MADISON, Wis. – The colored shavings at World Dairy Expo once again had a Wisconsin accent.
From Kaukauna to New Glarus, Stitzer to Lomira, Wisconsin exhibitors filled the spotlight at the 2026 World Dairy Expo, claiming grand champion banners, junior champion honors and premier breeder awards across several breeds. Their success showcased not only elite cattle genetics, but also the depth of Wisconsin’s dairy industry on the world’s biggest dairy stage.
Ayrshire: Kaukauna Team Claims Grand Champion
Wisconsin exhibitors topped the Ayrshire show as Bricker-Farms King Cinderella, exhibited by Milk Source Genetics, J&S Fairbanks and K&M Wolf of Kaukauna, earned Senior Champion and Grand Champion honors after winning the Four-Year-Old class. In the Ayrshire Heifer Show, Wisconsin also captured Reserve Junior Champion with Jl-Royal-Ruby Stanley Beckett, a Spring Yearling leased by Dylan Ryan and owned by Lydia Rasmussen of Fond du Lac.
Jersey: Wisconsin breeders shine
The state’s Jersey exhibitors earned several top honors. GMBV Joel Dixie-ET, owned by Milk Source Genetics of Kaukauna, was named Reserve Grand Champion after winning the Five-Year-Old class. In the heifer competition, Budjon-Vail Joel Starstruck-ET, owned by Budjon Farms, Peter Vail and Genosource of Lomira, captured Junior Champion and Junior Champion Bred and Owned honors. Budjon Farms and Peter Vail were also recognized as Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor of the Heifer Show.
Brown Swiss: Young Wisconsin entries rise to the top
Wisconsin breeders found success in the Brown Swiss heifer competition as Ar-Line TMO Love Bites-ETV, leased by Kyla Johnson and owned by Ranae Herman of Tomah, claimed Junior Champion honors after winning the Fall Calf class. Jenlar of Chilton was named Premier Breeder of the Heifer Show.
Red & White: Championship honors for Wisconsin exhibitors
Wisconsin exhibitors were front and center in the Red & White show ring. Ms Alpha Mystery-Red-ET, exhibited by Coltan J. and Eastan E. Brown of Strum, earned Intermediate Champion honors after winning the Spring Junior Two-Year-Old class. In the Heifer Show, Dridge DC Hot Tamale-Red-ET, exhibited by La Femme Fatale, Milk Source LLC and Eric Olstad of Kaukauna, was named Junior Champion after topping the Summer Yearling class.
Holstein: Wisconsin cow captures one of Expo’s biggest titles
One of the week’s most significant victories belonged to Eixdale Pwrup Alongside, owned by Milk Source Genetics of Kaukauna. The Five-year-old cow earned Senior Champion and Grand Champion honors in the International Holstein Show. Wisconsin exhibitors also secured Reserve Intermediate Champion with Walk-Era Eye Candy Rebel, owned in part by Budjon Farms and partners from Lomira, while Monoak Master Precious, owned by Mike Deaver of Marshall, was named Reserve Junior Champion. The Osinga family of Watertown earned Premier Exhibitor honors in the Heifer Show.
Guernsey: Wisconsin dominates in both Open and Jr. show
Few breeds showcased Wisconsin’s strength more than the Guernsey show. Donnybrook Ammo Stevie, owned by Brittany Taylor and Laylaa Schuler of New Glarus, earned Senior Champion and Grand Champion honors in both the Open and Junior Shows. RHG Villa Breezy Venus-ET, owned by Alison, Leo and Brianna Gartman of Sheboygan, captured Reserve Grand Champion honors in both shows and was named Intermediate Champion in the Open and Junior competitions.
Milking Shorthorn: Stitzer Cow Excels on Both Stages
Wisconsin’s success continued in the Milking Shorthorn ring. Lazy M Jekyll Zella EXP, exhibited by Britton Allen of Stitzer, earned Reserve Grand Champion and Reserve Senior Champion honors in the Open Show. Zella also topped the Junior Show, claiming both Grand Champion and Senior Champion honors.
Wisconsin Holstein finishes just behind historic Supreme Champion
A separate highlight for Wisconsin came during the Supreme Champion selection, one of the most prestigious moments of World Dairy Expo. Stoney Point Joel Bailey, owned by Vierra Dairy Farms of Hilmar, California, was named Supreme Champion, becoming the first Jersey in Expo history to win the honor twice.
Wisconsin exhibitors also stood prominently in the final lineup, with Eixdale Pwrup Alongside, the Grand Champion Holstein owned by Milk Source Genetics of Kaukauna, earning Reserve Supreme Champion honors. On the heifer side, Wisconsin was again represented as Budjon-Vail Joel Starstruck-ET, the Junior Champion Jersey owned by Budjon Farms, Peter Vail and Genosource of Lomira, was named Reserve Supreme Champion Heifer…