Count down for World Dairy Expo 2015

World Dairy Expo is home to one of the best known dairy cattle shows in the world. In 2014, 1,743 owners exhibited 2,414 head of cattle from 37 states and 11 provinces and Mexico. See the show results from last year.

Next to the cattle shows, a large number of dairy cattle exhibitors are present with a booth. These are located in the New Holland Pavilions at the Alliant Energy Center, the facilities were officially opened last year. The 290,000 square feet new facility replaced the existing 11-barns. This year, an additional 140-feet of wash rack space and milk collection equipment will be in place.

Virtual farm tours

The World Dairy Expo Virtual Farm Tours, held annually during Expo, give attendees an opportunity to tour a variety of different farms without ever leaving the Expo grounds. The 2015 tours will showcase the latest technology and innovative farm management practices. These free tours include a half-hour visual presentation of the operation with time for questions and discussion afterwards. Tours are presented daily throughout Expo in the Exhibition Hall Mendota 1 meeting room. All presentations will be available for viewing after the show on the Expo website.

World Forage Analysis Superbowl

Also held again this year, is the World Forage Analysis Superbowl. Held annually in conjunction with World Dairy Expo, this event provides forage producers the opportunity to showcase their high-quality forages from across North America. Forage samples are judged on lab and visual analysis, and herd production information when applicable. Winning forage samples will be on display during Expo in the Arena Building.  Participants have the opportunity to compete in seven different categories for over $22,000 in cash prizes. The World Forage Analysis Superbowl is organised in partnership with DairyBusiness Communications, Dairyland Laboratories, Inc., US Dairy Forage Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison and World Dairy Expo.

Expo seminars

A range of seminars are held during the Expo, offering opportunities to learn about the latest in dairy research and management practices from top industry experts. These free daily seminars will be held in the Exhibition Hall Mendota 2 meeting room. Continuing education credits can be earned, and all seminars will be available for viewing after the show on the Expo website. Some of the topics of the seminars include:

“The Time is Right for a Succession Plan” (by Dan Rupar, Attorney, Ruder/Ware)

“Feed Refusals: Waste or Cost of Doing Business?” (by Dr. J.W. Schroeder, Associate Professor and Extension Dairy Specialist, North Dakota State University)

“Adding Value to Calves by Breeding to Beef” (by Jerry Wulf, owner, Wulf Cattle)

“Defining Factors That Create a Quality Heifer” (by Dr. Michael Van Amburgh, Cornell University)

“Design Criteria for Robotic Milking Barns” (by Jack Rodenburg, DairyLogix)

“Lameness in Dairy Cattle: Causes and Consequences” (by Dr. J.K. Shearer, Professor, Iowa State University)