Dairy-Tech 2022 Postponed to April Following Hike in Coronavirus Cases

Due to growing concern over the new Omicron variant, Dairy-Tech 2022 has been postponed to 7 April 2022.

Due to be held next month (2 February), show organisers The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) made the difficult decision to push back the date to April following the hike in cases over the Christmas period.

RABDF Managing Director Matt Knight said: "Upholding the health and safety of visitors, members, exhibitors, speakers and our staff is paramount. However, due to the unprecedented number of cases of Coronavirus over the last few weeks, we feel the best and most responsible option is to postpone the event until later in the year when cases historically have dropped.

"By April, the hope is more people will have received their booster jab and levels of Coronavirus will be lower.

“The event on 7 April will also be before silaging starts, making it more accessible for farmers attending.”

Dairy-Tech is one of the biggest dairy shows to date, with more than 80 new product launches and almost 300 exhibitors.

Usual favourites are featured, including the Dairy Hub, offering guidance and insight on key industry issues and the Innovation Hub, where new products, ideas, technology and concepts will be discussed. Hoof trimming demonstrations will also feature at the event.

To find out more about the event, what's on and how to buy tickets, go https://dairy-tech.uk/visiting/buy-tickets/

Extra Measures Put in Place to Make Dairy-Tech 2022 Covid-Secure

Extra measures are being implemented for Dairy-Tech 2022 held on 2 February to ensure it is Covid-secure.  

In line with the latest Government Covid regulations, visitors to Dairy-Tech must show a Covid pass on entry to prove they are either fully vaccinated or have tested negative. Masks must be worn at the event, with sanitiser stations provided throughout the venue.  

The event will be going ahead unless Government regulations restrict it from happening.  

Matthew Knight, RABDF Managing Director, said: "We are fortunate the facilities at Stoneleigh Park provide adequate space for people to social distance, as well as all the halls having excellent ventilation. As a result, the event can run safely, provided all visitors adhere to the Government guidelines and regulations. This is why we will not permit entry for any visitors failing to show a Covid Pass."  

The NHS Covid Pass can be obtained digitally through the NHS App or the online NHS Covid Pass service. Visit www.nhs.uk for more information.  

Dairy-Tech 2022 is shaping up to be one of the biggest dairy shows to date, with more than 80 new product launches and almost 300 exhibitors.  

Usual favourites are featured, including the Dairy Hub, offering guidance and insight on key industry issues and the Innovation Hub, where new products, ideas, technology and concepts will be discussed. Hoof trimming demonstrations will also feature at the event. 

Tickets bought before the show are priced at £17 per person compared to £20 at the door. In addition, members of the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) receive two free complimentary tickets to the event. 

To find out more about the event, what's on and how to buy tickets, go https://dairy-tech.uk/visiting/buy-tickets/ 

Myerscough and Harper Students Make it to Final Two of Dairy Student of the Year Award

Two students have been shortlisted for the Dairy Student of the Year Award, which peers, companies and prospective employers regard for highlighting some of the sectors rising stars. 

 Matthew McClymont from Myerscough College and Max Mitchell from Harper Adams University were selected from six finalists following a formal interview and panel discussion in front of an industry panel in London last week (9 December). 

 Students were asked to submit an essay response to a case study prepared by Kite Consulting to reflect real-life farming challenges. They were then asked to give a presentation on how the dairy industry might need to change to meet future challenges. 

 This year's judging panel consisted of RABDF vice-chairs Di Wastenage and Robert Craig, Mole Valley Farmers' James Hague and Chloe Cross from Kite Consulting. 

 Mr Craig says the competition has become distinguished across the dairy industry due to the high calibre of students entering each year.  "The optimism and enthusiasm towards the industry are clear to see from the applicants, and it is encouraging for the sector's future success. 

 "All of this year's finalists were outstanding and had a clear grasp on the future challenges of the sector and what needs to be done to overcome them.  

 "It was hard to shortlist the final two, but both Matthew and Max put forward some sound ideas on what farms could be doing to improve efficiencies as well working towards net-zero targets. Their presentations were well-considered and showed a clear understanding of the complexities of the industry," he added.  

 Chloe Cross from Kite Consulting added: “This year the finalists spoke of the immense opportunities that we can pursue, albeit with challenges on the horizon, we are a strong network and these finalists proved that outright.”    

 Jack Cordery, CEO of Mole Valley Farmers, says the company is delighted to sponsor the Dairy Student Award again this year. 

"It is crucial we encourage, develop and promote high calibre people coming into the industry. We need young people who understand and can work to develop innovative and practical solutions to the technical and management challenges of modern dairy farming.  

"This is probably more important than ever, as we need to not only help our farmers in terms of productivity and profitability, but now increasingly with the challenge of sustainability at the forefront of our thinking."  

The winner will be announced at Dairy-Tech 2022 on 2 February at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, where they will receive £750 plus a six-month paid placement with award sponsor Mole Valley Farmers. 

(left to right)

Matthew McClymont, Robert Craig and Max Mitchell.