WDE welcomes new board, committee members

MADISON

Industry representatives and dairy producers from across North America traveled to Madison to provide input for the 2016 World Dairy Expo.

During the World Dairy Expo Board of Directors and committee meetings on March 7 and 8, new directors and committee member appointments were made.

The Board of Directors welcomed two new industry representatives — Julie Luedkte, Middleton, will represent Cooperative Resources International, and Tim Griswold, Black Earth, will represent Dane County Holstein Breeders.

'It is my privilege to work with such a dedicated group of volunteers who are really invested in the improvement of the show,' said Al Deming, World Dairy Expo Board of Directors president. 'Thanks to their leadership and commitment, Expo continues to grow as the world's premier dairy event.'

Two new members have also been elected to the Commercial Exhibitor Committee. Melanie Burgi, Comfort Hoof Care, and Bellana Putz, Lely, were elected to a three-year term. Committee members are nominated and elected by active commercial exhibitors after each year's show.

During the March 7 meeting, Dean Hermsdorf, ABS Global, and Jane Griswold, Hoard's Dairyman, were re-elected as committee chair and vice chair respectively.

Recently elected Dairy Cattle Exhibitor Committee members include Angela Brown, Dodgeville; Jennifer Hill, Thurmont, MD; Katie Agnew, Oconomowoc; Julie Hemp, Beaverville, IL; Mark Rueth, Oxford; Randy Knapp, Epworth, IA; and Phillip Topp, Botkins, OH. Bonnie Van Dyk, New Richmond, joined the committee as a representative of the Red & White Dairy Cattle Association.

Annual elections were also held during the Dairy Cattle Exhibitor Committee meeting. Tom Morris, Amery and Bryan Voegeli, Monticello were re-elected as committee chair and vice chair respectively.

Recognized as the meeting place for the global dairy industry, World Dairy Expo attracts more than 70,000 attendees from over 90 countries to Madison each year.

The annual event will take place Oct. 4–8, 2016, with the theme of 'Celebrate 50!' to commemorate its golden anniversary.