Future of dairy farming highlighted in World Dairy Expo Virtual Farm Tours
World Dairy Expo (WDE) Virtual Farm Tours have brought some of the best dairy operations from near and far to Madison in the US for over 20 years. The 4 dairies to be featured during WDE 2024 will again showcase environmental stewardship, quality genetics, technology advancements, diversification and more.
During World Dairy Expo’s Virtual Farm Tours, dairy owners and managers share a visual presentation, with time for questions and an open discussion afterward. The tours, which are presented daily in Mendota Room 1 of the Exhibition Hall at 10:00 am, can be enjoyed in person at World Dairy Expo, or online through ExpoTV at www.worlddairyexpo.com.
The 2024 World Dairy Expo Virtual Farm Tour schedule
Tuesday 1 October: Schoepp Farms LLC (Lodi, Wisconsin)
Schoepp Farms is a well-diversified grazing and cash grain operation that grows over 400 acres of corn, soybeans, winter wheat and alfalfa, as well as 110 acres of grass pasture that are dedicated to raising 200 dairy heifers, 30-50 dry cows and 15 grass-fed beef. Their 30-plus years of no-tilling crops and rotational grazing have made soil erosion almost nonexistent on their operation, allowing the farm to weather droughts and extreme rains with minimal yield losses. While Schoepp Farms no longer manages a milking herd, the family will demonstrate the rewards of sustainable farming methods and showcase the groups and organisations that facilitated their transition to land management practices.
Wednesday 2 October: McCarty Family Farms (Rexford, Kansas)
Sponsored by: DeLaval, Inc.
Over 100 years ago, the McCarty family milked cows by hand in a barn without electricity. In 2000, the family moved to Rexford, Kansas, where they have grown to include 6 locations, including a partnership dairy in Ohio, an on-site milk processing plant and 2 on-site visitor centres. Across these locations, the family milks 19,000 registered Holsteins using 2 x 120-stall DeLaval carousel parlours at their newest location. McCarty Family Farms prioritises sustainability, striving to be responsible stewards of the land while maximising genetic progress in their cattle. For these efforts, the farms have received numerous awards.
Thursday 3 October: Vandoske Dairy Farms (Cleveland, Wisconsin)
Sponsored by: Compeer Financial
Vandoske Dairy Farms is a third-generation dairy farm currently owned and operated by Bob and Tara Vandoske and their children. Established in 1945 by Bob’s grandparents, the herd has grown from 18 cows to over 600. The herd is 100% registered Holsteins, with a rolling herd average of 30,400 lbs (13,789 kgs). Vandoske Dairy Farms has received many awards for their practices and animals.
Friday 4 October: Woldt Farms LLC (Brillion, Wisconin)
Sponsored by: Complete Management Consulting LLC
As a fourth-generation dairy farm, Woldt Farms LLC has grown since beginning in 1911. Daryl and Amy Woldt, the current owners, purchased the farm from Daryl’s parents in 1990 and currently milk 1,650 cows in a double-16 parallel parlour. As part of their sustainability efforts, 95% of their acreage is either no-till or uses cover crops to protect the land. Woldt Farms LLC also prioritises its community involvement to connect with consumers of all ages, hosting their county’s Sundae on the Farm twice.
