Rising cattle entries at the Dairy Event
25/08/06

Cattle entries are up for the fourth consecutive year at the Dairy Event to be held at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry on Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 September. Stall bookings are completely sold out with over 220 entries received from 72 exhibitors according to event organizers, the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers.

“Cattle remain at the heart of the Dairy Event, and the continued trend in demand for stalls has demonstrated that it is rated among the leading UK shows for top quality cattle,” says RABDF chief executive, Nick Everington. “The two day format works well for exhibitors and we are able to offer an attractive pool of prize money and prestigious silverware thanks to cattle sponsor, Merial Animal Health through its Eprinex brand which has put up £1,000 for the HSBC supreme championship.”

Judging on the inspection only format, will take place throughout Wednesday in Cattle Shed 13, culminating with the supreme champion in the afternoon. John Cousar, of Kilmarnock, Ayrshire will judge the Holstein section, while Ian Brocket, Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire will do the honours in the British Friesian ring; Peter Berresford, Tideswell, Derbyshire will judge the Ayrshires; Paul Harrison, Heddon-on-the-Wall, Tyneside the Dairy Shorthorns; Martin Kohnle, Tanheim, Germany the Brown Swiss; Morris Grose, of Helston, Cornwall the Guernseys and David Jones, of Ormskirk, Lancashire the Jerseys.

The event will also host the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs’ National Stockman and Young Stock Judge of the Year competitions sponsored by HSBC. The awards will be presented to the winners by RABDF president, John Beckett on the HSBC Stand on Thursday at 3pm.

Following on the success of last year’s inaugural demonstration, hoof trimming, sponsored by Giltspur Scientific, will extend throughout the two day event. Pembrokeshire based Steve Bradbury, a qualified instructor with his own practice will be using Dutch trimming techniques, while Norman Walker, who operates a nationwide practice from Lancashire will demonstrate trimming from a rollover crush.

“RABDF is increasingly aware of the fact lameness has been among the biggest on-farm issues for 30 years. Today lameness is costing the average 150 cow dairy herd an annual £10,000 in lost production and treatment costs, and a massive £200 million to the industry,” says Mr Everington. “This very practical demonstration is designed to encourage all farmers to adopt preventative measures, examine their herd’s feed and trim at least once a year.”

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