Countdown to World Dairy Expo: The Series
‘Legendary’ – World Dairy Expo 2009
”Life has no smooth road for any of us; and in the bracing atmosphere of a high aim the very roughness stimulates the climber to steadier steps, till the legend, ‘over steep ways to the stars,’ fulfills itself.”
By Dave Natzke
The 43rd edition of World Dairy Expo takes place Sept. 29-Oct. 3, 2009. “Legendary” is the theme of this year’s show – a celebration of the legendary cows, people and trade show that make the first week in October one to look forward to this year, and for years to come.
New England musician William Doane (1832-1913) may not have had dairy farming or World Dairy Expo in mind when he uttered the quote above, but 97 years after his death, the words are timely.
2009 had provided few smooth roads for dairy producers. Yet, as through tough climbs in eras past, the very roughness will eventually stimulate steady and strong steps. Reaching the summit has been, and remains, the stuff legends are made of.
The 43rd edition of World Dairy Expo takes place Sept. 29-Oct. 3, 2009. “Legendary” is the theme of this year’s show – a celebration of the legendary cows, people and trade show that make the first week in October one to look forward to this year, and for years to come.
Legendary cows
In America, October creates legends in baseball. It creates World Dairy Expo legends in the show ring, as well. The top cows and breeders in North America compete for five full days in “best of seven” national and international breed shows. In 2009, about 2,500 bovines will enter the ring, with the best vying for Supreme Champion honors, joining other legendary cows.
The show ring is also the breeding ground for legends yet to come, with the Kingsmill Farm II International Futurity, and five breed sales offering genetics for future legend makers.
Legendary people
In the show ring, breeders and showmen compete for Klussendorf and A.C. Whitie Thomson awards, seeking to add their names to these legendary trophies.
Outside the ring, World Dairy Expo’s Dinner with the Stars recognizes the people whose work and enthusiasm have reached legendary status.
World Dairy Expo is also home to national and international judging and skills contests, featuring the youth who are building dairy’s future. And, with more than 68,000 people from 84 countries attending the show, you could be rubbing elbows with a current or future dairy legend.
Legendary trade show
The trade show has become “legendary” in its own right, with more than 725 exhibitors and 1,600 exhibits from more than two dozen countries, featuring a full spectrum of dairy-focused technology, products, services and experts up and down every aisle.
Given time, legends are made, but they are not just part of history. Shawnee leader Tecumseh (1768-1813) said, ”When the legends die, the dreams end; there is no more greatness.”
True legends transform, staying fresh and vital – like the legendary World Dairy Expo.
Click on these links to find more details about the 2009 World Dairy Expo, and check back later for additions and updates:
• Educational Seminars – http://dairywebmall.com/dbcpress/?p=3936
• Virtual Tours – http://dairywebmall.com/dbcpress/?p=3906
• Dinner with the Stars award recipients: http://dairywebmall.com/dbcpress/?cat=17
• Cattle show judges – http://dairywebmall.com/dbcpress/?p=4092
• World’s Forage Analysis Superbowl and Dairy Forage Tool Box Seminars – http://dairywebmall.com/dbcpress/?p=4107
• Youth activities: http://dairywebmall.com/dbcpress/?p=4114
• Cattle shows and sales: http://dairywebmall.com/dbcpress/?p=4110
• Daily schedule: http://dairywebmall.com/dbcpress/?p=4116
• Related activities: http://dairywebmall.com/dbcpress/?p=4112
• Leading Off: http://dairywebmall.com/dbcpress/?p=4119