Lord Bach to attend Dairy Event 2005
02/08/05

Minister for Sustainable Farming and Food, Lord Bach is to meet with livestock farmers and address the industry at the Dairy Event 2005, on Wednesday 21 September, the first of Europe's premier two day event to be staged at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry by its organizers the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers.

"We are delighted Lord Bach has accepted our invitation to attend the event," says RABDF chief executive, Nick Everington. "In his very early days as Minister, he has identified that the dairy supply chain is still not working effectively to the fairness of all concerned, and that is clearly most encouraging. In addition, his continuing support and active involvement in the Dairy Supply Forum is greatly welcomed."

Our overall plans for the Dairy Event are well advanced with more than 380 exhibitors booked, overseas visitors coming from 30 different countries and a record number of dairy farmers expected by coach, rail, air and road from all parts of the UK. While cattle remain at the heart of the event, this year sees the launch of three new exhibitions; Beef from the Dairy Herd in conjunction with EBLEX, Diversifarm, a joint venture with the Country Land and Business Association covering all aspects of farm diversification and the MDC Breeding+ Package which brings together breed evaluations and farm improvement programmes for the first time.

The MilkMade exhibition dedicated to dairy processing and marketing innovations will feature once again, with support from Dairy UK. In addition, RABDF will be building on the success of previous year's practical, hands on activities with new working demonstrations for cubicle bedding and straw chopping, and hoof trimming. This year also sees the return of the popular silage clinics including free forage analysis.

Mr Everington adds: "Dairy Event reflects RABDF working for British dairy farmers; offering factual information and advice to enable rational decisions to be made that ensure committed dairy farmers survive and become more robust."