Leading herds from across the Dumfries and Galloway region will showcase world-class cattle to a global audience as the UK’s premier dairy exhibition returns to Carlisle this March.
Dairy farmers and breeders from across the region are preparing to present some of the finest cattle in the country at Borderway UK Dairy Expo 2026, taking place at Borderway Mart, Carlisle, on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 March 2026.
Event organisers Harrison & Hetherington have announced that the dairy herds from across South West Scotland exhibiting at this showcase include: T Lochhead & Sons from Kedar Croft, Mouswald; TA & ML Jackson & Daughters from Guilyhill, Holywood; William McHarrie from Broompark Farm, Glenluce; and R C Gemmel from Brownfield Farm, Dumfries.
Borderway UK Dairy Expo’s global reach reflects the strength of British dairy genetics, attracting thousands of visitors to Carlisle alongside a significant international online audience.
In the region of 400 head of cattle have been entered across the Holstein, Brown Swiss, Dairy Shorthorn, Ayrshire, Jersey, Red & White and British Friesian sections, underlining the strength and depth of British dairy breeding and the importance of this exhibition to the industry. Combining elite competition with industry awards, youth development and a large trade exhibition UK Dairy Expo continues to reinforce its reputation on both the national and international stage.
With the spotlight firmly on genetic excellence, consistency and future breeding potential, casting their eyes over the main breed championships, are two outstanding Canadian judges Steve Fraser (Fraeland Farms) and Adam Hodgins (Hodglynn Holsteins). Sally Howarth from North Yorkshire will judge the National Friesian Show, while Scotland’s Jessica Miller will take charge of the highly competitive Showmanship classes.
For the first time, two Supreme Dairy Expo Championship titles will be awarded: the UK Dairy Expo Supreme Holstein Champion of the Show and, new for 2026, the UK Dairy Expo Coloured Breeds Supreme Champion. The new championship will bring together the winners of the Brown Swiss, Ayrshire, Jersey, Dairy Shorthorn and Red & White sections, with the overall victor receiving the Leanne Hedges Trophy, commissioned in memory of the respected dairy industry stalwart. Donated by her former colleagues and friends, the trophy will stand 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, making it a key commercial and networking platform for the sector. Alongside the cattle competitions, the trade exhibition will highlight the latest developments in breeding, feeding, housing, data management, sustainability and farm business efficiency, providing the latest innovations across the dairy supply chain.
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.
“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.”
The event also places strong emphasis on encouraging the next generation of dairy farmers. Showmanship classes, and opportunities for young breeders to compete on a major stage form a central part of the programme. The John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented in the Main Ring on Saturday, recognising outstanding contribution to the dairy industry.
Glyn added, “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.”
Borderway UK Dairy Expo 2026 is proudly supported by its principal sponsors Holstein UK, Cattle Information Service (CIS) and Afimilk, alongside a wide range of trade exhibitors and industry partners.
Borderway UK Dairy Expo 2026 is free to attend and takes place at Borderway Mart, Carlisle, on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th March 2026.
For further information, visit http://www.borderwaydairyexpo.uk.
One partner. No competitors. Full visibility across the region.
