South Africa’s largest dairy event was for the first time presented in 2011 at Sandringham, on the weekend of 4 & 5 November. The event, which aims to celebrate the diversity of dairy and to promote the importance of this vibrant industry, drew participants from across the country.

"The success of the occasion rests mostly therein that the complete value chain of dairy was displayed in a fresh and exciting manner," says Johan Ehlers, CEO of Agri-Expo that organised this unique event together with various other role players. "The Cape Dairy Experience offers dairy farmers the ideal platform to benchmark the best from their herds with animals from as far as Kwa-Zulu Natal; to network with other industry role players and to be exposed to cutting edge technology."

According to Scott Ruby, an American dairy farmer and consultant who served on the judging panel that chose the Dairy Queen, this new event compares favourably with the best dairy shows in the world in terms of presentation and quality. What impressed him most was the way in which the consumer was invited to experience the wonder of dairy and to simultaneously meet the agriculturist in such an engaging setup.

Members of the public enjoyed a pleasant day out in the country where they learnt to make their own butter, cheese and chocolate and where the little ones were entertained in the presence of these beautiful farm animals. Activities such as ice cream eating competitions, boeresport and milking mock cows generated lots of fun and laughter.