More than 7000 farmers, traders and industry experts are expected to attend the Borderway UK Dairy Expo at Borderway Mart, Carlisle, on Friday, March 15 and Saturday, March 16.

Holstein master breeder John Cousar will make the comparatively short journey south from Ayrshire to judge the British Friesian classes, while the Wisconsin-based genetics expert Roger Turner will cross the Atlantic from the USA to judge the international showmanship classes.

This year’s Dairy Expo also includes a trade exhibition of some 100 organisations sharing the latest industry trends, research, ideas and progressive developments, providing visitors to the event with a comprehensive shop window for the exchange of advice, information, contacts and knowledge.

Event organiser Glyn Lucas believes that the success of Borderway UK Dairy Expo is how it provides the perfect demonstration of the health and dynamism of British dairy farming.

“The quality and strength of the entries in all our show classes, the full support of all our sponsors, the reputation of our judges and expert speakers, and the passion of the thousands of visitors we will welcome to Borderway in March genuinely makes this a red letter event in the UK dairy calendar and beyond.

“Last year’s Dairy Expo proved how positively the UK industry was rebounding after the pandemic, and this year the success of the event is all the more important in the face of the challenges facing the whole of UK agriculture.

“This year we are absolutely delighted to be able to give our industry a globally respected stage to show their wonderful cattle and the advances that are being made in technology and systems that are helping our farmers forge ahead and build a successful future.”

Always passionate about supporting and encouraging the next generation, the organisers have specifically tailored classes for young people in the Rising Star Award, launched here in 2021.

This honour recognises the knowledge, work ethic and sportsmanship of an outstanding young person in dairy farming.

The John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the family of the late John Dennison of Cumbria, is another prestigious honour announced at the Dairy Expo.

Glyn Lucas also offers immense gratitude for the support of all those who make Borderway UK Dairy Expo a showcase of British excellence for the dairy industry.

“We are extremely grateful for the support of our trade exhibitors, the breed societies, the industry experts and, of course, the judges whose standing and reputation commands so much respect at the highest levels within the dairy arena worldwide. And, of course, most importantly, we thank the breeders and farmers of all ages who bring their magnificent cattle to Borderway from the four corners of the UK.

“They prove without any doubt that the future of the dairy industry is bright and the opportunities are huge. Our industry offers global solutions to many current issues that face our planet such as climate change, nutrition and food security.”

Borderway UK Dairy Expo 2024 is a free event for spectators with free parking also available. For more information, visit www.borderwaydairyexpo.co.uk.

Timetable of events

Friday, March 15

12 noon Showmanship competition

1.40pm (approx.) Showmanship championship

2pm Heifer show – Coloured breed classes and

Colour junior championship

4.30pm Heifer show – Holstein classes

6.30pm Holstein junior championship

Saturday, March 16

8.00am UK Dairy Expo opens

9.00am Milking classes – coloured breeds

12.00pm Break for lunch/visit trade stands

12.30pm Milking classes – Holsteins

1.30pm John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award

2.00pm Borderway UK Dairy Expo Rising Star Award

2.30pm Borderway UK Dairy Expo Tidy Lines Award

2.00pm Young Vlogger Competition Award

4.20pm Genus supreme heifer championship

4.30pm Supreme championship presentations

5.00pm Trade stands may be dismantled

7.00pm All Britain Awards, dinner and dance

(tickets to be purchased in advance)