News Release
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
World Dairy Expo Welcomes New Board Members
MADISON, WIS. – World Dairy Expo® welcomed new industry leaders to its Board of Directors at the organization’s annual March meetings. The three incoming board members include Jon Schmidt, Associated Milk Producers Inc.; Paul Hunt, URUS Group LP; and Tim Abbott, at-large representative.
Jon Schmidt represents Associated Milk Producers Inc. and brings a deep-rooted passion for dairy farming and genetics to the board. A fifth-generation dairy farmer from Owatonna, Minnesota, Schmidt operates Schmity Holsteins with his wife, Kim, and daughter, Madi, where they milk 250 registered Holsteins along with a small group of registered Jerseys. A graduate of the University of Minnesota, Schmidt has developed a nationally recognized herd, earning the Progressive Genetics Award from the Holstein Association for 20 consecutive years. He currently serves on the AMPI Board of Directors, where he chairs both the Government Relations Committee and Political Action Committee, and remains actively involved in youth development through 4-H and local dairy organizations.
Paul Hunt joins the board representing URUS Group LP, bringing more than three decades of global dairy industry leadership experience. Raised on a Master Breeder Holstein operation in Ontario, Canada, Hunt developed a lifelong passion for genetics and breeding. He earned an honors degree in Agricultural Business from the University of Guelph and began his career with Alta Genetics. Over the past 30 plus years, Hunt has held key leadership roles across the Alta, Koepon and URUS organizations, culminating in his current role as CEO of URUS. His career has focused on driving strategy, growth and innovation within the global dairy and beef industries. Hunt has also served on the boards of the Canadian Dairy Network, National Association of Animal Breeders and the Council for Dairy Cattle Breeding. He and his wife, Julie, reside in Wisconsin and have three children.
Tim Abbott joins the Board as an at-large representative, offering extensive experience across dairy genetics, marketing and sales. A graduate of the University of Vermont, Abbott’s career spans roles including field representative for the American Jersey Cattle Association, General Manager of Jersey Marketing Service, Director of Field Services for AJCA, sire analyst for ABS Global, and leadership roles with ABS Canada and St. Jacobs ABC. Today, Abbott is co-owner of Showbox Sires LLC, The Dairy Sales Alliance and Borderview Genetics, in addition to owning Deep Canyon Guest Ranch in Montana. His broad perspective across multiple sectors of the dairy industry brings valuable insight to the board. Abbott and his wife, Sharyn, have two daughters.
Joe Coburn, representing The Coburn Company, Inc., continues his role as chair of the Commercial Exhibitors Committee and Josh Hushon, Cargill Animal Nutrition, continues as vice-chair of this committee. Joining the Dairy Cattle Exhibitor Committee as At-Large Breed representatives (elected by the cattle exhibitors of their respective breeds) are Kurt Wolf, IA, at-large Ayrshire representative; Joe Sparrow, KY, at-large Brown Swiss representative; Kim Grewe, WI, at-large Guernsey representative; Kelly Reynolds, NY, at-large Holstein representative; and Tracy Brandel, WI, at-large Milking Shorthorn representative; and Trent Styczynski, WI, at-large Red & White representative. Also joining the committee as Breed Association Representatives (elected by their respective breed associations) are Laurie Winkelman, National Brown Swiss Association; Megan Schrupp, DVM, National Guernsey Association; Tim Ziemba, National Holstein Association and Tony Kohls, National Red & White Association. Tom Morris, Tom Morris Ltd., was re-elected chairman of the Dairy Cattle Exhibitor Committee and Roger Turner, Jetstream Genetics, was elected vice-chair. Both gentlemen serve as industry representatives to the committee and are elected to their positions by the World Dairy Expo Board of Directors.
For a complete list of the World Dairy Expo Board of Directors, Commercial Exhibitor Committee and Dairy Cattle Exhibitor Committee, visit https://worlddairyexpo.com/pages/World-Dairy-Expo-Leadership.php.
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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Note to Editors: High-resolution photos are available upon request from lbehnke@wdexpo.com
