The NFU stand was busy all day, hosting a round table session for next-gen dairy farmers with National Dairy Board Chair Paul Tompkins and Chief Dairy Adviser Verity Richards.
Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke, who had just been announced as the Liberal Democrats rural affairs spokesperson, also met with farmers on the stand – including Regional Dairy Board Chair Ian Harvey – for a wide-ranging discussion.
Topics included the impact of the new dairy contract regulations, prices and markets, inheritance tax and the next steps in the battle for bovine TB.
Anerobic possibilities
NFU South Regional Policy Manager Jacks Weaver spoke at an AgriForum session which explored emerging opportunities around anaerobic digestion.
The technology has been around for many years, and the panel considered the potential for the next development, creating biomethane to be used either on-farm or injected into the gas grid.
Although there are initial hurdles to overcome in terms of securing planning permission, funding and grid connection, Jacks pointed out that the opportunities are tremendous, with huge scope for collaboration.
Smaller producers could feed into a single collection hub with grid access, while the digestate waste can be used as a soil conditioner.
“The most exciting thing for the industry is that the technology is being made smaller and more accessible,” she said.
Adding CO2 production to the mix, alongside biomethane, is a further opportunity, with the whole system offering the potential for improved farm sustainability.
Overall optimism
Organisers said the overall mood at the show was one of optimism, despite a background of falling milk prices.
“It’s been a challenging year given the dry weather,” said David Cotton, dairy farmer and chairman of the show.
“But farmers are good problem-solvers and are always adapting and looking at ways to improve resilience in uncertain times.”
Dairy award
On the eve of the show, at the Dairy Industry Dinner, Michael Masters, head of milk supplies and operations at cheesemaker Barbers, was presented with the Dairy Industry Award.
“From setting up the first Dairy Producer Organisation and travelling all over the country supporting dairy farmers, to giving evidence at parliamentary enquiries, Michael has spent a lifetime in dairy farming,” said Mr Cotton.
“A huge well done - this award is very well deserved.”
Supreme champion
In the show ring, three-year-old Holstein cow Davlea Chief Lulu 3 – owned by Oliver Reed from Blackborough in Devon – was named as supreme interbreed champion. Oliver also won the reserve interbreed calf competition with Beaconhill Arrow Kelly.
In reserve spot was James Evans with his three-year-old Jersey cow Mydrim Tequilas Spring Tracy.