The Canadian Dairy Xpo (CDX), a new large-scale dairy event and a first ever for Canada, will mix dairy agribusiness, breed associations, and the research community under one huge roof with dairy producers and global industry stakeholders Feb. 6 and 7.
In addition to hundreds of dairy product and service providers in the trade show halls, the event will feature a world class speaker program, live milking robot showdown, working cow showcase and an evening networking social.
All will take place in the new world-class Stratford Rotary Complex.
“Progressive and professional dairy producers will find significant return on their time investment at this event that is exclusively for the dairy industry,” said Jordon Underhill, one of the founders of CDX.
“There is a lot of pride in this vibrant sector and producers need a national stage to gather for technology and education transfer.”
Talo Tamminga, who spent nine years as manager of Lely North America and introduced robotic milking to the continent in 1999, is Underhill’s partner running CDX
“We will operate in English, French and Dutch, the three major languages of the dairy industry in Canada,” said Tamminga.
“We’ve chosen Stratford as the home of the event as it’s one of the hot spots of expansion in the Canadian dairy industry and it’s easy to get to.”
Perth County, along with Wellington and other surrounding counties, makes up one of the most important dairy regions in Canada.
Officials say that within an hour’s drive of Stratford there are almost 3,000 medium- to large-scale dairy operations, and that number is growing.
The organizers note other global dairy events, such as the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, are overbooked with exhibitors. They agree there is an opportunity for a parallel Canadian dairy event.
Major industry partners have signed on with CDX, a testament to the void the event is filling in the Canadian marketplace.
EastGen, a partner in the Semex Global Alliance, is one of several genetic companies that will showcase its best dairy daughters from across Canada live at CDX.
“There is a need in the global dairy industry marketplace for an all-Canadian showcase to the world,” said Brian O’Connor, general manager of EastGen.
“We will showcase the best ‘working cow genetics’ in a commercial loose housing set-up so producers can see the cows walk and move under natural conditions.”
Other founding partners that have made three-year commitments to the project include Jaylor, Grand Valley Fortifiers and Post Farm Structures.
Jack Rodenburg from DairyLogix has over 34 years experience in dairy extension work. He will bring his global experience to coordinating the dairy classroom at CDX.
“Today’s producers are business professionals who require continuing education to keep them competitive and ‘in the know’ on the latest industry trends and technologies,” said Rodenburg. “We will implement a split format of speakers and workshops where producers earn CDX credits.”
In addition, CDX has a steering committee, comprised of progressive producers and CDX founding partners, that will give CDX management input and direction on all facets of CDX to ensure continuous improvement and national growth of the project.
“It is refreshing to see a new professional initiative for our Canadian dairy industry,” said Alain Lajeunesse, manager of market development and communications for Holstein Canada.
“I like the two-day format with a 100 per cent focus on dairy. The Canadian Dairy Xpo should appeal to all types of dairy producers across the country and beyond.”
ROI Event Management, manager of CDX, is a Canadian company that exclusively builds and manages specialized agricultural trade shows. The company, based in Port Rowan, currently owns and manages the largest horticultural trade show in Canada.
The Canadian Dairy Xpo will take place at the Stratford Rotary Complex (353 McCarthy Road) on Feb. 6 and 7. For more information visit www.dairyxpo.ca.
