The annual “Friends of Expo” reception held Dec. 1 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin, gathered a record number of volunteers that assist in implementing the world-class dairy industry show. Two hundred and nine guests attended the Asian-themed volunteer appreciation dinner and celebrated another successful 2011 World Dairy Expo. Four “Friends of Expo” were honored that evening as outstanding volunteers. The individuals that were honored for their years of support and outstanding service to World Dairy Expo were selected from more than 400 volunteers who help run the cattle shows, commercial exhibits, youth contests, school tours, Purple Cow Gift Shop and educational venues during the five-day show. The 2011 Friends of Expo honorees include: Brenda Lee Turner, Betty Haag, Julie Ehrke and Maureen DeBruin.

Brenda Lee Turner was presented a Friend of Expo Award for her many years of service to the cattle show. A northern Wisconsin native, Brenda was active showing cattle through 4-H at the county and state level. As a graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Madison, with a degree in agriculture journalism agriculture, she was active in the Badger Dairy Club.

Her career path following graduation included working for a prominent breed publication and assisting with dairy cattle preparation and programming for some of the biggest Holstein sales in the world. After marrying her husband, Roger, Brenda now works for Semex in Canada. She is one of the organizers that sets up, manages and disassembles the Semex Walk of Fame live cattle display at World Dairy Expo.

She continues to coordinate the grand opening of the World Classic sale with Tom Morris. She volunteers as the official announcer of the International Holstein and International Ayrshire Shows. She collaborates with other volunteers and World Dairy Expo staff on potential story ideas for the Daily Edition, Virtual Farm Tours and general promotion of the event to potential attendees from around the world.

Betty Haag was also honored for her passion as a volunteer for Expo. She grew up on a farm in Milton, Wisconsin, and was an active 4-H member who loved farm animals and rural living. As a graduate of Whitewater State College she received her degree in education and taught elementary school in West Allis, Wisconsin.

Her desire to return to rural life lured her to earn a home economics degree at University of Wisconsin – Madison and then on to become a county agent in Green Lake. Later she moved to become the home economist in Jefferson County, working with community members, 4-H leaders and youth for more than 32 years. During that time, Betty and her husband, Adolf, raised three children.

World Dairy Expo has benefited from her volunteer services for many years. First, she assisted with the school tours to help educate future consumers. Later she added the role of volunteer in the Purple Cow Gift Shop. Now retired, this Friend of Expo remains busy as an active volunteer in her community while still helping for one week each year at World Dairy Expo.

Julie Ehrke of Badger Press was bestowed the Friends of Expo title as well. Julie also grew up on a Wisconsin dairy farm and was an eager dairy enthusiast at a young age. Having been a dairy cattle exhibitor through 4-H and Junior Holstein Association, she developed a devotion to the industry and those people of the dairy sector.

As a student at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Julie was active in Badger Dairy Club, Association of Women in Agriculture and AGR Little Sisters. During those busy college years, she dedicated many hours behind the scenes at World Dairy Expo. After graduation she pursued a career in the print industry and now works for Badger Press of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin.

Julie serves World Dairy Expo as the contact with that print vendor and provides regular project support on most print materials including the annual theme artwork. Julie has helped World Dairy Expo to meet quick turnaround project deadlines on numerous occasions. Julie and her husband, Steve and two children reside in Deerfield, Wisconsin.

Maureen DeBruin of Jefferson, Wisconsin, the fourth recipient of the 2011 Friends of Expo award has served as a volunteer in a variety of roles at World Dairy Expo for many years. Perhaps the biggest commitment is that of the International Post-Secondary Dairy Cattle Judging Contest manager. Maureen recruits and leads contest volunteers, as well as promoting the contest to post-secondary institutions, students and industry sponsors. Maureen supervises in coordinating dairy cattle class selection to the scoring and tabulating of results for both the practical and traditional components of the Post-Secondary Contest. She also assists with logistical requirements for the event as well as the awards banquet.

In addition, she is a key member of the Agri-Graphics cattle photography team that captures the ringside photos of each class winner. She also assists with the show string barn decorations as needed. Maureen has been a classifier for Holstein USA for 26 years. She volunteers regularly in mentoring local youth with dairy cattle projects.

World Dairy Expo General Manager, Mark Clarke, expressed gratitude to the entire group of volunteers present at the event for the successful resulting event in 2011. Special thanks and recognition were given to the Badger Dairy Club members in attendance for their dedicated behind-the-scenes role in implementing the entire event. PD

—From World Dairy Expo news release

PHOTO:
Volunteers recognized at World Dairy Expo’s 2011 Friends of Expo Party included, from left to right, Maureen DeBruin, Brenda Lee Turner, Julie Ehrke and Betty Haag. Photo courtesy of World Dairy Expo.