World Dairy Expo

Just a couple of days after the wedding, I jetted off (well, okay puddle-jumpered off) to Wisconsin for World Dairy Expo. This was only the second time I have been to the big show, and it is pretty amazing. It is a huge event that includes a dairy cattle show, several competitions from cattle judging to the forage superbowl, a trade show, educational seminars, virtual farm tours, and much more. Every aspect of the industry is represented, and it is hard to walk around without bumping into people you know, which makes getting through the trade show in one day tricky to say the least...I didn't quite get to everything in my one free day (I was there for a board meeting for National Dairy Shrine). If you are interested in dairy cows, Expo is something you should have on your bucket list. To get a taste, check out their web site www.worlddairyexpo.com. You can even watch video clips of the cattle shows.

It wouldn't do to completely skip over Dairy Shrine after mentioning it, so in case you aren't familiar with it, the National Dairy Shrine was formed in 1949 and works to preserve the history of the industry, recognize outstanding individuals who have served the industry, inspire future leaders, and provide scholarships to encourage students to pursue dairy degrees. I benefited from these scholarships as a student, so I stay involved now to help give that opportunity to others. For more information on Dairy Shrine go to www.dairyshrine.org. And if you're interested in joining, let me know!

While the trade show is pretty impressive in size and the companies go all out with their booths, I didn't take any pictures there because, well, to me one trade show is pretty much like the next. I did see some neat demonstrations, including a new colostrum pasteurizer that really simplifies the process.

The show ring is really spectacular. Each year there's a different theme, complete with detailed sets and props. This year there was a castle complete with working drawbridge. I wouldn't be a bona fide dairy kid if I went to Expo and didn't watch any of the show, so I took in a few classes of Brown Swiss cows Thursday morning. I did not make it to the barns, which was unfortunate, but there's always next year...

Although I enjoyed Expo, I have had enough travel now to last me for a while. It is good to be home, and a week and a half later, I am finally getting caught up from being away too much!