THE Dairy Show is on January 30, 2008 -put the date in your dairy diary for a record breaking event because it's all looking good for the Royal Bath and West's rescheduled event!

The upturn in the industry recently promises to make the show one of the best in recent years. Trade exhibitor numbers are up to a record 270, and everything is looking rosy in the UK's main milk fields.

With the Dairy Event, October Dairy Show and the Royal Smithfield Christmas Fair all cancelled because of disease related issues the organisers are anticipating a record attendance from livestock farmers who have been unable to get off their farms to shows for several months.

"Much has happened in the dairy industry in the last few months and there's a lot to talk about," said Edwin White, chairman of the Dairy Show. "Milk prices are at record levels now, but we don't know what will happen in the medium term. By the end of January we may know more about the proposed Milk Link-First Milk merger, so there will be that to discuss, and one of the largest most modern dairies in the world - Robert Wiseman's new plant at Bridgwater - will be well on the way to reaching its first phase 250m litre capacity in the spring. I am anticipating a very bullish, optimistic event."

Unfortunately, there won't be any cattle at the show as the organisers felt it would be after the autumn shows and too early for cattle aimed at summer shows. The annual Dairy Dinner - widely regarded as one of the industry's foremost networking events between practical farmer and "high executive" - is going ahead the evening before. Well-known and respected organic cheese maker and farmer John Alvis is the guest speaker. The Dairy Industry Award will also be presented at the dinner.

Another of the show's prestigious awards - the South West Dairy Farmer of The Year Award - will be presented on the Milk Link stand at 12.00 on the day of the show.

Giving their expert opinions on all things milk prices and milk marketing at the event will be Rex Ward, vice chairman of Milk Link; Peter Nicholson, Milk Procurement Director of Wisemans; and quota broker Ian Potter, who never fails to draw a crowd with his views on the industry.

Experts on Nitrates and Nitrate Vulnerable Zones will also give detailed briefings - a particularly timely and essential contribution on an issue that will have a significant effect on the industry.

Farmers have also got the opportunity to have their soil analysed by Kingshay Farming Trust. Simply bring an intact block of established sward and soil and it will do the rest.

And John Deere has chosen The Dairy Show for the South West launch of its new range of 83hp to 155hp tractors and to showcase its innovations in tractors, foragers, combines and sprayers. It has an extensive display of all the equipment in the Sedgemoor Hall.

"There's a massive amount going on in the dairy industry at the moment, and the show reflects it. We've got all of the key issues covered," said Edwin White, show chairman.

"Milk prices are high, but there are still many challenges for farmers to face. The Dairy Show will help to provide solutions.

"We were naturally disappointed to have to cancel the Show in October, but we are delighted with the support we have had for the new show' in January. It is an event not to be missed."

The Dairy Show is sponsored by Dairy Crest. Tickets on the day cost £10.00, but advance tickets cost £8.50. Tickets to the Dairy Industry Dinner are also available, costing £45.00. All tickets are available from 01749 822222.

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