If you don't know me, you would be unsure to why someone in Milwaukee would be traveling to the World Dairy Expo. I grew up on a dairy farm, milking about 100 cows in a station barn, with the responsibility of feeding calves their milk and the weaned calves their ration of corn, oats, and pellets. Although my sister may think I have turned away from the farm by moving to the city for school, the farm will always be apart of me. It is for that reason, I decide to travel to Madison for the World Dairy Expo.
What is this World Dairy Expo? This year was the 50th celebration of the expo as it was established in 1967 to help dairy farmers as they were facing some trivial times. The mission of the expo is to serve as a forum for dairy producers, companies, organizations and other dairy enthusiast to come together to compete, and to exchange ideas, knowledge technology and commerce.
The World Dairy Expo is a must attend event, but why go? It is the best dairy event in the world. It is designed for dairy produces and industry partners as it showcases the most elite dairy cattle, cutting edge research, and modern technologies.
1. Go for the Dairy Happy Hour.
Attendees and dairy friends were able to partake in some FREE yummy treats and milk daily at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. I mean you doesn't love free food and treats.
2. Go for Expo in the Evening.
One of the most earliest traditions is the square dancing competition. Although it is no longer a competition, it is an excuse to bring out the boots and have some fun after a long day of work. The best part is it is free with live music and refreshments.
3. Go for the smell of the forages and learn.
Just me, the smell of corn silage is one of the best smells out there. Well, if you are in to that kind of thing. It must be the farm thing, but often the better it smells means it is better for your cows. Dairy enthusiasts learn about the best way to feed our heard to increase milk products, but also to have happy cows.
4. Go for the Virtual Farm Tours.
Virtual Farm Tours bring the best dairy operations to lights to show how other dairy operations are doing the best work. It explores how herdsmen focus on cow comfort, utilize technology, produce the best forages, and carry their family commitment with expansion.
5. Go for the best known dairy cattle show in the world.
This is the one of the reasons why the expo was created. There are an average of 2,500 dairy cattle checked in each year, with an average of 1,700 exhibitors from 37 states, 11 Canadian provinces, and Mexico. Also, as any good expo were end, the expo closes with the Parade of Champions and Selection of Supreme Champion.
6. Go for the grilled cheese.
The grilled cheese here at the World Dairy Expo is prime! For $2.00 you can take eat a delicious grilled cheese and for an additional $0.50 you can add some ham. The Grilled Cheese Stand is staffed and ran by the Badger Dairy Club and they use roughly 2,800 pounds of cheese to make the tasty sandwiches.
