STRATFORD – The Canadian Dairy XPO is returning to the Stratford Rotary Complex for its sixth year on April 4 and 5.
Last year, the two-day event saw over 16,000 people walk through its doors to visit more than 350 dairy companies showcasing new technology and innovations.
Companies in attendance represent more than 30 countries, including Israel, the Netherlands, UK, Germany, New Zealand, Mexico, United States and Ireland.
After last year’s event, general manager Jordon Undergill stated in a press release that the international exhibitors continue to increase.
“We continue to see international companies either exhibiting or walking the XPO to get a pulse on the vibrant Canadian Dairy industry,” he said.
Now in its sixth year, the Canadian Dairy XPO (CDX) has a lot going on.
“The future of the industry looks exciting and the (CDX) stands strong and committed to bringing global innovation and education to our vibrant dairy industry here in Canada,” stated a release.
New this year, the Purina Dairy Classroom has been moved upstairs and a complimentary breakfast with 100 per cent Canadian dairy products will be served both mornings outside the classroom.
The Junior Farmer VIP parking, a fundraiser for Junior Farmers, is new. The group is managing a parking lot off McCarthy Road for $5 per car, first come first serve (only 140+ spots). All funds go directly to Junior Farmers.
Also new this year is the AgCareers.com resume blitz to be held on the second day of CDX from 9 to 11am. Promoted to college and university seniors and graduate students from dairy and agriculture programs, students will be on site to drop off resumes at exhibiting companies.
This is free to exhibitors and students. Exhibitors will have a large, bright green sign at their exhibit indicating they are participating in the resume blitz.
Organizers state this is a chance to meet one-on-one with motivated dairy youth looking to secure employment.
In the Cow Coliseum, attendees can see the future of robotics in dairy demonstration, see genetics at work with the Dairy Daughters displays and visit the genomics education centre and 4-H heifer sale.
Some of the learning opportunities at the Purina Dairy Classroom are:
– Russell Gammon and Dr. Tim Henshaw with road trip ramblings: Nova Scotia native Russell Gammon has been involved in the global Dairy Industry for over 35 years. Gammon is part of team CDX, starring in his “Gammon Gabs” posts on social media. Dr. Henshaw is a passionate Agvocate and YouTube sensation. The talks will be held in the Upper Lobby on both April 4 and 5 from 9 to 10am.
– Greg Peterson of the Peterson Farm Brothers: The Peterson Farm Bros became an internet sensation overnight, with the release of their first parody, I’m Farming and I Grow It in 2012. They produce entertaining and educational videos on their YouTube channels and travel around the country speaking about agriculture. They will be on stage both days from 10:15 to 11:15am.
– Mike Jerred of Cargill Animal Nutrition: Constantly looking for ways to optimize every part of the farm business to improve animal productivity, Mike Jerred helps producers become data driven not just “gut” re-actionists, having 24/7 access to seamless, structured and actionable information that can be used for long term decision making, data-driven decisions and risk mitigation. He will be speaking on both days from 11:15am to 12:15pm
– Maximum inputs for maximum production panel: Allison Pylypjuk, veterinarian at Interlake Dairy Services – Manitoba will moderate a discussion with three producers from across Canada on how to properly select, measure and evaluate inputs to increase and maximize production. The panel will take place on April 4 from 1 to 2:30pm.
– Progressive dairy youth panel: Speak with young dairy superstars, discussing succession and transition from previous generations, risk evaluation, cash flow and more. The panel will be on April 5 from 1 to 2:30pm.
The University of Guelph will be hosting two expert panel discussions.
– April 4 from 12:15 to 1pm: Speaking are Stephen Le Blanc, professor in the department of population medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College, and research program director – animal production systems at the University of Guelph; David Kelton, Dairy Farmers of Ontario chair in dairy cattle health, professor, department of population medicine, Ontario Veterinary College; and Christine Baes, Semex, Canadian Dairy Network, Holstein Canada professor in dairy genomics, department of animal biosciences and Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock.
– April 5 from 12:15 to 1pm: Speaking are Art Hill, professor and chair, department of food science plus Kelton and Baes.
Capping off the night on April 4 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 Peterson Farm Brothers, Nelson Bluegrass band and Small Town Girls.
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.
