MADISON, WIS. – World Dairy Expo Virtual Farm Tours have been bringing the best dairy operations in North America to Madison for more than 15 years. The eight dairies selected this year are no exception, highlighting topics ranging from technology and genetics to strong community ties and cow comfort. These virtual outings include a visual presentation led by the farm’s owner or manager, with time for questions and an open discussion to follow. Tours are presented daily during World Dairy Expo, Tuesday through Saturday, in the Mendota Room 1 of the Exhibition Hall.
Sponsors of the 2018 Virtual Farm Tours include: American Jersey Cattle Association, Compeer Financial, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Mycogen Seeds, NC Dairy Advantage, Purina Animal Nutrition, LLC, QLF and Waikato Milking Systems.
Below is the schedule of tours this year.
Tuesday, October 2 at 2 p.m.
Hosted by: MasCow, Moscow, Kan.
Highlights: 3,500 milking/Youth Training
Sponsored by: Kansas Department of Agriculture
Wednesday, October 3 at 12 p.m.
Hosted by: Blue Star Dairy Farms, DeForest, Wis.
Highlights: 2,600 milking/Family-Run, Multi-Site Farm
Sponsored by: Compeer Financial
Wednesday, October 3 at 2 p.m.
Hosted by: VanderMade Dairy and FreshMade Dairy, Sherwood, Ohio
Highlights: 2,180 milking/Cow Comfort and Longevity
Sponsored by: Purina Animal Nutrition, LLC
Thursday, October 4 at 12 p.m.
Hosted by: Young’s Jersey Dairy Inc., Yellow Springs, Ohio
Highlights: 35 milking/Value-Added Products and Agri-Tourism
Sponsored by: American Jersey Cattle Association
Thursday, October 4 at 2 p.m.
Hosted by: Selz-Pralle Dairy, Humbird, Wis.
Highlights: 450 milking/Genetics and Production
Sponsored by: Mycogen Seeds
Friday, October 5 at 12 p.m.
Hosted by: Rocky Creek Dairy, Olin, N.C.
Highlights: 1,240 milking/Milk Quality
Sponsored by: NC Dairy Advantage
Friday, October 5 at 2 p.m.
Hosted by: McCarty Family Farms, LLC, Colby, Kan.
Highlights: 12,000 milking/Non-GMO Ration
Sponsored by: QLF
Saturday, October 6 at 12 p.m.
Hosted by: Benthem Brothers Inc., McBain, Mich.
Highlights: 2,700 milking/Rotary Parlor
Sponsored by: Waikato Milking Systems