World Dairy Expo Kicks Off Tuesday

World Dairy Expo returns to Madison, WI, Tuesday September 29th, bringing together dairy producers, exhibitors, and industry leaders from around the world. General Manager Laura Herschleb says the event continues to serve as a gathering place for innovation, education, and some of the best dairy cattle in the industry.

With cattle arriving from around the world, Herschleb said animal health and biosecurity remain a top priority.

"We work really closely with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection with their state veterinarian team," said Herschleb. "We're meeting with them and working with them quite honestly all year round to just stay up to date on what our various health regulations are gonna be and if there are changes, how does that impact our cattle exhibitors? And then we put those various regulations in place. So, we work very meticulously and take it very, very seriously how important biosecurity is, not only at World Dairy Expo, but certainly when those cattle exhibitors and that cattle, they go back home."

Beyond the cattle shows, Herschleb pointed out World Dairy Expo has grown into one of the dairy industry's largest events.

“The Alliant Energy Center campus is 164 acres, and we use all of it. In fact, for the cattle show, we use the full two pavilions as well as then build two more temporary structures to house our dairy cattle," Herschleb said. "In addition, our trade show occupies all of the large exhibition hall, much of the coliseum, our outdoor trade mall, which is larger pieces of equipment are out there near the exhibition hall, and then we build another tent, and when I say tent, it’s more like a structure. And so this year we're gonna be welcoming nearly 500 companies to World Dairy Expo."

Herschleb added what sets World Dairy Expo apart is the combination of cattle, commerce, and education all in one location.

“One of the things that's really, really unique and special about it is not only is there the cattle show, but at that same place is our trade show and educational offerings and so much more," she said. "So the fact that it's kind of a one-stop shop for the dairy industry, you can walk through the trade show and see latest technologies, learn about latest research, talk with some of your representatives for various companies, and then you can look at new equipment and just about everything in between."

And while the exhibits and competition are a major draw, Herschleb said the event is ultimately about bringing the dairy community together.

Click Here for more information about this year’s Expo.

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