Virtual Farm Tours

World Dairy Expo Virtual Farm Tours have brought some of the best dairy operations from near and far to Madison for over 20 years. Dairies featured each year excel in a variety of farm aspects including genetics, technology, community engagement, environmental stewardship, and cow comfort, while also representing a wide variety of sizes, locations and breeds.

During Expo's Virtual Farm Tours, dairy owners and managers share a visual presentation with time for questions and an open discussion afterward. The 2024 Virtual Farm Tours are below. These sessions were recorded and can be viewed HERE.

Interested in recognizing a farm in 2025? We are now accepting nominations for the 2025 Virtual Farm Tour sessions. The application is available here.

Tuesday, October 1
10:00 a.m.	Schoepp Farms LLC Lodi, Wisconsin
Wednesday, October 2
10:00 a.m.	McCarty Family Farms Rexford, Kansas Sponsored by: DeLaval, Inc.
Thursday, October 3
10:00 a.m.	Vandoske Dairy Farms Cleveland, Wisconsin Sponsored by: Compeer Financial
Friday, October 4
10:00 a.m.	Woldt Farms LLC Brillion, Wisconsin Sponsored by: Complete Management Consulting Inc.

Tuesday, October 1, 2024 - 10:00 a.m.
Schoepp Farms LLC - Lodi, Wis.

Schoepp Farms is a well-diversified grazing and cash grain operation that grows over 400 acres of corn, soybeans, winter wheat and alfalfa, as well as 110 acres of grass pasture that are dedicated to raising 200 dairy heifers, 30-50 dry cows and 15 grass-fed beef. Their 30-plus years of no-tilling crops and rotational grazing has made soil erosion almost nonexistent on their operation while crop residue and organic matter increase act like a sponge, allowing the farm to weather droughts and extreme rains with minimal yield losses.
	Schoepps’ work doesn’t stop with the implementation of these practices. Conservation education and demonstration have been equally important to the family, hosting numerous events, research studies, field days and farm tours to promote and educate others on the importance of conservation in farming. In recognition of these efforts, the Schoepp family was named the 2023 Conservation Farm Family of the Year.
While Schoepp Farms is not an active dairy farm, the family hopes to showcase all the groups and organizations that help dairy producers transition to better practices on their land, increasing profitability and being able to raise a family and support their local community and school systems.

Wednesday, October 2, 2024 - 10:00 a.m.
McCarty Family Farms - Rexford, Kan.
Sponsored by: DeLaval, Inc.

Over 100 years ago, the McCarty family started and ended each day milking cows by hand in a small barn without electricity. In 2000, the family moved their farm to Rexford, Kansas, where they have grown to include 6 locations, including a partnership dairy in Ohio, an on-site milk processing plant and two on-site visitor centers. Across these locations, the McCarty family milks 19,000 registered Holsteins using two 120-stall DeLaval carousel parlors at their newest location.
McCarty Family Farms prioritizes sustainability on all fronts, striving to be responsible stewards of the land while maximizing genetic progress in their cattle. By utilizing the latest technologies and proven regenerative practices, like conserving water, supporting biodiversity and protecting the soil, the McCarty family is working to preserve and regenerate the land for future generations. Their breeding program reflects this value, breeding for moderate-framed, highly productive and efficient animals and genomically testing each female at birth to maintain the elite genetics in the herd.
For all these efforts, McCarty Family Farms have received numerous awards over the years, including the International Dairy Foods Innovative Dairy Farm of the Year, the US Dairy Sustainability Award by the Innovation Center for US Dairy, and the Progressive Genetics Herd Award by Holstein Association USA.

Thursday, October 3, 2024 - 10:00 a.m.
Vandoske Dairy Farms - Cleveland, Wis.
Sponsored by: Compeer Financial

Vandoske Dairy Farms is a modern dairy industry success story as a third-generation farm owned and operated by Bob and Tara Vandoske alongside their children, Brianne, Reid and Brooklyn. Established in 1945 by Bob's grandparents with just 18 cows, Vandoske Dairy has grown to more than 600 – all are 100%-registered Holsteins. They also manage 1,100 acres of alfalfa, corn, wheat, and soybeans.
	Their cows are milked three times a day in a modern double-8 parallel parlor and reside in comfortable free-stall barns, and boasts an impressive rolling herd average of 30,400 lbs of milk. Recently, Vandoske Dairy invested in the construction of a new calf barn in 2022 and a new barn will house elite show animals. This summer, Vandoske Dairy is constructing a retail storefront that will begin selling their delicious ice cream directly to consumers.
With a dedication to high quality product and animal care, they're frequent winners of the Milk Quality Award by the Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) and have bred the Junior Bred & Owned Champion at World Dairy Expo in 2019 and 2021. Their commitment to quality milk, animal care, and innovation ensures a bright future for this Wisconsin diary operation.

Friday, October 4, 2024 - 10:00 a.m.
Woldt Farms LLC - Brillion, Wis.
Sponsored by: Complete Management Consulting LLC

As a fourth-generation dairy farm, Woldt Farms LLC has seen great progress and expansion since beginning in 1911. Daryl and Amy Woldt, the current owners, purchased the farm from Daryl’s parents in 1990 and has since grown the herd to 1,650 cows being milked in a double-16 parallel parlor. Daryl and Amy have five daughters – Kelsey, Kayla, Kristen, Karly and Kortney – involved in the operation on various levels.
The Woldts manage 4,000 acres and grow various crops such as corn, hay, grass, triticale, winter wheat and rye, oatlage and soybeans. Woldt Farms LLC strives for sustainability and stewardship of their land as a part of the Lower Fox Demo Farms and Calumet County Ag Stewardship Alliance. As part of their efforts, 95% of their acreage is either no-till or uses cover crops to protect the land.
Woldt Farms LLC also prioritizes its community involvement to connect with consumers of all ages. They have hosted their county’s Sundae on the Farm twice and recently welcomed 400 fourth graders to their farm for Farm Bureau Classroom on a Farm. The Woldts are also diversifying their business through custom harvesting and an on-farm store.