Thousands of farmers are expected to attend this year’s Virginia show in Co. Cavan tomorrow and one of the key events of the day is the Dairy Conference.

According to the organisers of the 75th annual show, the conference will focus on animal health and illness. The Dairy Conference is set to kick off at 10.30 and will take place at the Canteen in Virginia College.

Speakers on the day include Mike Magan from Animal Health Ireland and Teagasc’s Abigail Ryan, while European Commission for Agriculture and Rural Development, Commissioner Hogan will also pop in to address European issues.

Magan, the Chairman of Animal Health Ireland will speak about the BVD eradication programmes, the Johnes disease programme as well as other national health issues.

Along side his son, Magan operates a spring calving grass-based dairy herd in Killashee, Co. Longford. He has a keen interest in the continued development of Irish agriculture and is involved in many organisations including ICBF, ICOS and IHFA to name a few.

Teagasc’s Abigail Ryan will also speak at the Dairy Conference. Ryan, who is the chief advisor to the Greenfield farm in Kilkenny will discuss ways to prevent lameness on dairy farm.

She will also offer practical cost effective advice and tools to farmers to minimise lameness in the dairy cows.

The final speaker on the day is European Union Commission for Agriculture and Rural Development, Commissioner Hogan.

Commissioner Hogan will address European Union issues, and following the Virginia Show he will he will head of to Brussels for a vote on the EU €500m dairy aid package.