Rising cattle entries and new foot trimming demonstrations at the Dairy Event
31/08/05

Cattle entries to the Dairy Event to be held at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry on Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 September are up for the third consecutive year with stall bookings completely sold out. More than 300 stall bookings have been received from almost 90 exhibitors and the waiting list amounts to double figures, according to event organizers, the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers.

“Cattle remain at the heart of the Dairy Event, and demand for stalls has demonstrated that it is among the leading UK shows for top quality cattle,” says RABDF's Richard Evans. “The exhibitors enjoy the two day format and we are able to offer an attractive pool of prize money and prestigious silverware thanks to cattle sponsor, the 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. Mick Gould from Grange Farm, Bomere Heath, Shrewsbury will judge the Holstein section, while James Simpson of Nantwich will do the honours in the British Friesian ring; Keith Davidson, of Haugh of Urr, Castle Douglas with judge the Ayrshires; David Dent, of Kirby Stephen the Dairy Shorthorns; Richard Johnson, of Warrington the Brown Swiss; James Warren, of Penzance the Guernseys and John Stubbs, of Ashbourne 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.

The event's inaugural foot trimming demonstration will also take place on Thursday. Cheshire based Steve Bradbury, a qualified instructor with his own practice will be demonstrating Dutch trimming techniques, while Norman Walker, who operates a nationwide practice from Lancashire will feature trimming from a rollover crush.

“RABDF is increasingly concerned that 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 Evans. “This new demonstration is designed to encourage all farmers to adopt preventative measures, examine their herd's feed and trim at least once a year.”