STRATFORD – After a three-year hiatus, producers were eager to reconnect with fellow dairy producers, industry reps and new technology at the Canadian Dairy Xpo (CDX), states a press release.
The CDX returned for its 9th year from April 3 to 4, welcoming 16,912 people from across the continent and globe.
The first day welcomed 9,227 visitors, according to official numbers, representing the largest number of people seen in a single day.
“The energy was electric,” states the release.
Holstein Canada, according to the release, was a big driver in the record attendance this year. Each of their members across Canada was sent two tickets.
“Were proud supporters of CDX, this event offers something for all our member,” said Brad Eggink of Holstein Canada.
“To see so many members face-to-face again was invigorating,” he added.
Eggink spoke of the launch of Holstein Canada’s new “ConneXXion” app, which he said gives “back to our members and our community for years of service and dedication.”
Holstein Canada also purchased a calf in the “Calves for a Cause Sale,” donating the animal back to help raise additional funds for the Children’s Hospital Foundation.
The Calves for a Cause Sale made its debut in the “WeCover Cow Coliseum,” presented by Shur-Gain and John Deere.
Over 40 head of live lots were sold in addition to frozen genetics. Funds go directly to the London’s Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Managed by Jeff Stevens, the sale has been running for three years, and was started in 2021 by the Markus family on behalf of their son, Brooks.
Sales raised nearly $70,000 for the Children’s Hospital Foundation, according the release.
“When you combine quality selection with a great cause and put it on the largest dairy stage in Canada, you have yourself a magical formula to build from,” said founder and CDX president Jordon Underhill.
“CDX has made the long-term commitment to hosting the sale at no cost and will be further investing in the cause with infrastructure and donations. It’s simply the right thing to do,” Underhill added.
Canadian cheese was served by 4-H dairy youth clubs which also saw record-breaking sales this year with more ice cream bars sold at the Mueller ice cream bar, and more grilled cheese sold at the New Gay-Lea 4-H Milk Parlour.
The new milk parlour occupied an entire hall and created a destination to meet, listen to local music, and enjoy a grilled cheese sandwhich or a milk shake.
4-H clubs have been actively fundraising at the CDX since its inception, alongside the Perth/Huron Junior Farmers.
”Once again, CDX was an incredible opportunity for our 4-H members and volunteers,” said 4-H Waterloo’s John Drummond.
“This year’s GayLea 4-H Milk Parlour was a wonderful place to sit and enjoy a grilled cheese, chocolate milk, milkshake and friends, all while we raised funds for 4-H clubs in nine different counties,” said Drummond, who also heads fundraising efforts at the CDX.
Several international delegates attended the XPO to see the vibrancy and pride in the Canada’s dairy industry.
Delegates took part in many aspects of the CDX, including the new German Pavilion hosted by the German Ministry of Agriculture.
The Pavilion showcased the latest in German dairy innovation and is expected to return in 2024 with an even larger presence in its own international innovation hall.
“The booming dairy sector of Canada has come into the focus of German dairy equipment and technology companies,” managing director of the German Pavilion Stefan Kresse said.
“The first ever German pavilion supported by the German Ministry of Agriculture didn’t come as a surprise; German household names such as Kraiburg, Prinzing, Caisley, Böck and BvL were quite happy to receive an impressive number of dairy farmers and equipment dealers at the German pavilion,” Kresse added.
Canadian Senator Rob Black, who chairs the Senate’s agriculture amd forestry standing committee, also provided remarks about CDX, saying the show isn’t to be missed.
“After a three-year hiatus, the [CDX] was back and they continue to illustrate the hard and innovative work of farmers, producers and agricultural technology,” Black said. “I am always thoroughly impressed by the work of producers, processors, leaders and entrepreneurs, who continue to make Canadian dairy some of the best in the world.”
After a year of record-setting sales, the CDX will return to Stratford next year from April 3 to 4 for its 10th anniversary.
“Look for many new exciting features as we celebrate 10 years in a big way,” states the release. “See you at the [CDX] next year.”
For more information, operations manager Kate Mehlenbacher can be reached at 519-362-4480 or kate@dairyxpo.ca. You can also visit dairyxpo.ca for more information.
