New this year is the Parallel Perfection Offering in the Cow Coliseum. Show-type, high-production, high-genomic-tested heifers will be present for consideration. The 20-heifer sale is managed by Parallel Genetics. Bidding will close at 2 p.m. on April 2. Four of the calves will be judged by the 2019 Ontario 4-H Dairy Judging Team each day at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Two new hospitality areas can be found at the show this year. The Your Farm Connection Lounge in Hall 3 will host free wi-fi, cash-and-carry shopping and serve as a place to grab a snack and connect. In the Lower Lobby, the Tradition Mutual Family and Children’s Area is a place for children to play and explore while adults grab a coffee and chat.
In the Outdoor Exhibit Corral, Jim Menkin will create wood carvings each day. He is well known for his chainsaw art placed throughout Orangeville, Ontario, as well as many commissioned pieces.
A bouncy cow play area for children will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Outdoor Exhibit Corral. Adult supervision is required.
Back by popular demand, Joep Driessen from CowSignals will present each day in the Dairy Classroom from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. On April 1, he will discuss “Mind your Business – Signals” and on April 2, he will address “Stress- Free Stockmanship.”
Driessen’s presentations will be followed by panel discussions. From 12:30 to 2 p.m. on April 1, the panel will discuss “For and against using genomics in your breeding decisions.” The panel at the same time on April 2 will cover “Strategies for overcoming on-farm labour challenges.”
For additional learning opportunities, the Dairy Community Room near the Hall 1 entrance will host a job seeker information session, presented by AgCareers, and a session on dairy farm accounting and benchmarking presented by Dwayne DeVries, lead dairy accountant, BDO Canada LLP.
CDX is proud to support youth programs. Look for 4-H grilled cheese, milkshakes and the Mueller ice cream bar as well as Junior Farmer apple fritters where proceeds will support each group.
The Junior Farmers are also selling VIP parking again at the entrance to the complex.
Of course, CDX will feature popular attractions like the milking robot showcase, John Deere Kidz Zone, Dairy Den and Retail Outlet, and Genetics at Work Dairy Daughter Showcase in the Cow Coliseum.
Dairy at Guelph highlighting the latest dairy research will be in Hall 1 and the Milk Maker Forage Competition in the Lower Lobby.
A free breakfast is offered from 8 to 9:30 a.m. both days in the Upper Lobby.
The annual CheeseFEST is free to attend from 4-7 p.m. on April 1 in the Cow Coliseum. There will be guest bands, Middlebrook and Nicolette and the Nobodies, a massive 100% Canadian cheese buffet, 4-H fundraising, and local wine and micro-brews with a special happy hour from 4-5 p.m.
There are 350 exhibiting dairy companies representing more than 30 countries to be found throughout the event.
Admission for adults is $25, or contact one of your suppliers about a free ticket. Two-day passes are available for $40, and children 10 and under are free.
For more information, go to the Dairy XPO website and follow CDX on social media. 
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Karen Lee
- Editor
- Progressive Dairy
- Email Karen Lee
