Canadian Dairy XPO returns live April 5 and 6

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The Canadian Dairy XPO is expecting record crowds on April 5 and 6 as the dairy showcase returns to a live tradeshow format for the first time since 2019.

“It’s really hard to put into words the excitement and momentum. Right from myself and my team to the industry and at the producer level, I think everybody is anxious to get connected and get back together in person,” says CDX president and founder Jordon Underhill. More than 350 exhibitors from 35 countries will set up shop at the show, which takes place at the Stratford Rotary Complex in Stratford, Ont.  More than 16,000 people attended the show in 2018.

Dairy producers turned out in full force last month at the South Western Ontario Dairy Symposium, held just down the road in nearby Woodstock, Ont. “We were there to support the event and it was great to see. There’s excitement in terms of where the dairy industry is at today and where it’s going. And that was pretty magical,” says Underhill, who notes that his team has been been working to add more vehicle parking and seating within the facility to accomodate the crowd expected at CDX.

Underhill says he is very appreciative of the support shown by sponsors and companies returning to the show as well as industry organizations that have stepped up to ensure a successful return for CDX. He notes that Holstein Canada has actually purchased tickets for all its members across the country.

The 2023 dairy showcase will see new exhibits as well as the return of popular features from past shows that focus on the latest dairy technology and innovation. There’s also plenty of opportunities for producers to reconnect and talk shop. New features include a German Pavilion, which will showcase new technology and innovation from leading German companies.

“We’ve had a great relationship with DlG (the German Agricultural Society) that puts on EuroTier and Agritechnica. They wanted to support us coming back and they worked hard to get a government subsidy for German dairy companies to come and exhibit at CDX 2023,” says Underhill. It’s a full pavilion with multiple German companies that will be “bringing international innovation to Canadian dairy producers to make them more efficient and profitable and ensure that we’re producing the safest and best product we can worldwide,” he adds.

(Listen to CDX president Jordan Underhill and RealAgriculture’s Bernard Tobin preview the Canadian Dairy XPO. Story continues after the interview.)

Robots will also take centre stage at CDX. The Robotics In Motion showcase will feature the latest innovations in robotic milking, feeding and nutrient management. Producers can visit the Cow Coliseum and compare robots as companies demonstrate their technology in a side-by-side showcase.

The Dairy Classroom also returns for 2023. Here, producers can catch a line-up of experts, producers and industry panels focusing on a range of topics. Featured speakers will include CowSignals founder Joep Driessen.

Underhill is also excited about the Calves For A Cause sale that will raise money for the London Children’s Health Foundation. It’s a great cause that will give dairy producers a chance to give back, he says. “There’ll be 40 calves on showcase and for sale at the show with the percentage of anywhere between 20 and 100 per cent of those calves donated to the Children’s Hospital.” The goal is to raise upwards of $100,000 at CDX. The auction will include world-class genetics, and will be held at CheeseFest on April 5, running from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

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