The Canadian Dairy XPO, now running in its fourth year, received phenomenal support from the dairy industry as it moved to the new spring operating dates. Dairy producers travelling from across Canada, the USA and internationally prefer the first week of April versus historic February dates. According to the CDX attendee survey results, 74% of attendees favour April. Operational dates are now permanently set for the first week of April, for the next 5 years.
"We've attended the XPO each year now. The XPO is a place where our dairy families can see the latest in innovation, educate ourselves with the newest tools available and connect with our fellow producers and industry - before we get busy in the fields," states Joe Terpstra from Cranbrook Farms Ltd. "February weather can create on farm challenges and April is a safer time to travel for everyone attending CDX. The probability of having road closures in February is much higher than the probability of producers being in the fields the first week of April. "
Terpstra was a featured panelist on the Milking Robot Producer Panel, sponsored by Shur-Gain and held in the Purina Dairy Classroom on day 1 (Wed. April 6th). The panel featured one producer representing each of the leading milking robot manufacturers – Lely, BouMatic, GEA and Delaval - all of whom put on live displays in the WeCover Cow Coliseum as part of the Milking Robot Showcase. Day 2 of the dairy classroom featured an On-Farm Processing Producer Panel with four elite farm operations from across Canada.
In addition to these interactive producer panels there were international speakers, virtual farm tours and the infamous ‘Incredible Dr. Pol,' from the popular cable channel Nat Geo WILD. Dr Pol spoke about his career as a veterinarian, his passion for animal welfare and living in front of the camera. He delivered a targeted message to a dairy audience of producers, youth and enthusiastic fans, promoting Agriculture as a path to success for young people.
"I was honored to speak at CDX to a vibrant standing room only crowd of Canadian dairy producers. The people we met were so genuine about their commitment to making the dairy industry better for the next generation. There was great vision and faith for the future," stated Dr. Pol. CDX has already put in the request to have Dr. Pol back for CDX 2017 and this time with his sidekick son Charles.
Farmers and exhibiting companies were proud to show off their pride in all things dairy at CDX, creating a sea of blue throughout the event. A strategic partnership between CDX and Dairy Farmers of Canada was formed to create the ‘blue cow spirit campaign' – an endeavour to help boast Canadian dairy products and the farmers that produce them. Purchasing blue cow apparel at onsite retail locations, creating selfie stations, face painting, decorating exhibits, sampling blue cow fruit punch and consuming 100% Canadian milk and dairy products at all food booths, were just some of the efforts that took place onsite.
100% Canadian cheese was served by 4-H dairy youth clubs who had record breaking sales this year at the Gay Lea Skyview Café – serving grilled cheese and milk shakes. 4-H clubs have been actively fundraising at the XPO since inception; alongside the Junior Farmers of Perth County.
The new and permanent 400ft long WeCover Cow Coliseum, presented by John Deere and Shur-Gain, was the launch pad for dairy innovation. Global companies came to Canada to reveal the latest in dairy innovation. Representing Israel (Afimilk), the UK (ADF) and the Netherlands (SAC) demonstrations of these technologies took place for the first time at CDX 2016. All 3 of these companies have suggested they will return for CDX 2017 based on positive ROI. Four of the top milking robotic manufacturers (Lely, BouMatic, GEA and DeLaval) showcased the latest in robotic equipment; cattle and genetic displays were featured in both the Dairy Daughter Showcase and the Component Breed Showcase. The National Milk Bar, presented by National Bank, in the new hospitality area served 100% Canadian Milk; alongside the DeLaval Beer Nut Depot and John Deere Kidz Zone. The WeCover Cow Coliseum was completed by a unique 100 ft. long pedestrian bridge, connecting it to the Stratford Rotary Complex.
Notorious for drawing big crowds of dairy producers, official XPO attendance numbers are 14,900 over the 2 days. On day 1 (Wednesday April 6th) attendance was 7,100; on day 2 (Thursday April 7th) attendance was 7,800. This represents the most evenly spread crowd across 2 days that CDX has seen since inception.
Other measurable stats from the 2016 XPO include:
- 95% of attendees being active dairy producers, with 46% of these attendees under the age of 35
- 95% of producers reported attending CDX for one day, giving industry exhibitors a unique crowd each day
- 28% of producers have attended CDX for all 4 years, 28% attended in 2016 for the first time
- 29% suggested they heard about CDX via social media channels
- When producers were asked what phase their farm is currently in, 57% reported they are in an expansion phase, 43% reported they are in a succession phase and 0% are selling
Donna Underhill, CDX Marketing Manager confidently states: "The facts are clear, CDX draws active dairy producers that are well connected to technology and plan to sustain and prosper in the Canadian dairy industry for generations to come. We asked the question to attending producers, ‘In one or two words, can you tell us why you decided to attend CDX 2016', the feedback was very encouraging with words such as; exclusive, 100% dairy, location, youth support, information, 4-H milkshakes, education, global innovation.' We are very encouraged by this feedback and look to continue to improve and advance the Canadian Dairy XPO to serve Canadian dairy producers."
Will Donkers, from Will Cher Farms, was the winner of the Kubota Canada coupon program. Kubota Canada will provide 250 hours of high-powered equipment to Will Cher Farms.
Robert Hird from Oxford County won the Select GenerVations heifer calf draw, raising $3600 for the Oxford County 4-H dairy club.
The official CDX five year dates are: April 5, 6 2017; April 4, 5 2018; April 3, 4 2019; April 1, 2 2020; April 7, 8 2021 - with long term commitments from the following CDX Founding Partners; Jaylor Fabricating Inc, EastGen, ADM Alliance Nutrition, Zoetis, Grand Valley Fortifiers, Royal Bank, Lely North America, DFK Equipment, Progressive Dairyman, Collins Barrow Accounting.
5.10.2016
