Having established itself as the leading dairy show for new products, innovation and ground-breaking technology, Dairy-Tech will return to Stoneleigh Park on Wednesday 5 February.
This year’s show will be no exception when it comes to new products, with a huge array set to be showcased. With the future of dairy farming reliant on innovation, innovative changes and the development of technology, it is clear to see from the show’s previous success, how these tools are at the forefront of industry thinking – with farmers continually looking to improve efficiency. This year visitors can expect to see more brand new concepts across the show floor as well as developments on what has evolved over the past 12 months.
Expert speakers will be discussing and debating the key issues facing dairy farmers and profiling what’s new on the horizon through the Dairy and Innovation Hubs. As previously, the Dairy Hub will offer advice, political insight, guidance, knowledge and take home messages for current on farm issues whilst the Innovation Hub will continue to expand horizons, ways of thinking and introduce new concepts.
Expect to see Dairy Hub discussion on emissions from the industry and the imminent effects of Defra’s Clean Air Strategy on dairy farms. Robert Craig, grass based farmer and Dave Craven from Grosvenor Farms will go head to head in a low v high input systems session discussing the carbon footprint of their farms, highlighting how their practice contributes to this, and what measures they’ve undertaken to reduce their contribution.
Focus will shift on the Innovation Hub where it’ll be all things new – products, ideas, technology, concepts and techniques. Slots will cover the positive effects of satellite intelligence, biological solutions for reducing emissions and emerging agri-tech with an exclusive app store section – identifying the latest apps farms need to download.
Sessions across both hubs will aim to answer questions such as: To what extent will innovation and artificial intelligence really play in future dairy businesses? How much could be saved by adopting best practice when it comes to emissions from slurry? How can we meet future demands with genetics to breed healthy and sustainable herds? What drivers are the key to optimum efficiency?
The Skills Studio will return – acting as the one-stop-shop for all things career development featuring student debates, CV clinics and business skills. The event will also host a number of animal health workshops, with specialist speakers, on planning for TB, calf health and mastitis.
As part of the event’s brand new machinery and innovation hall certain exhibitors will host test-drive demo slots throughout the day, enabling visitors to try out any machinery in a ‘try before you buy’ type concept, staggered across specific time slots in an exclusive area of the event.
To support the importance of wellbeing throughout the sector we will be hosting a Wellness Clinic. Operating on a drop in basis, visitors will have the chance to call by and receive a free check up. The tech-zone will return, where visitors can road-test new technology, as will the research centre, a collection of universities comprising of advice and guidance relevant to the whole spectrum of dairy jobs and dairy systems on the market. Our popular foot trimming demonstrations will also continue to showcase the use of thermal imaging to detect lameness problems not picked up by the human eye.
Tickets are now on sale; they cost £17 when booked in advance at www.dairy-tech.uk with concessions in place for RABDF members and students. All pre-bought tickets are eligible for our personalised itinerary service, a copy of which will be emailed out ahead of the event. The itineraries are in place to ensure visitors utilise their time efficiently and will advise which exhibitors match up with the categories of interest they have outlined during registration as well as suggesting the most relevant seminars and workshops to attend. The event opens at 8:00am and closes at 5:30pm and will be signed from all main routes; parking is on site and is free of charge. For any queries please call 02476 639317 or email office@rabdf.co.uk