JULY 26, 2010: The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers’ plans are well underway to stage the Dairy Event and Livestock Show on Tuesday September 7 and Wednesday September  8 at the NEC, Birmingham, its new venue less than 15 minutes walk from Birmingham airport and railway station.

“Relocating the UK’s largest specialist event to the NEC is proving to be an exciting challenge,” says RABDF chief executive, Nick Everington. “In the first instance the move is enabling us to continue to build on the event in its current format, offering comprehensive technical, business and financial information for the entire UK ruminant sector, and also provide a one-stop shop for dairy , beef, sheep and goat farmers. “Furthermore, the new venue, with its larger, modern and easy accessed facilities, is destined to make a serious statement of professionalism on behalf of the UK livestock sector; it reflects the event as up to date and progressive, in particular to retailers and processors, international visitors, the next generation and recruits to the industry.” RABDF’s decision to relocate the event to the NEC provides the opportunity to increase exhibitors; since 2003 numbers have risen by 62% from 280 to 454 exhibitors last year, and also to expand its 2009 attendance, which was up by 12% on the year, with increased visitor numbers from both the UK and overseas. “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. 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 product sector zoned enabling farmers to find exhibitors more easily and make better use of their time. A second structure, the Livestock Hall covering more than two acres will accommodate livestock; dairy – including the competitive classes, beef, sheep, commercial goats and native breeds exhibitions, with the wash down, clipping, milking facilities and stockmen’s accommodation located immediately behind the building. “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. Gate prices will be fixed at 2009 rates, with the same discounts available for both pre-event and bulk ticket purchases. Car parking will be free for visitors and exhibitors. A new international visitors’ lounge will also provide the opportunity for farmers and suppliers from overseas to do business with British based companies.” The event will see the return of the prestigious dairy classes, where farmers will be able to watch seven dairy breeds compete for the breed and interbreed championships, while the beef, sheep, goat and breed promotions will allow farmers to compare the benefits of each breed. The event will also host the popular technical features including the foot trimming and mixer wagon demonstrations, Diversifarm and MilkMade exhibitions as well as the Native Breeds National Show and Exhibition and soil surgery. Additional new features are being introduced including a series of interactive farm health planning seminars, feed science forums, EID and EBV demonstrations together with the MeatMakers exhibition, designed to show farmers how they can either maximise carcase value or process their own meat on farm. He adds: “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’. Ultimately, the NEC venue will offer the opportunity for future expansion as we plan to build the Dairy Event and Livestock Show to become the flagship not only for the UK industry, but also to rival its European counterparts.”

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