Dairy show postponed to January 30th 2008

The Royal Bath and West of England Society, organisers of the Dairy Show, have today decided to postpone this event to 30th January 2008. The Show was scheduled for 3rd October, but the worsening situation with regard to FMD over the weekend has triggered the decision. Although alternative dates have been considered, it was felt prudent to allow sufficient time for the current outbreak to be brought under control and for the industry and farmers to get their businesses back to normal.

Dr Jane Guise, Chief Executive, said: "We have held on until the last minute in the hope that the news would be more encouraging. Our role is to provide agriculture with a platform on which to trade and we hope that by the end of January the industry will have returned to a more up-beat and flexible trading condition. Apart from FMD and now blue tongue the industry is showing signs of a brighter future. We hope FMD will be eliminated from the UK soon, and that we can look forward to a positive industry show in January."

Chairman of the show, Edwin White, said "With the Dairy Show rescheduled to the end of January 2008, we have given the industry 4 months to overcome this dreadful disease and get back on track. Wouldn't it be good if 4 months were too long!"

The show will be preceded by the Dairy Industry dinner on Tuesday 29th January 2008.

All Trade Stand Exhibitors who have paid for stands booked for the original 3rd October Show do not need to re-apply for the new show as their original stand booking remains valid. New Trade Exhibitors are encouraged to apply for space.