Region’s dairy farmers gearing up for expo

LEADING herds from across Dumfriesshire will showcase world-class cattle to a global audience at the UK’s premier dairy exhibition next month.

Dairy farmers and breeders from the region are preparing to present some of the finest cattle in the country at Borderway UK Dairy Expo 2026, in Carlisle, on March 13 and 14.

Event organisers Harrison and Hetherington yesterday announced that the participating dairy herds from across South West Scotland include: T Lochhead & Sons from Kedar Croft, Mouswald; TA & ML Jackson & Daughters from Guilyhill, Holywood; William McHarrie from Broompark Farm, Glenluce; and R C Gemmel from Brownfield Farm, Dumfries.

Approximately 400 head of cattle have been entered across the Holstein, Brown Swiss, Dairy Shorthorn, Ayrshire, Jersey, Red & White and British Friesian sections.

And judging this year are Canadians Steve Fraser and Adam Hodgins, along with Sally Howarth from North Yorkshire, who will judge the National Friesian Show, while Scotland’s Jessica Miller will take charge of the highly competitive Showmanship classes.

For the first time, two Supreme Dairy Expo Championship titles will be awarded: the UK Dairy Expo Supreme Holstein Champion of the Show and, new for 2026, the UK Dairy Expo Coloured Breeds Supreme Champion. The new championship will bring together the winners of the Brown Swiss, Ayrshire, Jersey, Dairy Shorthorn and Red & White sections, with the overall victor receiving the Leanne Hedges Trophy, commissioned in memory of the respected dairy industry stalwart.

Meanwhile, The John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented in the Main Ring on Saturday, recognising outstanding contribution to the dairy industry.

The expo will also feature industry awards, youth development and a large trade exhibition.

More than 6000 dairy farmers, breeders and industry professionals are expected to attend and entry is free.

Event organiser Glyn Lucas, from Harrison and Hetherington, said: “UK Dairy Expo is the UK’s foremost dairy livestock showcase and major event on the international dairy calendar. The introduction of a new Coloured Breeds Supreme Championship, alongside our main Supreme title, creates another major award to be contested at the UK’s leading dairy cattle exhibition.

“Coupled with an exceptional international judging panel and cattle from some of the best herds in the country, the standard of competition in 2026 will be as high as anywhere in the world.”

“For anyone involved in the dairy industry, this is a key date in the calendar. Every breeder exhibiting cattle, every trade stand supporting the event and every young person entering the ring contributes to the future of dairy and 2026 promises to be one of our strongest shows yet.”