World Dairy Expo: The Golden Age
World Dairy Expo Board president Bill Hageman tells us more about the upcoming event that will take place in Madison, Wisconsin, in October. He explains why ‘The Golden Age’ theme ties in with how the dairy industry has progressed with the latest technologies.
What is the theme at this year’s WDE and why?
World Dairy Expo will present The Golden Age of dairying, from 1-4 October 2024. Just as sound and technicolour technologies ushered in the Golden Age of film in Hollywood, so, too, have modern technologies propelled the global dairy industry forward. World Dairy Expo’s trade show and education stages are a showcase of the latest in research, products and services developed to best manage dairy cows.
Which innovation trends will be showcased at this year’s show?
Nearly 600 companies will gather to present the world’s largest dairy-focused trade show. Each year, dairy producers are enthralled with the new and improved tools on display, and as well as with all facets of dairy herd management that are present.
Searchable on World Dairy Expo’s app, website or within the official programme, visitors will find the latest in genetics, manure management, feed and forage, calf care, milking equipment, housing and cow comfort, data collection and utilisation and much more. Global experts in dairy finance, regulations and sustainability will also be on hand to field questions. Attending World Dairy Expo is an unparalleled opportunity to learn from and interact with fellow dairy producers around the globe with 100 countries represented.
Daily Knowledge Nook sessions, Expo en Español presentations, virtual farm tours as well as education seminars in the exhibition hall will give attendees a front-row seat to research findings and new product launches as well as the opportunity to talk one-on-one with presenters.
Tell us about the recognition awards – why are they so important to the event?
World Dairy Expo is a week-long celebration of the dairy industry. Excellence is recognised among youth in showing, fitting and judging competitions. The trade show displays the ongoing innovation that enables dairy producers to continue supplying the world with nutritious milk in ever more efficient and sustainable ways. The dairy cattle show features the finest genetics in the US and Canada across 7 dairy breeds.
It is only fitting we also recognise individuals whose life’s work has been focused on improvements to the dairy industry. Each year, World Dairy Expo recognises an International Person of the Year, Industry Person of the Year and Dairy Producer of the Year. These individuals will be honoured at the ticketed Recognition Banquet in The Tanbark at World Dairy Expo on Wednesday evening, 2 October. Tickets are available at www.worlddairyexpo.com and must be purchased before 20 September 2024.
The 2024 honourees include:
- International Person of the Year: Paul Larmer, former CEO of Semex, Ontario, Canada
- Industry Persons of the Year: Jim Barmore, Marty Faldet and King Hickman, founders of GPS Dairy Consulting of Minnesota, USA
- Dairy Producers of the Year: Mike, Ed, Barb and Sandy Larson and Jim Trustem of Larson Acres, from Wisconsin, USA.
What about the cattle show – what can we expect this year?
When North America’s finest dairy cattle compete on the famed coloured shavings at World Dairy Expo, it is a sight to see. The 6-day show kicks off on Sunday, 29 September, with the International Junior Holstein Show.
During the week, nearly 2,600 animals will parade before the official judges in 7 breed shows. More than 1,800 exhibitors from 36 US states and 5 Canadian provinces are expected to vie for Expo’s Supreme Champion title.
The atmosphere in the barns is second to none, with a rare opportunity to visit breeders and appreciate the beautiful animals on display. Opportunities to buy into champion blood lines abound both privately and at the 4 breed sales, held in the grounds during the week.
The dairy forage seminars and the World Forage Analysis Superbowl – what do these events entail and what can visitors take away from them?
The World Forage Analysis Superbowl is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. With the goal to improve dairy forage quality, the contest encourages forage producers to enter their highest quality forages in 8 different categories. Over 300 entries are evaluated each year and more than US$26,000 in prizes are awarded. Winning samples will be on display in the Trade Center during the show, and growers will be recognised at the Brevant seeds Forage Superbowl Luncheon on 2 October.
In addition, leading forage research professionals will share cutting-edge information during engaging and insightful seminars from 2-4 October at World Dairy Expo. Industry leaders coming together to manage the contest include Dairyland Laboratories, Hay & Forage Grower, the US Dairy Forage Research Center, the University of Wisconsin and World Dairy Expo.
What’s different at the World Dairy Expo event this year?
This year marks the 57th edition of World Dairy Expo. Each year, there are slight changes to the schedule and location. A couple of notable changes happening this year include an upgraded Supreme Champion Ceremony. The Supreme Champion Heifers of both the junior and open shows will be selected during a special, high-energy ceremony on Thursday evening, 3 October, following the International Holstein Heifer Show. The show will culminate, as it always has, with the crowning of World Dairy Expo’s Supreme Champion Cow, on Friday evening, 4 October. Visitors won’t want to miss the pageantry and fanfare of the Parade of Champions.
ExpoTV will enable those who can’t be in Madison to witness the happenings from afar. Also new this year, ExpoTV will be a paid subscription, available for purchase at www.worlddairyexpo.com. Moving to subscriptions will allow ExpoTV to become a more interactive platform. This is a new venture that we’re excited to build upon in future years.
Expo enthusiasts are encouraged to visit www.worlddairyexpo.com for the most up-to-date information and to help plan a trip to Madison.
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