Under the bright Coliseum lights, I learned the value of hard work, humility, and friendship. I have seen myself grow in my knowledge and love of the dairy cow. I have also met some of my closest friends there.

My favorite memory from Expo is pictured above. I will always cherish this photo of my siblings and me walking to the ring with the best cow we had the opportunity to raise and show, Busy Bee Syndicate Jasper. Placing well with Jasper was definitely an amazing part of our family trips to Expo; however, this picture is a moment I will always remember. The anticipation, joy, excitement, and laughs we have shared over the years on these walks to the ring are worth more than the ribbons to me.

Passing by the willow trees on the way to the showring, eating the well-known Expo grilled cheeses, and spending time with friends ringside whom I see at Expo each year are other fond memories. This year I will add a new memory of judging in the Intercollegiate Dairy Judging Contest, something that I’ve been looking forward to since I first started attending.

What are your favorite memories of Expo? The countdown is on as the 2017 show is only a week away! As we anticipate what this year’s show will entail for the dairy industry and which prestigious cows will be crowned champions, reminisce on your favorite moments so far.