A TOP dairy herd is preparing to make its mark on one of the UK’s biggest agricultural stages.
Calben Holsteins, based in Middlewich, will take part in the 2026 Borderway UK Dairy Expo at Borderway Mart in Carlisle.
The two-day event, running from March 13 to 14, promises to draw thousands of visitors from across the UK and beyond to celebrate dairy breeding, industry innovation, and youth development.
Glyn Lucas, senior dairy auctioneer at Harrison & Hetherington and event organiser, said: "UK Dairy Expo is the UK’s foremost dairy livestock showcase and major event on the international dairy calendar.
"The introduction of a new Coloured Breeds Supreme Championship, alongside our main Supreme title, creates another major award to be contested at the UK’s leading dairy cattle exhibition."
Calben Holsteins will be joined by other leading herds from across the North West.
These include the Baty family from Nantwich, TD Goldie & Son from Frodsham, and S N Bailey & Partners from Crewe.
Roughly 400 head of cattle have been entered across the Holstein, Brown Swiss, Dairy Shorthorn, Ayrshire, Jersey, Red & White, and British Friesian sections.
The event offers farmers and breeders a platform to showcase top genetics and future breeding potential.
Mr Lucas said: "Coupled with an exceptional international judging panel and cattle from some of the best herds in the country, the standard of competition in 2026 will be as high as anywhere in the world."
This year’s judging panel includes Canadian experts Steve Fraser of Fraeland Farms and Adam Hodgins of Hodglynn Holsteins.
Sally Howarth from North Yorkshire will judge the National Friesian Show.
For the first time, the expo will crown two Supreme Dairy Expo Champions.
The new UK Dairy Expo Coloured Breeds Supreme Champion title will join the long-standing Supreme Holstein Champion.
Coloured Breeds contenders will include the winners of the Brown Swiss, Ayrshire, Jersey, Dairy Shorthorn, and Red & White sections.
The overall winner will receive the Leanne Hedges Trophy, commissioned in memory of the respected dairy industry stalwart and donated by her former colleagues and friends.
Harrison & Hetherington has described the trophy as 'one of the most significant new honours in the show’s history'.
More than 6,000 dairy farmers, breeders, and industry professionals are expected to attend the expo.
Alongside the cattle classes, a trade exhibition will spotlight developments in feeding, breeding, housing, data management, sustainability, and business efficiency.
Mr Lucas said the event was key for everyone in the sector.
He said: "For anyone involved in the dairy industry, this is a key date in the calendar.
"Every breeder exhibiting cattle, every trade stand supporting the event and every young person entering the ring contributes to the future of dairy and 2026 promises to be one of our strongest shows yet."
The expo also supports youth engagement through showmanship classes and opportunities for young breeders.
The John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented in the main ring on Saturday.
Further information is available at www.borderwaydairyexpo.uk.
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