Farming Monthly National February 2018 | Page 22

| Dairy Dairy-Tech 2018 RABDF have been focused on tailoring Dairy-Tech for the new generation of dairy farmer ensuring it will showcase ground-breaking technology and inspire uptake of the latest science and field-based skills. ith over 40 new products and a variety of new concepts set to wow visitors in the science, technology and innovation hall, specialist speakers in the dairy and innovation hubs and a wide range of new concepts, the event will house something for all farmers irrespective of their system type. All of the hub speakers have been challenged to present in a novel way to enhance audience engagement; sessions will offer the opportunity for knowledge exchange and will include a sequence of ‘take-home’ messages. Whilst the dairy hub will predominantly focus around the critical issues on-farm, the innovation hub will highlight certain and potential innovation likely to feature in the industry moving forward. There will be automation demonstrations from Lely who will also be showcasing their newest product set to hit the market early 2019. Hands Free Hectare will share their future plans and explain how their existing projects are going. There will also be a working 3D printer, drones and a virtual reality experience in the tech zone, an area made up of several small stands, allowing visitors to road-test new technology, products and services. In addition, Semex, Lallemand Animal Nutrition and Miracle-Tech have been announced as finalists in the Royal Dairy Innovation Award. Previously the Prince Philip Award, the new format and name come as a result of Prince Philip stepping down from official duties and are also timely to fit with the innovation focus of RABDF’s brand new Dairy-Tech event. Tim Downes, dairy farmer and chairman of W 22 | Farming Monthly | February 2018 judges said the finalists stood out for the innovative thinking behind their products. “Lallemand demonstrated some fascinating research and have a brand new silage additive development that will provide the best aerobic stability of newly ensiled forages. Miracle- Tech’s thermal CCTV is very ‘techie’ and has the ability to play a huge part in animal health moving forward whilst Semex’s Immunity+ high immunity testing has a role to play in lowering antibiotic use. Mr Downes continues: “Each finalist will have a short slot on the innovation hub to present their product or service to the judging panel at Dairy-Tech, the award will go to the company with the most practical and relevant product or service which is, or likely to be, the most significant innovation for the future of dairying. “Whilst the industry faces some future uncertainty we know that whatever the outcome, to survive, farms need to be as efficient as possible. It is the invention of such products and services that aid this efficiency allowing farmers more time to focus on other elements contributing to production and profitability.” Tickets for the event are available at www.dairy-tech.uk along with further information. RABDF members are eligible for free tickets and further concessions whilst all other pre-bought tickets cost £17. Tickets purchased on the door cost £20. For any queries contact [email protected] or 02476 639317 www.farmingmonthly.co.uk