MADISON, WIS. – World Dairy Expo® is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Recognition Awards through February 15, 2026. Each year, Expo honors exceptional leaders across the dairy industry in three categories: Dairy Producer of the Year, Industry Person of the Year, and International Person of the Year. Organizations, academic institutions, producers, and others engaged in the dairy sector are encouraged to nominate individuals whose work exemplifies excellence, leadership, and dedication.
Award Categories & Qualifications
Dairy Producer of the Year
Presented to an active dairy producer whose primary income is derived from their dairy enterprise. This individual demonstrates excellence in efficient production, progressive management practices, and the breeding of high-quality dairy animals. Consideration is also given to involvement in community, government, marketing, and participation in World Dairy Expo.
Industry Person of the Year
Awarded to a U.S. resident who has made significant contributions to research, development, education, marketing, manufacturing, or other fields that support the dairy industry. The recipient may also be a dairy producer, provided their principal achievements are industry-focused.
International Person of the Year
Presented to an individual living primarily outside the United States who has demonstrated exceptional impact in international research, development, education, marketing, manufacturing, or other dairy-related fields that provide goods or services to the global dairy industry.
Nomination forms are available at worlddairyexpo.com under the Contests tab, or by contacting the Expo office at 608-224-6455 or wde@wdexpo.com. Selected honorees will be recognized on Wednesday, September 30, during World Dairy Expo 2026 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
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. Download the World Dairy Expo mobile app, visit worlddairyexpo.com or follow WDE on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Spotify, or YouTube for more information.
