News Release

Thursday, October 1, 2026

New York native wins the 2026 Honorary Klussendorf Award

MADISON, WIS. – Peter Vail of Salem, N.Y., was named the 19th recipient of the Honorary Klussendorf Award during the 59th World Dairy Expo®. The Honorary Klussendorf Award reflects the attributes of the Klussendorf Award and is presented as special recognition by the Klussendorf Association membership for significant involvement in the purebred dairy cattle industry.

The Klussendorf Award represents the highest ideals of the dairy industry: character, sportsmanship, integrity, dedication and an unwavering commitment to excellence in the dairy cattle show ring. Few individuals have embodied these values as completely or influenced as many people as this native New Yorker.

Vail’s passion for dairy cattle began at a young age. At 12, he would run off the school bus and head straight to his grandparents’ farm across the road. Along with his brother, Walter, Vail began his dairy career in 4-H, traveling to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Waterloo, Iowa, by train as teenagers. They fit their own animals as well as cattle for others, gaining valuable experience that would help shape Vail’s lifelong career in the dairy industry.

Vail later attended Cornell University, where he was a member of the dairy judging team led by legendary coach Dr. George Trimberger. To this day, Vail credits Trimberger with helping develop his keen eye for quality dairy cattle.

The Klussendorf Association recognizes Vail for his passion for great cattle and his desire to compete. Throughout his career, he has invested in, enhanced and influenced cattle across every dairy breed. His contributions have been particularly significant in Brown Swiss, Ayrshire and Milking Shorthorns, where his ideal breeding program and promotion of elite cattle have helped elevate the breeds.

In 2025 alone, Vail was involved in showing 79 animals at World Dairy Expo, with 49 placing in the top 10 and eight named class winners. In 2026, he either owned or bred four Junior Champions.

Beyond his accomplishments in the show ring, Vail is known throughout the dairy industry for his generosity. No matter the cause or circumstance, he is often among the first to donate and support others in any way he can. His commitment to giving back has become another defining part of his legacy.

Peter Vail of Salem, N.Y., has changed lives, strengthened the dairy industry and deepened countless people’s appreciation for the dairy cattle business. His influence can be seen not only in the cattle he has bred and exhibited, but also in the people he has supported along the way.

For his lifelong dedication, generosity, passion for dairy cattle and lasting influence on the purebred dairy cattle industry, the Klussendorf Association elected Peter Vail as the 19th Honorary Klussendorf Award recipient.

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Notes to Editors: High-resolution photos are available here:  

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fUcWjBPwRLQxQolKkHubIEI707Gu5nRr?usp=sharing