MORE than 300 entries have already been received for this year's Borderway UK Dairy Expo at Carlisle.

Now in its third year, the event – on Saturday, March 8 – features some of the world’s best dairy genetics, more than 150 trade stands showing the latest in dairy innovation, and 59 classes where top class animals from around the UK will be appraised by three internationally renowned judges.

The cream of dairy cows will compete in front of visitors who are converging on the Borderway Exhibition Centre from across the globe to see seven different breeds on show and watch the International Dairy Youth Championships.

The Grand Champion of Champions – won last year by Anthony Grimshaw and Stephen Bell's Grand Champion Holstein cow, LavenhamAdeen – will be selected from the Holstein and coloured breeds classes.

The John Dennison Achievement Award, presented in memory of the renowned Ulverston breeder, will go to an exemplary role model who encourages the next generation returns for a second year.

David Pritchard, event organiser and operations director at Harrison & Hetherington, said: “The standards at last year's event were incredibly high but judging by the entries we’ve received so far, it looks like there is plenty of competition this year.

“Dairy Expo is only in its third year, but the event is already being recognised as a major national and international showcase of the very best in dairy breeding, genetics and industry innovation.

“We have secured the services of three top class international judges – US-based Mark Rueth for the Holsteins, Canadian Callum McKinven for the Coloured Breeds and Holland's Erica Rijneveld for the International Dairy Youth Championships.

They're looking forward to seeing the very best of British dairy breeding on show.”

Mr Rueth owns and operates Rosedale Genetics with his partner Nick Reape near Oxford, Wisconsin.

Rosedale is home to some of the Holstein breed's most elite type genetics with embryo sales to ten different countries and a successful merchandising program for females and bulls.

Mr Reuth has judged shows across the US and Canada, and national shows around the world, including International Dairy Week in Australia, the Brazil National Show, the Eastern France Spring Show and the Swiss Junior Bulle Winter Show.

Canadian Callum McKinven has judged at World Dairy Expo eight times and served as the official judge for the 2012 Royal Winter Agricultural Fair, where he has also been a member of the judging panel eight times.

Darlington and Stockton Times:
Callum McKinven who will be one of the international judges at Borderway UK Dairy Expo

He has judged in 28 countries and is also a successful exhibitor, taking the 2000 Curtis Clark Award at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

Erica Rijneveld is an international authority in preparing dairy cattle for the show ring and is returning to Borderway UK Dairy Expo for a second year.

Erica, who judged the 2011 National Showmanship and Clipping Finals in France, has also judged in Denmark, Spain, Austria, the Czech Republic and Germany.

Admission and parking is free. See harrisonandhetherington.co.uk for a schedule and how to enter.