Dairy Event 2010: VIDEO – New venue gets the thumbs up

Farmers, exhibitors and organisers have given their backing to the decision to relocate the Dairy Event and Livestock Show from Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire.

Event organisers the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers said more exhibitors had taken space at the show, while the move had seen farmer ticket sales increase by 20% on the previous year.

Officially launching the event on Tuesday (7 September), RABDF president Princess Anne said the decision to move the show to an alternative venue was “sensible”.

“This venue is much larger, it’s easier to access and also underlines a serious statement of professionalism on behalf of the UK agricultural sector,” she said.

“It’s up to date and progressive, especially to our international visitors and the next generation of farmers. This is a very positive moment for the industry.”

Nick Everington, RABDF chief executive, said the new venue was “tremendous”.

“The biggest advantage is the livestock hall. The exhibitors can space things out, it’s lively and there is planty of room to move. It’s been much better than Stoneleigh.”

Mr Everington said the move had been a challenge but the benefits the venue brought made it worthwhile.

“It’s great that people can move around whatever the weather and the location has really helped – being so close to the airport we have had people fly in from all over the country, as well as from 30 countries worldwide.

“We’ve had some complaints but they are about familiarity. Once people get used to it they will be fine.

“We would like to see more people from the beef and sheep world, but I’m confident things will continue to improve here.”

What the exhibitors said:

“The location is a great improvement on Stoneleigh. There’s space, room for expansion and a professional layout. It’s also light and airy and there’s easy access. There are bound to be a few teething problems as with anything new, but the RABDF has been very helpful. My only complaint is the pens can’t be pinned to the ground.”
Caroline Poultney of the South Devon Herd Book Society, Exeter

“It’s an ideal place. Parking’s easier and the signs are good. I wouldn’t say it’s better than Stoneleigh as I had a lot of faith in it as a venue, but the facilities here are good. The NEC has to prove itself by seeing how many people come back.”
Gordon Timbrell, Milford Ayreshires, Cirencester

“The set-up is much more professional. We were stuck out on a limb before but this feels much more central. There are more people here but it does seem quiet – there is so much space that people aren’t streaming past like they usually do. They are trying to encourage more sheep here – it would be good if the Beltex and Texels were here.
Clive Hawes, Charollais Sheep, Bicester

• To read more from the Dairy Event and Livestock Show click here. And to have your say on the new venue click here for our forum.

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