A major dairy exhibition has been postponed due to the rapid rise in the number of cases of Covid-19.

Due to be held on February 2, organisers of Dairy-Tech 2022 have decided to postpone the event until April 7 because of growing concern over the new Omicron variant of the virus.

Last year's show was held as a virtual event because of the pandemic.

Due to be held next month (2 February), show organisers The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) made the difficult decision to push back the date to April following the hike in cases over the Christmas period.

Managing director of The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF), which organises the event, Matt Knight said: "Upholding the health and safety of visitors, members, exhibitors, speakers and our staff is paramount.

"However, due to the unprecedented number of cases of coronavirus over the last few weeks, we feel the best and most responsible option is to postpone the event until later in the year when cases historically have dropped.

"By April, the hope is more people will have received their booster jab and levels of coronavirus will be lower.

“The event on 7 April will also be before silaging starts, making it more accessible for farmers attending.”

Dairy-Tech is one of the biggest dairy shows to date, with more than 80 new product launches and almost 300 exhibitors.

Usual favourites are featured, including the Dairy Hub, offering guidance and insight on key industry issues and the Innovation Hub, where new products, ideas, technology and concepts will be discussed.

Hoof trimming demonstrations will also feature at the event.