The eight individuals who will serve as official judges during World Dairy Expo 2026 have been confirmed. Nominated and selected by this year’s Dairy Cattle Show Exhibitors, these individuals will evaluate North America’s finest dairy cattle on the colored shavings, Sunday, September 27 through Friday, October 2.
The official judges for the 59th World Dairy Expo are as follows:
International Ayrshire Show
Official: David Hanson, Nicolette, Minn.
International Brown Swiss Show
Official: Richard “RT” Thompson, Darlington, Wis.
International Guernsey Show
Official: Chris Lang, Big Prairie, Ohio
International Holstein Show
Official: Ryan Krohlow, Poynette, Wis.
International Junior Holstein Show
Official: Ben Wallace, Stoughton, Wis.
International Jersey Show
Official: Mike Berry, Powell Butte, Ore.
International Milking Shorthorn Show
Official: Matt Henkes, Luana, Iowa
International Red & White Show
Official: Aaron Eaton, Marietta, 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 annual event will return to Madison, Wis. September 29 – 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.
