MADISON, WIS. – World Dairy Expo Virtual Farm Tours have brought some of the best dairy operations from near and far to Madison for over 20 years. The four dairies to be featured during WDE 2024 continue that tradition while showcasing environmental stewardship, quality genetics, technology advancements, diversification and more. During Expo’s Virtual Farm Tours, dairy owners and managers share a visual presentation, with time for questions and an open discussion afterward. Tours are presented daily in Mendota Room 1 of the Exhibition Hall at 10:00 a.m.
Below is the 2024 World Dairy Expo Virtual Farm Tour schedule that can be enjoyed in person at WDE or online through ExpoTV at www.worlddairyexpo.com.
Tuesday, October 1
Hosted by: Schoepp Farms LLC – Lodi, Wis.
Schoepp Farms is a well-diversified grazing and cash grain operation that grows over 400 acres of corn, soybeans, winter wheat and alfalfa, as well as 110 acres of grass pasture that are dedicated to raising 200 dairy heifers, 30-50 dry cows and 15 grass-fed beef. Their 30-plus years of no-tilling crops and rotational grazing have made soil erosion almost nonexistent on their operation, allowing the farm to weather droughts and extreme rains with minimal yield losses.
While Schoepp Farms no longer manages a milking herd, the family will demonstrate the rewards of sustainable farming methods and showcase the groups and organizations that facilitated their transition to land management practices that have increased profitability.
Wednesday, October 2
Hosted by: McCarty Family Farms – Rexford, Kan.
Sponsored by: DeLaval, Inc.
Over 100 years ago, the McCarty family milked cows by hand in a barn without electricity. In 2000, the family moved to Rexford, Kansas, where they have grown to include 6 locations, including a partnership dairy in Ohio, an on-site milk processing plant and two on-site visitor centers. Across these locations, the McCarty family milks 19,000 registered Holsteins using two 120-stall DeLaval carousel parlors at their newest location.
McCarty Family Farms prioritizes sustainability, striving to be responsible stewards of the land while maximizing genetic progress in their cattle. For all these efforts, McCarty Family Farms has received numerous awards, including the International Dairy Foods Innovative Dairy Farm of the Year, the US Dairy Sustainability Award, and Holstein USA’s Progressive Genetics Herd Award.
Thursday, October 3
Hosted by: Vandoske Dairy Farms – Cleveland, Wis.
Sponsored by: Compeer Financial
Vandoske Dairy Farms is a third-generation dairy farm currently owned and operated by Bob and Tara Vandoske and their children, Brianne, Reid and Brooklyn. Established in 1945 by Bob’s grandparents, the herd has grown from just 18 cows to over 600 cows today. The herd is 100% registered Holsteins, with a rolling herd average of 30,400 lbs.
Vandoske Dairy Farms has received many awards for their practices and animals. They’re a frequent winner of the Milk Quality Award given by the Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) and bred the Junior Bred & Owned Champion at World Dairy Expo in 2019 and 2021. The Vandoskes also recently hosted their local dairy breakfast and opened a direct-to-consumer ice cream store.
Friday, October 4
Hosted by: Woldt Farms LLC – Brillion, Wis.
Sponsored by: Complete Management Consulting LLC
As a fourth-generation dairy farm, Woldt Farms LLC has grown since beginning in 1911. Daryl and Amy Woldt, the current owners, purchased the farm from Daryl’s parents in 1990 and currently milk 1,650 cows in a double-16 parallel parlor. Daryl and Amy have five daughters – Kelsey, Kayla, Kristen, Karly and Kortney – involved in the operation on various levels.
Woldt Farms LLC strives for sustainability as a part of the Lower Fox Demo Farms and Calumet County Ag Stewardship Alliance. As part of their efforts, 95% of their acreage is either no-till or uses cover crops to protect the land. Woldt Farms LLC also prioritizes its community involvement to connect with consumers of all ages, hosting their county’s Sundae on the Farm twice.
Serving as the meeting place of the global dairy industry, World Dairy Expo is the premier forum for the global dairy community to learn, share, create commerce and showcase competition. The annual event will return to Madison, Wis. October 1-4, 2024, where dairy producers near and far can experience the world’s largest dairy-focused trade show, a world-class dairy cattle show, attend seminars, meetings and presentations highlighting the latest and greatest in the industry and connect with other producers. Download the World Dairy Expo mobile app, visit worlddairyexpo.com or follow WDE on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Spotify, or YouTube for more information.
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