The Dairy Event and Livestock Show on Relocation
2010-03-15

The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers’ plans are well underway to stage the Dairy Event and Livestock Show at its new venue, the NEC, Birmingham on Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 September.

RABDF chief executive, Nick Everington

“Relocating the UK’s largest specialist event to the NEC is proving to be an exciting challenge,” RABDF chief executive, Nick Everington told a media briefing at the NEC on Friday 12 March. “In the first instance the move is enabling us to continue to build the Dairy Event and Livestock Show on its current format offering comprehensive technical, business and financial information for the entire UK ruminant sector, and provide a one-stop shop for livestock farmers. However it’s larger, modern and easy accessed facilities that are in keeping with doing business in the 21st century are enabling us to develop the show to become the flagship not only for the UK industry, but also to rival its European counterparts.

“Furthermore, the new venue is destined to make a serious statement of professionalism on behalf of the British livestock sector; it reflects the event as modern and progressive, in particular to the food chain, international visitors, the next generation and recruits to the industry.”

RABDF’s decision to relocate the event to the NEC provides the opportunity to expand its 2009 attendance, which was up by 12% on the year, with increased visitor numbers from both the UK and overseas, he said. “The much improved access to the venue via rail and air, as well as road, will for example enable farmers to make a return day trip to the event from throughout England and Wales as well as further afield - Northern Ireland, Scotland and Eire. The airport’s proximity also introduces real advantages for international delegates.”

All trade exhibitors from across the supply chain will be brought under one roof and located in interlinked exhibition halls which will be sector zoned enabling farmers to find exhibitors more easily and make better use of their time, Mr Everington explained. Another hall covering more than two acres will accommodate livestock; dairy – including the competitive classes, beef, sheep, commercial goats and native breeds exhibitions together with wash down, clipping and milking facilities. Nearby accommodation will be provided for stockmen.

“Spending the day in a controlled environment will enable visitors to leave behind wellington boots and focus on doing business. They will also be able to enjoy the benefits of parking on hard standing, award winning catering and onsite accommodation.

“The event will see the return of the popular technical features including the Farm Health Planning exhibition, the soil surgery and muck clinic, Milk Made, and the mixer wagon demonstrations. Furthermore, new features are being introduced including a series of ruminant nutrition seminars together with Meatmakers exhibition designed to offer livestock farmers adding value opportunities.

“For exhibitors, the site offers better visitor flow and the potential for an increased number of contacts. The professional working environment will also enhance efficiency and offer better access for ‘build-up and breakdown’,” he said.

“Finally, RABDF is pleased to welcome on board Barclays as the event’s new principal sponsor and we look forward to developing the event even further with their support.”

Barclays’ national agricultural specialist, Euryn Jones commented: “Becoming the Dairy Event and Livestock Show’s principal sponsor during this important year for the event provides a very clear signal of Barclays’ commitment to the future of UK agriculture, and to the dairy sector in particular. We are confident that prospects are good for forward thinking and efficient milk producers and we are keen to support the investment that will be required to expand production, further improve efficiency and meet with environmental regulations.

“The Dairy Event and Livestock Show provides a unique opportunity for dairy and livestock producers to gain knowledge and information to develop their businesses. We look forward to working with RABDF to ensure that the 2010 event will become a memorable occasion.”

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