The next generation will be at the heart of this year's Dairy Show with a full schedule of competitions and seminars focused on building a bright future for dairy.

Returning to the Bath & West Showground on 2 October, the show will host some of the UK's finest dairy livestock, welcoming past, present and future generations of talent and class.

Exhibitors will travel from all over the country to compete in a variety of breed classes before respective champions go head-to-head for the sought after Supreme Champion title. But before the title is bestowed, the ring will host the next generation of handlers in the Showmanship classes, including age groups 7-12, 13-17 and 18-26. This, followed by the calf classes, will be a chance to spot a few new showing stars.

The Dairy Show will also once again be the venue of choice for the UK Jersey Cattle Society's and the English Guernsey Cattle Society's National Shows. To that end, competition entries will open in early August to all classes.

Demonstrating the sector's breadth of knowledge and innovation, a showcase of the latest technologies, services and advice will also be on offer – enabling discussions and collaboration which capitalise on opportunity, build resilience, and help prepare for the future.

With the future in mind, the Dairy Show is proud to announce its 'Careers' theme for this year's seminars – aiming to take a holistic approach to the industry's growing need for new minds, perspectives and appetites. "The dairy sector – and the industry as a whole – has a wealth of career prospects," says head of shows, Jess Chiplen.

"But despite there being an extraordinary breadth of careers, young people and those looking for new career opportunities have often expressed that they are at a loss of where to go for advice, how to get their foot in the door – or even afford a career change.

"With so many businesses and key stakeholders present at the show, it felt like a prime opportunity for us to tackle the careers topic and work towards dismantling barriers."

Furthering its reach to young people who reside outside the farm gate, the show will launch its Dairy Discovery Day – linking farming with STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), with its pilot interactive careers tour taking place at the show.

"As we continue to broaden our education horizon, we are excited to be launching a new initiative to the Dairy Show, specifically aimed at key stage two students who are beginning to explore possible career paths, "says shows and education coordinator, Lilanie Self.

"The career choices are limitless, and we are passionate about providing a platform to raise awareness of the breadth of opportunity within agriculture."

Advance tickets to the Dairy Show are available at £20 per adult, increasing to £25 on the gate. Students, with proof, will have discounted entry at £15 and children under 15 years old will have free entry.

·        Find out more and book tickets at www.bathandwestdairyshow.seetickets.com/event/the-dairy-show/bath-west-showground/3079678

·        Enter competitions at www.bathandwest.com/the-dairy-show/competitive-entries