The author is a freelance writer based in Taneytown, Md.
Size draws a crowd
One of the most impressive displays upon entering the cattle barns is one that literally towers above all the rest. The showstring of MilkSource Genetics LLC of Kaukauna, Wis., is decked out with show winnings and banners scaling the towering walls of the booth entrance, surrounding visitors with the successes of the string as they enter the “gathering area” of the display. TV screens are mounted all around the exhibit, so onlookers can pause and enjoy the cattle show happening in the ring while stopping by.
Jim Ostrom of MilkSource stated, “We look forward to World Dairy Expo each year. It’s an opportunity to play at the highest level and is both a thrill and challenge.” Their celebrity cows and conversations with visitors are a welcomed attraction each year.
“We begin the organizing process around six months before Expo,” he shared. “We update graphics and cow information annually. Mid-summer is when we narrow down the details on which animals we are bringing to the show.”
In total, setting up the display and animal pack takes eight to nine hours with a 10-person crew. “There are three trailers that bring just the display set up alone,” shared Ostrom. “That doesn’t include the cattle or tack and feed.”
During the show, the team rotates between being at Expo and handling things at the farm, which is two hours from Madison. “We do get a few people that travel from other states who ask us for hay or supplies,” mentioned Ostrom. “We try to accommodate the requests because we also travel to other shows, like the Royal [Winter Fair] in Canada, and people help us out.”
MilkSource Genetics has exhibited many winners at Expo. Most notably was 2015 when they exhibited the Grand Champion Holstein, Jersey, and Red and White, with the Holstein being named Supreme Champion. “That year was quite eventful,” shared Ostrom. “We had visitors from everywhere come to the display. It was a great way to showcase the animals while we celebrated with other exhibitors.”
Guernsey glimmer attracts
Another eye-catching display was the all-Guernsey lineup from Kadence Farm and Gold Rush Guernseys, home of the Dorn families from New Glarus, Wis. They partner with the Haag family from Dane, Wis., of Golden Pines Guernseys and produce an Expo display promoting Guernsey genetics.
Kami Dorn noted that they are always thinking about Expo. “It’s the show of the year for us,” she said. “After our state show is over, we start getting ready for Expo in August. It takes a bit of organization to determine which animals are going to be exhibited from each farm family in our string. We make signs for each animal and have to reserve the space.”
Last year, their aisle was lined with hanging outdoor lights setting off a warm glow over the full string of golden Guernseys. “We like to promote the Guernsey breed by showcasing them in the Expo string. I think one of the impressive attributes to our display is the attraction of having all one breed,” Dorn said. “We may not be as large-scale as some of the other farms, but seeing all one breed of cattle seems to draw visitors into the aisle.”
The space is also very family-driven with a farmhouse display board and flowers as you enter the aisle. “We had 25 head of Guernseys last year between the two families,” explained Dorn. “We like to highlight our best cattle in photos and showcase the next generation of nieces in our family that show.” The string consisted of All-American nominations and total performance cows. “International visitors are frequent onlookers of ours,” shared Dorn. “They either come out of curiosity for the breed or want specific information about our genetics.”
The Dorn and Haag families can go home often during Expo since they are from the area. Their in-laws manage the cattle at home. “We tend to return home more often since we are local to Expo,” shared Dorn. “We like to get fresh TMR. We also grab straw and hay, so we don’t have to take so many loads the first trip.” The families enjoy exhibiting at Expo each year and are thankful for the opportunities it provides for their family and friends.
A digital approach
Other exhibitors take a different approach to displaying cattle and information, like Nick and Jessica Sarbacker of Whitewater, Wis., who created CattleClub.com to provide breeders the opportunity to sell embryos and live cattle online. Nick Sarbacker explained, “We have a large group of animals that go to Expo. Breeders want to develop a market for their animals, and we created a display that would showcase them the best.”
