Dairy Event and Livestock Show 2008 is essential to farming plans

Many involved in the livestock sector consider it essential to go to the Dairy Event and Livestock Show. We ask several producers what they aimto get out of it and why the event is so important



  • Tim downess


For Farmers Weekly Farmer Focus writer Tim Downes the Dairy Event and Livestock Show is a good place to chat to a range of suppliers, catch-up on research and technology and share ideas with like-minded people.


“I usually go to the event on the first day and this year is even more poignant after last year’s cancellation. I am always actively looking for new research or different genetics that could be applied back on farm.”


And with Tim finishing Aberdeen Angus cross cattle, the “livestock” element at this year’s show will be useful. “The beef area at the event will be valuable, as it allows me to focus on the two main areas of producing both a milk and beef animal.


“It is also a good place for members of staff to go and learn. There is a lot of information available and every different aspect is covered.”



  • Dale Whalley


The specificity of the Dairy Event and Livestock Show means you can catch up on the latest information at one show and it is the only show Dairy Update contributor, Dale Whalley attends.


“I don’t have time to go to other agricultural events and this brings all the news and technology developments to one place.


“With it being such a dedicated show, I always learn so much. But managing time is important to get the most out of the event. This year I want to improve ventilation on farm by removing Yorkshire boarding and installing fans, so I am planning to find out information on the latest ventilation technology.”


Dale will also be on the Sainsbury’s and Robert Wiseman stands, as he is a steering group representative for the Sainsbury Dairy Development Group.



  • Kevan Windridge


As farm manager of a 243ha (600-acre) dairy farm at Stow on the Wold, Kevan Windridge has been a regular at the event, where he used to be a steward as a student.


“This has always been the best and main technical event in the dairy industry, a great place to catch up with people, to see what’s going on, and you always get something out of it. As a student it used to be electric and I now see it as a good barometer of how the industry is doing.


“I frequently go with a list of things I wish to focus on and products I am interested in. And everyone working on the farm gets to go, not only to learn of new products and ideas, but also as a social event.”


Lots to see, so plan your time well


With more than 450 trade stands and two working machinery demos at this year’s Dairy Event and Livestock Show, there is plenty to see and do, so planning your time and working out what you want to gain from the event is essential.


Whether it’s a new piece of machinery, nutritional product or advice, pick out the exhibitors and experts you want to see with our A-Z guide (p52) and plan your day so you have time to visit everything you want to.


Arranging meetings before the event is a good way of ensuring you speak to who you need to. Representatives are always more than willing to give you a time, but waiting in a queue to meet a specific person may mean missing other things on your list. Also if you want to visit the working machinery demonstrations, work out which machines you want to see and when.


When your time at the event is limited allocate how much time you want to spend on each stand and ensure you stay on schedule.

See more