ayrshire herds of McLean’s of Priestland, near Bushmills in Ireland.

Speaking in advance exhibitor, Molly Westwood said: “As pedigree breeders shows such as Borderway UK Dairy Expo are an important platform for us to showcase our cattle to both the UK and International audiences. This is a very well organised show and it attracts most of the top cows and consigners in the UK.”

David Pritchard Operations Director for Harrison and Hetherington and event organiser said: “The dairy industry is facing many challenges at this current time, however the level of interest and support we have received from exhibitors and organisations involved in the industry is tremendous. This demonstrates that there is a positive outlook for the dairy industry and that events such as this are important in helping its future sustainability.”

New to this year’s event is the Total Dairy Expo Conference, being held on Friday 6th March at Carlisle Race Course. This is a practical conference that dairy producers can learn from with international dairy experts providing advice on nutrition, cow health and people management.

This year’s all breed show has almost 400 entries and will be appraised by an international line-up of top judges: Master Judge Hank Van Exel from the US will judge the Holstein, Dairy Shorthorn, Brown Swiss and British Friesians and Stephen Borland from Canada will officiate the Ayrshire, Jersey and Red & Whites. Claire Swale of ‘Heavenly Genetics’ Lancashire will assess Showmanship Competitions.

Speaking in advance exhibitor, Jonny Lochhead from Beyond the Burn Farm, Mouswald near Dumfries who scooped last year’s Brown Swiss Champion and who is holding a reduction sale of some of his Organic Brown Swiss cattle in April said: “This is a very important event for the industry, not only does it keep you abreast of what is happening it is an important platform for breeders to promote their cattle. With the pressure for farmers to become more resourceful, Borderway UK Dairy Expo gives dairy farmers the opportunity to see stock in the flesh and learn from the experts ways in which we can improved genetics and maximise efficiency on the farm.”

The John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award, is now one of the Dairy Industry’s most important awards which was presented to John Gribbon in 2014. The 2015 winner of this prestigious award will be announced during the Holstein Show on Saturday afternoon.

Commenting on the event and businesses associated within the Diary Industry David said; “There is a broad cross section of trade stands including a number of breed societies, and a number of new companies. These demonstrate breeding genetics, cutting edge technology and developments from research, products and innovation and some which explore what it takes to stay ahead of the game.”

Dairy Expo also plays a key role in encouraging the next generation of breeders and exhibitors, with the Dairy Showmanship Youth Championships, which will be contested by young breeders from across the UK and Europe on the Friday evening. With entrants from France, Holland and the UK, these Championships attract young people who are passionate about the dairy the industry and who are keen to develop their skill and demonstrate the dedication needed to succeed.