World Dairy Expo Virtual Farm Tours have been bringing the best dairy operations in North America to Madison, Wis., 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, Oct. 2-6, 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, Quality Liquid Feeds and Waikato Milking Systems.

Here is the schedule of tours this year:

Oct. 2 at 2 p.m. MasCow, Moscow, Kan.
Highlights: 3,500 milking, youth training
Sponsor: Kansas Department of Agriculture

Oct. 3 at 12 p.m. Blue Star Dairy Farms, DeForest, Wis.
Highlights: 2,600 milking, family-run, multisite farm
Sponsor: Compeer Financial

Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. VanderMade Dairy and FreshMade Dairy, Sherwood, Ohio
Highlights: 2,180 milking, cow comfort and longevity
Sponsor: Purina Animal Nutrition LLC

Oct. 4 at 12 p.m. Young’s Jersey Dairy Inc., Yellow Springs, Ohio
Highlights: 35 milking, value-added products, agritourism
Sponsor: American Jersey Cattle Association

Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. Selz-Pralle Dairy, Humbird, Wis.
Highlights: 450 milking, genetics, production
Sponsor: Mycogen Seeds

Oct. 5 at 12 p.m. Rocky Creek Dairy, Olin, N.C.
Highlights: 1,240 milking, milk quality
Sponsor: NC Dairy Advantage

Oct. 5 at 2 p.m. McCarty Family Farms LLC, Colby, Kan.
Highlights: 12,000 milking, non-GMO ration
Sponsor: Quality Liquid Feeds

Oct. 6 at 12 p.m. Benthem Brothers Inc., McBain, Mich.
Highlights: 2,700 milking, rotary parlor
Sponsor: Waikato Milking Systems

Serving as the meeting place of the global dairy industry, World Dairy Expo brings together the latest in dairy innovation and the best cattle in North America. Crowds of nearly 70,000 people, from 100 countries, will return to Madison for the 52nd annual event, Oct. 2-6, when the world’s largest dairy-focused trade show, dairy and forage seminars, a world-class dairy cattle show and more will be on display. Visit worlddairyexpo.com, or follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat or YouTube for more information. 

Source: World Dairy Expo