An outstanding panel of judges has been confirmed for UK Dairy Expo 2026, which will take place on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th March 2026 at Borderway Mart, Carlisle. Reflecting the international reputation of this flagship event, the carefully selected panel brings together world-class experience from top-level competition, elite breeding and youth development within the dairy industry.
From Ontario, Canada, Steve Fraser of Fraeland Farms Ltd will judge the Holstein, Brown Swiss and Milking Shorthorn classes, with fellow Canadian Adam Hodgins of Hodglynn Holsteins presiding over the Jersey, Ayrshire and Red & White classes. Sally Howarth from Pickering, North Yorkshire will judge the National Friesian Show, while the Showmanship classes will be judged by south-west Scotland dairy farmer Jessica Miller.
With this year’s theme, Backing British Farming, UK Dairy Expo 2026 will once again bring together elite cattle, leading breeders and the wider industry from across the UK and beyond, celebrating excellence in dairy breeding, production and showmanship while underlining the event’s strong commitment to British farming.
Commenting on the judging line-up, Glynn Lucas of Harrison & Hetherington said, “The calibre of judges confirmed for UK Dairy Expo 2026 truly reflects the status the event now holds, not just within the UK but internationally. Each of our judges brings outstanding knowledge, experience and integrity, and we are confident they will do a superb job in what is always a highly competitive showring.”
The Holstein, Brown Swiss and Milking Shorthorn classes will be judged by Steve Fraser of Fraeland Farms Ltd, Fergus, Ontario. Steve farms alongside his wife Jacqueline and daughter Scarlett, milking 100 purebred Holsteins on two robotic units while cropping 500 acres. Fraeland Farms is a Master Breeder herd, widely recognised for breeding and marketing high-value cattle and the Fraeland prefix is well established in the showring, securing Premier Breeder titles at leading shows. Steve, who serves on the board of SEMEX, has judged extensively across Canada, the United States, Australia and Portugal. Looking ahead to Borderway, he said, “I’m looking for a dairy cow with an incredible mammary system, and I really like to see cows that are able to walk freely.”
Judging the Jersey, Ayrshire and Red & White classes will be Adam Hodgins of Hodglynn Holsteins, Kincardine, Ontario. Adam farms with his wife on a 350-acre operation milking 60 Holsteins, working with leading cow families within the global dairy industry. The Hodglynn herd focuses on high type and production and has achieved numerous All-Canadian and All-American nominations. A strong advocate for the dairy industry and a respected mentor, Adam’s judging credentials include the International Red & White Show at World Dairy Expo.
Commenting ahead of the event, he said, “I’m really looking forward to coming over in March. It’s a great opportunity. I’m looking for a balanced, modern dairy cow, extremely straight and square framed, open ribbed, with tremendous feet and legs and an exceptional udder.”
The Showmanship classes will be judged by Jessica Miller, who milks 65 Brown Swiss cows alongside a small elite group of Holstein heifers with her partner Jonny and their daughters, Hattie and Nancy, in south-west Scotland. Jessica enjoyed a long and highly successful showmanship career, winning back-to-back National Titles and leading multiple National Champion cows across several breeds. Her international judging highlights include World Dairy Expo Showmanship, the All-Breeds All Britain Calf Show Holstein Showmanship, SPACE Show, and the French National Brown Swiss and Jersey Shows. On her appointment, Jessica said, “It’s a great honour to be invited to judge the Showmanship contest at UK Dairy Expo. I’m really looking forward to watching some of the very best young professional show people show off their talents in the ring.”
Judging the National Friesian Show will be Sally Howarth from Pickering, North Yorkshire. Sally farms organically with her partner and their two children, Oscar and Ronnie, running 500 late summer and autumn-calving pedigree British Friesian cows, alongside a small number of Holsteins under the Leasbeck prefix. Her judging experience includes the All Britain All-Breeds Calf Show and a range of local shows. Looking ahead to UK Dairy Expo, Sally said she will be seeking a well-balanced, stylish animal suited to modern dairy farming systems.
With its continued focus on celebrating quality British livestock, supporting the next generation and promoting excellence across all areas of dairy farming, UK Dairy Expo 2026 remains a key date in the industry calendar. Further details can be found at www.borderwaydairyexpo.uk .