The Canadian Dairy Xpo (CDX) is back – and bigger than ever.
Now in its fourth year, the CDX has a lot to boast about.
The annual dairy tradeshow has found a permanent home in the Stratford Rotary Complex with an almost 28,800 square foot state-of-the-art “Cow Coliseum.”
“We’ve had three successful years here and we knew this would be a long-term home, so going into year four we decided to make a major capital investment in the Cow Coliseum,” explained show general manager Jordan Underhill.
He added the CDX paid about $500,000 for the new building, while the City of Stratford purchased the land.
Another new feature on the grounds is a 100-foot pedestrian bridge for easier access to the new coliseum.
“Rather than have people walk all the way around (a storm water pond) we made this part of the experience, going to and from the Cow Coliseum, and put in a 100-foot free span fully engineered pedestrian bridge,” said Underhill.
He added the show has been attracting more and more people each year. Last year, it had 15,200 attendees.
As the show grows more and more, businesses are coming as exhibitors.
“It’s pretty exciting,” said Underhill.
Attendees can find the following at the show:
– a pancake breakfast;
– 350 dairy exhibitors;
– global dairy innovation and cattle demos;
– a Purina dairy classroom, an educational program with international speakers, producer panels and virtual tours;
– 4-H grilled cheese and milkshake fundraising; and
– crossbreed and milking robot showcases.
The popular evening CheeseFEST takes place on April 6 from 4 to 7pm, at which attendees can enjoy live entertainment, a massive 100 per cent Canadian cheese buffet, local wine and microbrews.
CDX tickets are $25. The show takes place April 6 from 8am to 7pm and April 7 from 8am to 4pm.
