World Dairy Expo In Full Swing
USA – Dairy producers from across the globe are flocking to the World Dairy Expo, writes Chris Wright, senior editor for TheDairySite, from Madison, Wisconsin.
On the first day of the show, Tuesday, 4 October, the World Dairy Expo attracted over 13 thousand visitors, including over 500 international visitors from 57 countries. And those were just the numbers from day one. As the show progresses to its conclusion on Saturday, 8 October, those numbers will grow dramatically.
On the second day of the show, Wednesday, 5 October, the expo halls were packed with visitors. The presence of visitors from around the globe, particularly Latin America and Asia, was very evident.
There are over 800 exhibitor companies from 28 different countries, that cover two halls of the Alliant Energy Center in Madison. There is also an outdoor exhibit area for the larger farm equipment.
The World Dairy Expo also includes seminars and virtual farm tours, which have been very well attended. On Wednesday, Dr Tim Lawlor, Director, Research and Development, Holstein Association, US, spoke of the value of genomic testing and why producers who use these tests will definitely get a positive return on their investment. Genomic testing can be used to identify high-end breeding stock, as well low-end animals which should be culled, he said.
One of the big attractions at this event is the judging of dairy cattle. More than 2,500 animals from around the world will be competing for the coveted top spot in their respective breeds.
The different events that are being held this week include: International Junior Holstein Show, International Milking Shorthorn Show, International Ayrshire Show, International Brown Swiss Show, International Guernsey Show, Grand International Red and White Show, Central National Jersey Show and the International Holstein Show.
The International Holstein Show, which is held at the end of the week, is the single event that draws the largest number of visitors.
TheCattleSite News Desk