World Dairy Expo announces 2026 associate judges

MADISON, WIS. — World Dairy Expo announced the eight individuals selected to serve as associate judges of the expo’s 2026 Dairy Cattle Show.

Nominated by their respective official judge and approved by a committee of expo exhibitors, these individuals bring additional evaluation expertise to this world-renowned event, scheduled to take place Sept. 27 to Oct. 2.

The complete slate of individuals who will serve as judges at World Dairy Expo 2026 are:

International Ayrshire Show

• Official: David Hanson, Nicollet, Minnesota.

• Associate: Eric Houdek, Hastings, Minnesota.

International Brown Swiss Show

• Official: Richard “RT” Thompson, Darlington, Wisconsin.

• Associate: Hayden Hauschildt, Ellsworth, Wisconsin.

International Guernsey Show

• Official: Chris Lang, Big Prairie, Ohio.

• Associate: Kevin Stoltzfus, East Earl, Pennsylvania.

International Holstein Show

• Official: Ryan Krohlow, Poynette, Wisconsin.

• Associate: Kelly Barbee, Concord, North Carolina.

International Junior Holstein Show

• Official: Ben Wallace, Stoughton, Wisconsin.

• Associate: Phillip Topp, Botkins, Ohio.

International Jersey Show

• Official: Mike Berry, Powell Butte, Oregon.

• Associate: Ryan Lancaster, Tillamook, Oregon.

International Milking Shorthorn Show

• Official: Matt Henkes, Luana, Iowa.

• Associate: Marjorie Rida, Cummington, Massachusetts.

International Red & White Show

• Official: Aaron Eaton, Marietta, New York.

• Associate: Anthony Liddle, Argyle, New York.

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.