As you entered their aisle, each animal stood under a headboard with a QR code beneath the animal’s name. Each code delivered visitors to a web page with the cattle’s information. “We cater to people who buy cattle genetics, and this way provides an opportunity to view the cattle quickly and efficiently,” Sarbacker said. The information could also be saved and viewed at a later time.
“We witnessed all different ages utilizing the QR codes,” he shared. “Even if they weren’t used to using the code, there was always somebody around to assist. I most enjoyed the kids helping their parents and grandparents out; that’s great family bonding!”
The cattle are managed and fitted by Matt Sloan. “I would say Matt is one of the hardest working people,” Sarbacker said. “He gets the animals looking right, and that’s also what brings people to the display.”
The display is hauled into Expo with one truck. Bedding, hay, and tack are brought from home. “The entire setup is put together in one afternoon’s time,” explained Sarbacker. “We have a lot of young people helping us set up, and it usually goes smoothly. We also live relatively close to Expo, so if anything is missed, we can return home to grab it.”
The CattleClub string is family-oriented as well. They look forward to Expo each year and consider their meeting with other exhibitors like a family reunion. “It’s great to see people you haven’t visited with for a year,” he shared. “It’s really nice to see the different generations teaching the younger kids. I think that’s what keeps these traditions going for so long.”
Walking down memory lane
Traditions were on display at another pack as Vierra Dairy Farms of Hilmar, Calif., had their cattle facing large banners of show images. Each section of the string was adorned with a picture of a team of leadsmen with winning animals from over the years.
As visitors walked down the aisle of Jerseys, they came to a life-sized photo of the recently departed Michael Heath of Maryland as if he was welcoming them into the lounge area to stay awhile. Nathan and Jenny Thomas of Triple-T Holsteins and Jerseys of North Lewisburg, Ohio, manage the showstring for Vierra and were long-time friends of the renowned Jersey enthusiast. “It was a tough year for us,” shared Jenny Thomas. “We wanted our friend here with us, and it was a great reminder throughout the week to his legacy.” Michael’s parents, Billy and Betty Heath, exhibited one of the animals from the string and were appreciative of the nod to their son.
“The display is beautiful,” Billy Heath said. “It’s so impressive how much goes into a setup like this plus showing all of the animals in such a fine way.”
Many hours were involved in developing the design for the display. Each photo was chosen and placed in order to create a timeline over the years. “We have been very fortunate over the years to exhibit great cattle with people who have trusted us with their animals. We wanted to showcase those highlights in our display,” Thomas described. “We decided to design a unique way to set up wind panels to keep debris away from the center, so we customized each cage to size with the photos. I try to keep the display consistent and easy to put together so our setup crew doesn’t have a hard time after the long journey to the Expo grounds.”
Last year, Vierra Dairy and Triple-T had 30 head of cattle in their combined string (many of which were milking) with 15 people on crew. “We take a semi and trailer for the cattle, a tack trailer, and flatbed for bedding and hay,” Thomas explained. “The crew is there over 12 hours to unload and set up.”
Another unique aspect of their display was a restaurant-sized refrigerator lined with beverages near the display’s lounge. “I was able to rent the machine from the fairgrounds,” said Thomas. “It was great because I didn’t need coolers or to pick up ice each day. I think it was a great addition as we want the display to be inviting to visitors.”
Their goal is to offer up a place of business for sales and discussions of genetics. “We are always thinking of ways to promote our joint display with Vierra Dairy. They are very family-oriented; we also have cattle we like to promote, and I want to always thank the crew and people working back home,” she added.
No matter what pack or farm you visit during Expo, you will often find breeders displaying their cattle, genetics, and family or business ventures. “I believe we all love Expo,” concluded Ostrom. “We all share the same passion about being here and exhibiting cattle. Where else would you find the best of the best as far as fitters, dairymen, and trade show? It’s the camaraderie of everyone that makes it exciting to share your display and animals.”
