The global dairy industry is gearing up for the world's largest dairy-focused event – World Dairy Expo. Officials are anticipating over 65,000 producers and industry professionals gathering from over 90 countries. Attendees can expect to experience innovative new concepts at Expo Seminars, Virtual Farm Tours, dairy cattle competition, dairy company displays and many contests. The 2012 theme, "Market Fresh," exemplifies the show mantra of sharing fresh ideas for the future success of the dairy industry around the globe.

Dairy producers who want to discover the latest in technologies, products and services should find the New Holland Trade Center a welcome expansion of the huge trade show. Over 850 exhibiting companies from 28 countries will be on display at Expo, many unveiling their newest ideas. More than 150 new companies have been added for 2012. Daily Expo Seminars offer the freshest dairy management research and management concepts. Dairy producers will enjoy face-to-face discussion with their peers at the Virtual Farm Tours, which highlight successful dairy operations from across the United States featuring unique facilities, herd management and marketing opportunities. Dairy Forage Seminars will offer producers forage quality presentations on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. World Forage Analysis Superbowl entries will be on display throughout the week.

Dairy cattle show fans will be treated to facility improvements this year to enhance their experience as they watch over 2,500 head of North America's finest cattle parade across the famed "colored shavings." All seven dairy breeds will compete for the ultimate Supreme Champion on Saturday, October 6 at 5 p.m. A new, center-hung video board featuring 472 square feet of screens will provide the best viewing of ExpoTV, featuring each breed class as they are evaluated and placed. The Coliseum has been equipped with new energy efficient lighting throughout the facility that produces a brighter view of the Showring. Plus the padded, upholstered seats in the Coliseum have been renovated.

World Dairy Expo, which will be held October 2-6 at the Alliant Energy Center, Madison, Wisconsin, "the place where the dairy industry meets." Hours for World Dairy Expo are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, through Saturday. Daily admission is $10 per person and season passes are $30 per person. Parking is free. Visit www.worlddairyexpo.com, contact via email wde@wdexpo.com or call 608-224-6455 for more information.

9.11.2012