Heading up north

What I enjoy about friends’ summer holidays is they tend to send me cheese photos. The delights of visiting elsewhere, and eating dairy products, can never be overestimated. Cheese in particular holds a very strong place in people’s hearts.

Speaking of cheese, this month, I will again attend the International Cheese & Dairy Awards up in Stafford. It will be a busy time for us – I head to Chester for the European Dairy Farmers Congress in Chester on 23 June, which is bringing together dairy folks from more than 24 countries for three days and being held in the UK for the first time in several years. It includes farm visits and there is nothing more inspiring than getting out on the grass and seeing the animals that make our industry, I think.

I then get the train down the next morning for the cheese judging – must remember to pack my white coat and cheese iron. Please visit our stand in the hall too while you are there. Samantha Bull will be waiting for you, to chat and give you a copy of our most recent magazine.

Then, it will be onto the Society of Dairy Technology‘s summer symposium being held at the same location. Can’t miss the annual dinner, with its awards to students and industry folks alike, with Eddie the Eagle thrown in for good measure as the keynote.

Then, it is back on the train the next morning, and back up to Chester for Dr Judith Bryans’ presentation on dairy sustainability, plus Steffi Willi-Sonk of EDF’s looking at embracing opportunities in the dairy sector. Sadly I will miss the gala dinner at the Chester Cathedral, but I can’t manage two nights out socialising like mad, myself.

While I am up there, I’ll continue to Preston for another visit with the 13,000 year old Poulton-le-Fylde elk at the Harris, and maybe Feathers McGraw. He lurks up there. Plus, it’s an opportunity to grab some territorials. Cheese, Gromit!