THIS year's Dairy Show is set to focus on helping the next generation. 

Returning to the Bath & West Showground on October 2, the show will include livestock competitions and seminars with a 'careers' theme. 

Exhibitors will bring their best dairy cattle to compete for the Supreme Champion title. The ring will also showcase the next generation of handlers, with the following age groups in the showmanship classes: seven to 12, 13-17 and 18-26. 

There will also be the UK Jersey Cattle Society’s and the English Guernsey Cattle Society’s National Shows at the event. 

Competition entries for all classes are now open. To enter, click here

The theme for seminars this year is 'careers' to help encourage new minds to join the industry. 

“The dairy sector – and the industry as a whole – has a wealth of career prospects,” says head of shows, Jess Chiplen.

“But despite there being an extraordinary breadth of careers, young people and those looking for new career opportunities have often expressed that they are at a loss of where to go for advice, how to get their foot in the door – or even afford a career change.

A previous dairy show.A previous dairy show. (Image: Bath & West Showground)

“With so many businesses and key stakeholders present at the show, it felt like a prime opportunity for us to tackle the careers topic and work towards dismantling barriers.”

The show will also launch the Dairy Discovery Day, which will link farming with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). 

“As we continue to broaden our education horizon, we are excited to be launching a new initiative to the Dairy Show, specifically aimed at key stage two students who are beginning to explore possible career paths, ”added shows and education co-ordinator, Lilanie Self.

“The career choices are limitless, and we are passionate about providing a platform to raise awareness of the breadth of opportunity within agriculture.”

Tickets for the show are £20 per adult if bought in advance, but £25 on the gate. Students will have discounted entry at £15, with free entry for children under 15.