This year's Canadian Dairy XPO is hoping to reach new heights.
This year is set to feature a world-class speaker lineup, a new Water Buffalo display, a film screening of "Before the Plate" and the chance to interact with industry professionals.
Jordan Underhill is the General Manager and founder of Canadian Dairy Expo and says that they expect over 16,000 visitors between the two days.
Panels will be running to help educate producers on newest regulations, technology and industry updates.
"The idea is just to get Canadian dairy producers thinking outside of the box and potentially new boxes in terms of making their operation more efficient, diversifying their investment and doing a better job. Which we always strive to do in terms of animal husbandry as well," said Underhill.
Junior Farmers and 4H will be on site running the food booth. The organizations will be selling local dairy products at their lunch booth and all profits of the food booth will go towards the youth groups.
CheeseFEST will be featured on Day 1 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event features a buffet of Canadian cheeses. Underhill says the idea of CheeseFEST came from the interest in attracting consumers and producers to help bridge the urban-rural divide.
The show will feature over 350 dairy focused exhibitors.
"It's just a really awesome mix of industry and producers and consumers all coming together and learning about each other and building an appreciation for each other. I think that the urban-rural connection is key in the future of agriculture," added Underhill.
The event is scheduled for April 3-4 at the Stratford Rotary Complex.
Admission is $25 for adults or $40 for a two-day pass. Children under 10 are free.
--with files from Ashley Ferraro
