Ms. Holtry takes on the World Dairy Expo 🐮


This week I missed hanging out with the #psuaged23 cohort, but traveled to Madison, Wisconsin to the World Dairy Expo. The World Dairy Expo is an event that brings together a global industry and showcases it for five days. The Mission of the World Dairy Expo is that it "serves as a forum for dairy producers, companies, organizations and other dairy enthusiasts to come together to compete, and to exchange ideas, knowledge, technology and commerce. 


This was such an exciting and blessed experience, as I was chosen as a winner of a Dairy Shrine Award. Specifically, I was a winner of the National Dairy Shrine and Dairy Management Inc. Education and Communication Scholarship. This year at the Dairy Shrine's Banquet, they were able to award Dairy Students with more than $40,000 in Scholarships. I really enjoyed networking with the other winners before and after the banquet. 

Monday evening in the exhibition hall my family and I attended the banquet where my eyes were opened to the many opportunities that the Dairy Shrine Organization has to offer. It was honor to have stood on the same stage as some of the pioneers of the dairy industry, as well as this year's guest of honor, who helped to genetically advance the industry and change it forever. 


One pioneer in particular that amazed me was John Hardesty. Not only did his story include names of cattle that I recognized like Elevation, but his story also included studies that lead to bottling milk for children and those on the go. It was very sad to hear that he had passed at 82, but was uplifting to hear that he remained active on his farm until the end. While sitting in the banquet hall, I reflected and thought of where the dairy industry might be without the hard work of these amazing individuals. 


The famous "colored shavings"


I am excited to say that we enjoyed lots that the World Dairy Expo and Wisconsin had to offer from cheese curds, to ice cream, shopping, corn hole, and milkshakes! As I am making the trek home, I am very thankful for this experience and all the support I have received from family and friends toward my passion for the dairy industry.  






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