3,000 in moo-d for dairy day in Shropshire
Thousands of farmers and 180 cows brought a hint of the countryside to the centre of Telford.
Following two years without a national specialist show, a brand new one-day event generated unprecedented interest.
More than 3,000 people packed into Telford International Centre yesterday for the UK Dairy Day event.
The venue was chosen due to Shropshire being at the "heart" of dairy production.
Around 180 cows of all breeds, colours and sizes competed in the show ring championships, with a total of £20,000 up for grabs in prize money.
With the variety of busy trade stands and the excited buzz in the air, it was easy to forget the problems that dairy farmers across the country are facing concerning the continuing low price of milk.
Milk prices for suppliers have been cut by dairy giant Muller Wiseman, prompting warnings of a fresh round of protests by farmers and campaigners.
The Market Drayton-based dairy giant announced its price will drop by 1.8 pence per litre to 29ppl from October.
Farming campaigners fear the move could see the industry face the same problems as two years ago when farmers faced bankruptcy and carried out a series of protests.
Rob Newbery, NFU chief dairy adviser, assured farmers at the event that average dairy prices would increase gradually in the next 10 years.
He said: "The reality that farmers face is that prices are volatile and are now falling away again. They rise and fall, it is a volatile market.
"The short term challenges in the fall of milk prices are a reality but people recognise that the milk price is a consequence of dairy prices globally and farmers need to assure that they are competitive in the market place by attending events like this and keeping up with the latest in the industry."
Rebecca Barningham, one of the event organisers, said: "UK Dairy Day is an event for the dairy farmers taking place at the time of year when they are making decisions for the Winter.
"It features 190 trade stands, represented by all different suppliers to the dairy farming industry, and we have 180 cows on site, of all breeds and colours.
"In essence it is like a beauty parade with the cattle entered into a championship and judged.
"This is the first event and Telford is the best location because it is the heart of the Midlands and surrounded by key dairy producing counties. Farmers have come from around the globe."
