The countdown to the seventh annual Canadian Dairy XPO is on as the dairy industry showcase readies to open its doors at the Stratford Rotary Complex on April 3rd and 4th.
Show attendance topped 16,000 in 2018 and more than 350 exhibitors representing 40 countries will set up this year to feature the latest dairy technology and innovation and talk shop at the event. In this interview, CDX general manager and founder Jordon Underhill, discusses a number of the show’s highlights with RealAgriculture’s Bernard Tobin.
Underhill notes that the 2019 CheeseFest event will honour the Schuurmans family and their Canadian Milk Tour. Elmira dairy farmers Henk and Bettina Schuurmans began the tour in June 2018 to promote the Canadian dairy industry and share the pride producers from coast to coast take every day in producing quality milk for consumers. The couple met with tragedy on July 9 when Bettina was killed in a highway accident. With support from his family, Henk recovered from injuries sustained in the accident and resumed the tour in September to honour Bettina’s memory and complete the journey they started.
All producers, exhibitors and show attendees are encouraged to attend CheeseFest to help honour Henk and Bettina Schuurmans and his family for their selfless efforts to promote the industry. Henk’s truck with the cow in the back that was used to finish the journey will be on display. CheeseFest takes place at the Cow Coliseum on April 3 at 4:00 p.m.
The Dairy Classroom returns with a strong speaker lineup. Keynote speaker, three-time hockey Olympian Sami Jo Small will share leadership insights to help farmers build their ‘Dairy Farm Team.’ By popular demand, the classroom will also feature a host of industry panels including producer, breeder, veterinarian and business diversification discussions. Story continues after the video.
Attendees can also take in a movie. CDX will be screening Before the Plate, the film produced last year by University of Guelph student Dylan Sher. It attempts to close the gap in perception between the urban consumer and farming in Canada by tracing the ingredients of a dinner dish served at Toronto’s Canoe restaurant back to the farmers who produce them.
Attendees should also look for a big announcement to kick off the show on April 3rd, too.
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