The Canadian Dairy XPO is returning to the Stratford Rotary Complex here on April 5 and 6.
Organizers state the two-day event will host record crowds.
Now in its fifth year, the Canadian Dairy XPO (CDX) has a lot going on.
For 2017, dairy producers will be able to explore the enormous XPO, which includes over 350 dairy companies from a total of 30 countries, Purina Dairy Classroom, a genomics education centre, 4-H heifer calf sale and 360-degree virtual tours of European dairy farms .
“We’re heading into year five and it’s our goal to continuously change the program on an annual basis to keep it fresh for attending farmers,” said show general manager Jordan Underhill.
New this year, the show is combining with two other dairy shows in Ontario to offer a full dairy week.
Starting off the week is the Ontario Spring Discovery at the Ancaster Fairgrounds April 3 to 6. The CDX takes place April 5 to 6 in Stratford and rounding off the week is the Holstein National Convention in Richmond Hill April 5 to 8.
“It gives dairy producers from across Canada three different reasons to come to Ontario in that first week,” said Underhill, adding there will be free shuttles between each show.
Also new this year is the 360-degree virtual farm tours offered in the WeCover Cow Coliseum.
Also in the Coliseum attendees can see the milking robot showcase and milk maker forage competition. All three showcases will continue during the day on both dates.
“(Attendees) come for education, which we have in our dairy classroom,” said Underhill. “They come for innovation – the dairy industry has become so rapid in terms of the innovation development that there is always something new every year.
“And then they also come for social, which is important to get producers together under one roof sharing ideas and having a break from the day to day work on the farm.”
The CDX is expecting over 15,000 people to walk through the show over two days.
Some of the learning opportunities at the Purina Dairy Classroom are:
– Dr. Jan Pol, of The Incredible Dr. Pol, 10th season on NatGeoWILD, will reveal his behind the scenes top 10 videos. Catch his talk twice during the XPO, on April 5 from 10:10 to 11:15am and on April 6 from 10:10 to 11am;
– Purina CowSignals – producers have increased cow comfort in the areas of space, water, rest, light, air and feed and with that seen production increases leading to substantial financial gains. This session will walk through a typical Purina CowSignals session and will allow attendees to connect with some of the producers and specialists that have benefitted from the service. The talk takes place from 11am to 12pm on April 6;
– Ultrasound workshop with Dr. Tom Wheal, who will address how dairy producers confidently and practically apply ultrasound as a best practice to enhance their reproduction program in concert with their veterinary services. Catch his talk on April 6 from 12 to 12:45pm. He will also be holding demonstrations every 30 minutes between 1:30 and 4pm in the milk house; and
– Yvonne Leenders, manager of Global Dairy Farmers, will be sharing her experiences of global impact on dairy businesses in countries such as India, Israel, Saudi Arabia and Brazil. Catch her talk on April 6 from 2:15 to 3pm.
There will be a free breakfast at the Purina Dairy Classroom both days from 8 to 9:30am and capping off the night on April 5 is the ever popular CheeseFEST.
It includes a massive cheese buffet, local wines, micro-brews and whiskeys, DHI Herd Management Score Awards and live entertainment by The Boxcar Boys and Jukebox. It will be held from 4 to 7pm at the WeCover Cow Coliseum.
For more information about events and speakers, plus a map of the XPO grounds, visit dairyxpo.ca. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the gate.
