All will take place in the new world-class Stratford Rotary Complex in Stratford, Ontario.

“Progressive and professional dairy producers will find significant return on their time investment at this event that is exclusively for the dairy industry,” says Jordon Underhill, one of the founders of CDX. “There is a lot of pride in this vibrant sector and producers need a national stage to gather for technology and education transfer.”

Talo Tamminga, who spent nine years as manager of Lely North America and introduced robotic milking to North America in 1999, is Underhill’s partner running CDX.

“We will operate in English, French and Dutch, the three major languages of the dairy industry in Canada,” Tamminga says. “We’ve chosen Stratford as the home of the event, as it’s one of the hot spots of expansion in the Canadian dairy industry and it’s easy to get to.”

Perth and surrounding counties make up one of the most important dairy regions in Canada. Within an hour’s drive of Stratford there are almost 3,000 medium-scale to large-scale dairy operations – and that number is growing.

Other global dairy events, such as the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, are overbooked with exhibitors. They agree that there is an opportunity for a parallel Canadian dairy event.

Major industry partners have already signed on with CDX, a testament to the void CDX is filling in the Canadian marketplace. EastGen, a division of Semex Global, is one of several genetic companies that will showcase their best dairy daughters from across Canada live at CDX.

“There is a need in the global dairy industry marketplace for an all-Canadian showcase to the world,” says Brian O’Connor, general manager, EastGen.

“We will showcase the best ‘working cow genetics’ in a commercial loose housing setup so producers can see the cows walk and move under natural conditions.”

Other founding partners that have made three-year commitments to the project include Jaylor, Grand Valley Fortifiers, POST Farm Structures and Collins Barrow Chartered Accountants.

Jack Rodenburg from DairyLogix has more than 34 years experience in dairy extension work. He will bring his global experience to coordinating the Dairy Classroom at CDX.

“Today’s producers are business professionals who require continuing education to keep them competitive and ‘in the know’ on the latest industry trends and technologies. We will implement a split format of speakers and workshops where producers earn CDX credits.”

In addition, CDX is in the process of assembling a steering committee comprised of progressive producers and CDX founding partners. This committee will give CDX management input and direction on all facets of CDX to ensure continuous improvement and national growth of the project.

“It is refreshing to see a new professional initiative for our Canadian dairy industry,” says Alain Lajeunesse, manager, market development and communications, Holstein Canada. “I like the two-day format with a 100 percent focus on dairy. The Canadian Dairy XPO should appeal to all types of dairy producers across the country and beyond.”

Get updates by clicking here as momentum builds for the inaugural Canadian Dairy XPO, Feb. 6-7, 2013.  PD

-- From PD Staff news release