MADISON, WIS. – On Wednesday, December 10, 2025, World Dairy Expo hosted its annual Friends of Expo celebration, honoring the hundreds of volunteers, paid workers, and partners who make World Dairy Expo possible. Highlighting the evening was the presentation of the 2025 Friends of Expo awards. Receiving recognition this year were Jon Rasmussen, Fond du Lac, Wis., Jen Wackershauser and Emily Novinskie, Platteville, Wis., and Kevin Hoffman, Verona, Wis.
Jon Rasmussen began his volunteer journey at World Dairy Expo in 1996 as a Badger Dairy Club Grounds Chair and has continued to serve in a variety of leadership roles since then. In 2007, he began volunteering with the International Jersey Show and assisted with check-in with multiple breeds and recording placings. He became the Jersey Breed Superintendent in 2012, becoming just the fifth superintendent for the breed in World Dairy Expo history. In 2021, Rasmussen also became the Assistant Overall Superintendent of the Dairy Cattle Show. Dairy Cattle Exhibitors enjoy every interaction with Rasmussen because of his positive attitude and calm demeanor.
As the Technical Directors for ExpoTV, Jenny Wackershauser and Emily Novinskie began their work supporting World Dairy Expo 12 years ago. Together, they have volunteered more than 960 hours of their time to World Dairy Expo. Arriving each day before 7 a.m. and staying until the last class exits the Coliseum, they spend more than 14 hours a day in the Rush Media Trailer, located near where the cattle enter the Coliseum. The pair directs camera operators and selects the shots that bring three livestreams of the World Dairy Expo Dairy Cattle Show to life. Their combined passion for the dairy industry and unwavering dedication has allowed millions of viewers to watch the Dairy Cattle Show from wherever they are.
Kevin Hoffman’s time given to World Dairy Expo touches nearly every corner of the event. From welcoming FFA members and managing the flow of trucks and trailers into World Dairy Expo to organizing the warehouse, moving equipment, and transforming stalling tents with calm, good-natured efficiency, Kevin exemplifies dedication in action. Known for his warmth, humor, and unwavering willingness to step in wherever needed, he brings out the best in others, whether exhibitors, students, or other volunteers. His creativity, mentorship, and genuine care make him a pleasure to work with at World Dairy Expo, says Laura Herschleb, World Dairy Expo General Manager.
World Dairy Expo would not be the event it is without its volunteers, and more, the merrier! If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer for World Dairy Expo 2026, visit https://worlddairyexpo.com/pages/Volunteers.php to learn more and complete the Volunteer Interest Form.
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.
