2016 World Beef Expo set for Sept. 23-25
WEST ALLIS
Wisconsin State Fair Park will be filled with beef cattle enthusiasts throughout the world during the 2016 World Beef Expo.
Now in its 24th year, World Beef Expo is the Midwest's largest cattle exposition. Last year's show attracted over 400 exhibitors from 18 states - some as far away as California, Florida, Texas and Oklahoma - that displayed, exhibited or sold cattle.
The Junior Show itself had 422 entries while the open show boasted 740 entries.
Executive Director Charlene Becker says the Expo was initially held in Madison but later moved to the State Fair Park in West Allis. She notes that the show is run mostly by volunteers and is a well-run, family friendly event.
"Exhibitors come back year after year to compete with others in the industry," Becker said. "We offer breed shows for all breeds of beef cattle. We also offer a variety of activities and educational events."
The Expo kicks off Thursday night with an exhibitor reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The trade show officially opens and will run from 5 to 7 p.m. inside the Wisconsin Products Pavilion. Additional vendors will be set up outside on the grounds.
Cattle shows and more
The cattle shows officially get underway beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, Sept. 23, inside the Coliseum. Judging the open show will be Mark Duffell, Aldie, VA and Shane Lindsey of Prairie City, IA. The junior showmanship competition will close out the day, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Youth will have the chance to show off both their cattle and their mettle of the beef industry on Saturday, Sept. 24 with a full slate of shows and the Youth Sweepstakes contest. Judging the junior show will be Mark Hoge of Macomb, IL and Jack Sievers of Randolph, NE.
Viewing of animals to be sold in the World Beef Expo Multi-Breed Club Calf Showcase sale will begin at 1:30 p.m. with the show commencing at 2:30 p.m. inside the Coliseum. The sale is managed by Larry Martin Cattle Sales.
The Supreme Champion Drive will begin promptly at 7 p.m. inside the Coliseum. Winners of the Youth Sweepstakes, Showmanship Awards and the Founders Scholarship will be announced at this time. The Founders Scholarships are given in honor of World Beef Expo founder Paul May. The Founders Award, presented annually to recognize individuals who have helped World Beef Expo grow into the show and event that it has become, will also be presented as well as the Friends of World Beef Expo Award.
On Sunday, Sept. 25, the junior heifers, prospect steers and market steer shows will be held.
Added to the show this year is an Angus ROV, that will be added to more than two dozen other breed shows.
Educational seminars will also be held during the Expo inside the Wisconsin Products Pavilion. Seminars led by industry experts will focus on the following topics: Immune response and trace mineral nutrition, Brad DeGroot; The dollar returns benefits: Find out why it pays to use LongRange, Julie Larson; Shoot the bull, Wisconsin Angus Auxiliary; Grain and livestock markets reports, Commodity Risk Management group.
Admission to the show is free. Show hours are: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 23 and 24; and 9 a.m.to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25. For more information visit www.worldbeefexpo.com