Mole Valley Farmers’ inaugural Calf Expo has been hailed a resounding success, attracting farmers, industry experts and supply partners for a day focused purely on advancing calf health, nutrition and productivity.
The event, at Sedgemoor Livestock Market, brought together specialists on all aspects of calf rearing from birth to 16 weeks, delivering practical insights, scientific updates and hands‑on advice to help farmers drive efficiencies and improve long‑term performance.
And with 21 stands to visit and a packed seminar programme on everything from milk flow to improving weight gains, it had something for everyone.
Adam May, Mole Valley Farmers’ head of commercial management, said the turnout reflected the industry’s commitment to strengthening calf performance, adding: “The event wasn’t just about selling products. It was about knowledge transfer. Getting our farmers together with some of the country’s leading experts in calf management.
“Our goal was to offer direct access to the best science, the latest innovations and the people who are driving progress in calf rearing – from nutrition and genetics to rumen development, disease prevention and welfare.”
The seminar schedule included sessions from Nukamel’s international product manager Fieke Krol and Volac’s research and development manager Dr Jessica Cooke.
Devon dairy farmer Ali Fone said: “The seminars have been really good. I enjoyed listening to them and got some useful information out of them.
“It’s great to hear about new innovations, but it’s also nice to know you are doing the right things. It’s good support for farmers working in the industry.”
Relief milker Tamsin King said: “I came mainly for the seminars and they’ve been really detailed. Very in-depth. For someone working in the industry who doesn’t have time to go on training courses this has been ideal.”
South Somerset farm manager and Calf Expo speaker, Scott Baker, helps run the family business, which includes more than 2,300 milking cows and 1,900 youngstock.
“This kind of event is massively important for farmers like me. It’s cross-industry, anyone can come, it’s free and everyone is learning something. We’re all so busy on farm it’s great to be able to catch up with people and share our experiences,” he said.
Supplier Josh Burrows, Evans Vanodine Business Development Executive, said: “When you go to the wider dairy shows, the calf rearing industry is sometimes overlooked. The calf house is vital and it’s great to see people working in other areas like the milking parlour engaging in an event like today.”
Dan Miles, Progiene account manager, said: “It’s a really good chance to actually get into deeper conversations about a specific topic with interested farmers.”
And Rumenco’s area business manager, Chris Dawes added: “Mole Valley Farmers provided a chance for us to speak to other suppliers and more importantly farmers in a way which benefits us all…rather than just trying to sell products for profit. If we can help the farms become more efficient, that works well for everybody.”
Alongside the seminars, a comprehensive line‑up of trade stands showcased cutting‑edge products and technologies – from developments in milk replacers and dry feed to new innovations in environmental management, mineral supplementation and calf comfort.
Farmers also benefitted from exclusive show‑only offers from key partners including Nettex, Nukamel, Dairy Spares, Feed for Growth and Mole Valley Farmers Feed Solutions.
“The atmosphere throughout the day was incredibly positive,” said Mr May. “What really stood out was how collaborative the event felt – suppliers, experts and farmers all coming together with a shared goal of improving calf health and performance.”
