The Semex International Dairy Conference 2026
Sunday 11th January - Tuesday 13th 2026
The Semex International Dairy Conference is a place where professionals from all corners of the dairy world can come together to share knowledge, forge connections, and drive the industry forward into the future.
The diverse range of voices and perspectives, that have presented on the stage has made the Semex International Dairy Conference the unique event it is, offering attendees valuable insights into the ever-evolving dairy sector. Each year, the conference explores the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in dairy farming and the broader food industry.
The 35th year of the conference promises to build on this rich legacy, continuing to provide a platform for thought leaders to discuss issues such as sustainability, animal welfare, technology, and the future of dairy
in a changing marketplace.
As always, the conference will offer a combination of inspiring keynote speakers and networking opportunities, all aimed at empowering dairy farmers and industry stakeholders to stay ahead in a competitive and rapidly evolving landscape.
The conference opens with an informal buffet on the Sunday evening and concludes on Tuesday mid-afternoon. The Radisson Blu is a striking modern landmark in the heart of Glasgow. Ideally located near all major transport links, this first class conference venue offers easy access to the citys impressive shopping, culture and nightlife.
Our Conference Chair
Rory Christie
Taking on the crucial role of Chair at the 2026 Semex International Dairy Conference is southwest Scotland dairy farmer, Rory Christie. Farming alongside his brother, Rory farms 1200 dairy cows and 200 sows. A founding chair of the Milk Suppliers Association and Chair of SAOS, Scotland food supply chain co-operation enabler, Rory was a founder of the Fast Breeders genetics project, is a board member of SOSE and is a trained conflict mediator.
Joining our 2026 speaker line up...
Tom Bradshaw
President, NFU
Manuel Soares
CEO, Milc Group
Tom brings a wealth of experience and insight having served as Chair of the National Crops Board before joining the NFU Presidential team in 2020. Over the past four years, he has served two years as Vice President and two years as Deputy President, playing a key role in representing and supporting British farmers. Alongside his NFU responsibilities, Tom farms, a small owned farm, in partnership with his wife Emily and his parents in North Essex, alongside a contract farming business growing a range of combinable crops.
Manuel brings over 40 years of dairy experience from the family dairy to managing both small and large dairy operations before he spent 24 years with the largest software company in the dairy industry. In 2017, Manuel created Milc Group, a dairy software company which provides one platform connecting the entire dairy operation
Chris Walkland
Journalist & Market Analyst
Specialising in the dairy sector for over 25 years, Chris has commented on all aspects of the dairy supply chain from primary production down on the farm, through economics and politics at processor, retailer and consumer level. Chris writes the fortnightly dairy report for The Provision Trade Federation, and a monthly column in British Dairying and is “everybody’s favourite dairy market analyst” with his regular contribution on the weekly Kite Podcast.