Dairy Tech 2018: What’s on at the new RABDF event
Foot trimming demonstrations will be available at Dariy Tech 2018 © Tim Scrivener A floating dairy farm, drones and 3D printing will all be on show at the brand new, one-day, Dairy-Tech event.
The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers’ event on 7 February 2018 at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, has been specifically devised to focus on technology, innovation and the science of dairy farming.
The show’s format means visitors will get the chance to experience ground-breaking technology first hand, from robots to virtual reality and on-farm innovation like genomics, drones, management apps and pen-side diagnostics for disease detection.
See also: The latest news from the dairy sector
RABDF managing director Matt Knight said the future of dairy farming would rely on change, innovation and the development of technology.
Dairy-Tech will reflect this with some new concepts to inspire the uptake of the latest science and field-based skills, introduce a fresh range of innovative products and services and pioneer new global concepts, Mr Knight said.
“For example, while 3D printing isn’t yet widely used in the sector, it has the potential to print spare parts required in parlours and on farm as needed, minimising any down-time or loss of efficiency.
“And while the model of Holland’s floating dairy farm is unlikely to ever be a commercial proposition, it’s looking at important issues around nutrient recycling, carbon emissions, space utilisation and education – all of which have relevance to today’s dairy farm,” said Mr Knight.
The Dairy-Tech format, including the decision to bring the date forward from the previous Livestock Event slot in June, was based on extensive market research from member surveys and industry steering meetings.
“RABDF found the general feeling within the industry was for a technical and business event focused on progressing the industry and the people within it,” Mr Knight explained.
“With visitors attending events to learn about new products, to network and meet current and new suppliers, we have ensured Dairy-Tech covers all the points people asked for and we have ensured that the event has something to offer the whole range of dairy systems in place,” he added.
Speaker hubs
The two speaker hubs – Innovation and Dairy – will feature influential industry speakers covering a huge range of subjects.
All speakers have been challenged to present their expertise in a novel way, reducing the use of Powerpoint slides, using props and engaging with the audience.
Innovation Hub sessions will focus on solutions for dairy farms that could be applied tomorrow or in 10 years’ time.
They will include product reviews, road-tests of new technology and cover questions for the future dairy farm – for example, “Can dairy farms go ‘off-grid’ and be sustainable?” “Can 3D printing supply machinery parts or parlour equipment?” and “How can farms reduce their carbon footprint?”
Included in the Innovation Hub is an extensive range of new product launches by exhibitors. Many of these are entered in the Royal Dairy Innovation Award, previously known as the Prince Phillip award, and the three shortlisted entries will be showcased in a Dragons Den-style pitch to the judges.
While the innovation hub is tech-focused, the Dairy Hub will offer advice, guidance, political insight, knowledge and take-home messages for current problems experienced on dairy farms.
See the full agendas on the Dairy Tech website for the Dariy Hub and the Innovation Hub.
Tech Zone
The event will also house a Tech Zone made up of small stands allowing visitors to test new technology, products and services.
These solutions will offer dairy farmers a glimpse of the technological revolution that is coming their way.
Demonstrations include:
- A working 3D printer
- Drones
- Automation solutions from Lely including Lely’s brand-new scraper
The more traditional tasks have not been overlooked. Hoof-trimming demonstrations will be carried out by National Association of Cattle Foot Trimmers chairman Steve Paul.
Mr Paul will demonstrate both knife and grinder techniques as well as showing correct methods for sharpening trimming knifes.
Event details:
| Date | 7 February, 2018 |
| Time | 8am-6pm |
| Venue | Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. CV8 2L |
| Information | Email office@radbf.co.uk or call 02476 639317 |
| Dairy Tech website | Dairy Tech 2018 |
| Tickets | Adult (16+) £17 online £20 Gate Under-16s go free but proof of age required |
Seminars and workshops at Dairy-Tech are eligible for Dairy Pro points and registered Dairy Pro members can collect points which will be recorded against their personal and business profiles.
To become a member register at the AHDB stand.
All pre-bought tickets are eligible for Dairy-Tech’s personalised itinerary service; itineraries will be emailed out ahead of the event.
With so much to see, the itineraries are in place to ensure visitors use their time efficiently and will advise which exhibitors match up with the categories of interest they have outlined during registration as well as suggesting the most relevant seminars and workshops to attend.