World Dairy Expo accepting nominations for 2026 Recognition Awards

MADISON, Wis. — World Dairy Expo is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Recognition Awards through Feb. 15.

Each year, the expo honors exceptional leaders across the dairy industry in three categories: Dairy Producer of the Year, Industry Person of the Year and International Person of the Year.

Organizations, academic institutions, producers and others engaged in the dairy sector are encouraged to nominate individuals whose work exemplifies excellence, leadership and dedication.

Dairy Producer of the Year: Presented to an active dairy producer whose primary income is derived from their dairy enterprise. This individual demonstrates excellence in efficient production, progressive management practices and the breeding of high-quality dairy animals. Consideration is also given to involvement in community, government, marketing and participation in World Dairy Expo.

Industry Person of the Year: Awarded to a U.S. resident who has made significant contributions to research, development, education, marketing, manufacturing or other fields that support the dairy industry. The recipient may also be a dairy producer, provided their principal achievements are industry-focused.

International Person of the Year: Presented to an individual living primarily outside the United States who has demonstrated exceptional impact in international research, development, education, marketing, manufacturing or other dairy-related fields that provide goods or services to the global dairy industry.

Nomination forms are available at worlddairyexpo.com under the “Contests” tab or by contacting the expo office at 608-224-6455 or wde@wdexpo.com.

Selected honorees will be recognized on Sept. 30 during World Dairy Expo 2026 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison.

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 Sept. 29 to Oct. 2 to Madison. Dairy producers can experience the world’s largest dairy-focused trade show, a world-class dairy cattle show, attend seminars, meetings and presentations highlighting the latest in the industry and connect with other producers.