The Livestock Event is reverting to its roots in 2017. Organiser, the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers is returning the event to its traditional time slot with next year’s event scheduled for 6 September at The NEC, accompanied by a name change to the National Dairy Event.
 
“The event originally rescheduled from September to July in 2013, renamed Livestock Event and widened its remit to cover other livestock enterprises, similar to the very successful Eurotier held in Germany,” RABDF chairman, Mike King told a media briefing in London today, 28 June. “It was anticipated that farmers would benefit from hearing about developments in other sectors and that the July date would be better for beef and sheep producers rather than just dairy.
 
“However, annual tracking of producers, visitors and exhibitors clearly indicates that while the changes have gained support over time, a specialist event in September remains the preferred option.
 
“The move to hold the event over one day rather than the usual two is simply down to cost; the single-day format will allow exhibitors who are reducing marketing costs in line with the fall in demand for farm inputs, to save on hotel, stand, catering and personnel expenses.
 
“RABDF is acutely aware these changes will position the event in the calendar close to Holstein UK’s UK Dairy Day. RABDF and Holstein UK acknowledge that consolidation in the industry is already affecting both their events, and they have been discussing how to resolve this for the past year. Negotiations are ongoing, however with the 2016 event imminent, RABDF has been placed in the position of having to start discussions about next year’s arrangements with exhibitors.
 
“RABDF is hopeful that it will reach agreement with Holstein UK over a possible joint future event, however in the meantime, it has no wish to conflict with UK Dairy Day more than necessary, consequently it will not include any cattle showing at the 2017 event.”
 
He added: “We look forward to delivering an event in 14 months time that will continue to offer dairy farmers support, knowledge and information to help them progress their business’ future.”