“Dairy Farmers are always working on continuous improvement, WDE is all about ideas, tools, conversation, education and connections that will help us get better at caring for our cows, people and land.”<\/p>\n
Laura Daniels is the owner of Heartwood Farm<\/a> in WI.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n “WDE is special for me because of the people I see every year. It is a chance to exchange with people who have the same passion and I love the festive feeling that is everywhere on the grounds!”<\/p>\n Linda Ness is the Interim Strategic Communications Manager at Holstein Canada.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n “People from all over the world come to this “main” dairy event like no other”<\/p>\n Jessica Gatton-Dixon is a dairy farmer in MO<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Clearly, I’m not the only person that gets giddy when it comes to WDE but lets dive into why we all get excited. <\/em><\/p>\n Darcy was Reserve Junior Champion (Junior Show) at the 2011 WDE.<\/p><\/div>\n Matt owns half interest in Mona II who was named Reserve Grand Champion Milking Shorthorn at the 2013 WDE!<\/p><\/div>\n The quality of dairy cattle you get the opportunity to see at the WDE is breath-taking. In my opinion, this is THE dairy cattle show in the country, if not the world. The elite cows are known on a first-name basis and people just want the opportunity to see Snickerdoodle, James Rose or Redrose firsthand. I know I was that way with Snickerdoodle<\/a>! No, Snickerdoodle is not a cookie, she is an 8 time class winner at WDE and is undefeated in milking form. In other words, she may the best example in recorded history of what a Brown Swiss is. My husband (who grew up on a beef cattle farm) walked around the barns a few years ago, specifically looking for her.<\/p>\n Oh my gosh, it’s her!<\/p><\/div>\n If cows aren’t your thing, maybe we can interest you in the trade show. Make sure you have on comfortable walking shoes because you’ll find the most modern dairy equipment and the latest dairy technology and innovations from over 850 top companies. All companies in attendance are directly related to the dairy industry. A list of participating companies is here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Browsing through the trade show, you can find everything including waterbeds for cows!<\/p><\/div>\n One is always learning and at the WDE there are seminars and virtual farm tours. These seminars and virtual farm tours are free of charge to attendees. Seminar topics include talking to consumers (which I hope to attend), employee management, the value of manure, and milking with robots. While I have never attended a virtual farms tour, it sounds very interesting (you get to visit the farm from the comfort of your chair in Madison). The tours are from dairies in 7 different states with each one excelling in a different area such as sustainability or adaptation of technology.<\/p>\n I have met so many amazing friends while showing cows. Unfortunately, I only get to see many of them once or twice a year. Thanks to social media, we can stay connected and the conversations always pick up right where they left off. There are numerous networking events held during the week from the Dairy Girl Network to the World Dairy Expo Tweetup which give everyone a chance to meet up in person!<\/p>\n In addition to the cows, trade show, and networking there are a few things I never<\/strong> miss during my time at WDE! For example, the Badger Dairy Club grilled cheese stand! I am not alone as I stand in a long line to get either my American or Swiss grilled cheese sandwich from the dairy club. The second is the Bonnie Mohr exhibit. Bonnie Mohr is my favorite artists as I have many of her prints around my home and office. This year, I want to pick up a copy of her new book titled, Once There Where No Cows. If you haven’t seen her work, I encourage you to check it out here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n![\"Darcy](\"https:\/\/mackinsondairy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/p1010094.jpg?w=300\")
<\/a>![\"Matt](\"https:\/\/mackinsondairy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/grand-res4.jpg?w=300\")
<\/a>Quality of Cattle – <\/b><\/h4>\n
![\"Oh](\"https:\/\/mackinsondairy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/2007-12-31-23-00-00-232.jpg?w=300\")
<\/a>Trade Show<\/strong> –<\/h4>\n
![\"Browsing](\"https:\/\/mackinsondairy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/2007-12-31-23-00-00-211.jpg?w=300\")
<\/a>Continued Education<\/strong> –<\/h4>\n
Friends<\/strong> –<\/h4>\n
![\"I](\"https:\/\/mackinsondairy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/2007-12-31-23-00-00-202.jpg?w=300\")
<\/a>![\"Danza](\"https:\/\/mackinsondairy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/wpid-wp-1411414430169.jpeg?w=300\")
<\/a>