News Release

Friday, December 16, 2025

World Dairy Expo Announces 2026 Associate Judges

MADISON, WIS. – World Dairy Expo^® is delighted to announce the eight individuals selected to serve as associate judges of 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. The Dairy Cattle Show will be held in Madison, Wisconsin, Sunday, September 27 through Friday, October 2.

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

International Ayrshire Show

Official: David Hanson, Nicollet, Minn.

Associate: Eric Houdek, Hastings, Minn.

International Brown Swiss Show

Official: Richard “RT” Thompson, Darlington, Wis.

Associate: Hayden Hauschildt, Ellsworth, Wis.

International Guernsey Show

Official: Chris Lang, Big Prairie, Ohio

Associate: Kevin Stoltzfus, East Earl, Penn.

International Holstein Show

Official: Ryan Krohlow, Poynette, Wis.

Associate: Kelly Barbee, Concord, N.C.

International Junior Holstein Show

Official: Ben Wallace, Stoughton, Wis.

Associate: Phillip Topp, Botkins, Ohio

International Jersey Show

Official: Mike Berry, Powell Butte, Ore.

Associate: Ryan Lancaster, Tillamook, Ore.

International Milking Shorthorn Show

Official: Matt Henkes, Luana, Iowa

Associate: Marjorie Rida, Cummington, Mass.

International Red & White Show

Official: Aaron Eaton, Marietta, N.Y.

Associate: Anthony Liddle, Argyle, N.Y.

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 Dairy Cattle Show will return to Madison, Wis. September 27 – October 2, 2026. 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 and greatest in the industry and connect with other producers. Download the World Dairy Expo mobile app, visit worlddairyexpo.com or follow WDE on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Spotify, or YouTube for more information.

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