As extraordinary dairy cattle genetics and cutting-edge technology are on display at World Dairy Expo, dairy industry professionals will have the opportunity to network with the many sectors of the industry.
However, industry professionals and elite dairy cattle breeders aren’t the only individuals who will travel long distances to participate in this prestigious event. Youth from across the nation are a prominent part of the mission of World Dairy Expo.
Each year, youth visit Madison, Wisconsin, to experience the sheer passion that World Dairy Expo exudes.
Junior members who exhibit at the show have very different stories and interesting backgrounds that outline their journeys through the dairy industry as they develop their passion for dairy cattle genetics.
Cara Woloohojian
W. Greenwich, Rhode Island
Developing and sharing her passion
Cara Woloohojian is a freshman at Virginia Tech majoring in dairy science with a pre-vet focus. She is originally from W. Greenwich, Rhode Island, where she and her family operate a small dairy farm of Guernsey cattle known as Wee Acres.
Woloohojian’s involvement on the farm is centered around the calf nursery. She tends to newborn calves and oversees their growth, development and health. She also trains the animals for show.
Woloohojian has exhibited at World Dairy Expo for three years.
Her experiences in the show ring involve her home-bred Guernsey, Clara Bell.
Woloohojian has had great success with Clara Bell and has stood at the top of the line many times.
However, Woloohojian doesn’t go back to the show every year to snag a blue ribbon.
She goes back because the opportunities and experiences available at World Dairy Expo truly change lives.
When referring to the time that she has dedicated to the show, Woloohojian says, “It has allowed me to make so many great connections with people in the dairy industry.
In the small state of Rhode Island, not many people understand the passion that comes from raising and showing dairy cows – although through my shared experiences, I think I have helped change that a bit.”
Matthew Boop
Millmont, Pennsylvania
Learning life lessons
Many youth who show at World Dairy Expo request approval for excused absences from school administration to attend and participate in the event. In addition to the week-long show in the fall, exhibiting cattle throughout the entire school year can be very difficult for students.
As a freshman at Mifflinburg Area High School, Matthew Boop relishes the days he gets to watch the school bus pass his house as he packs up the trailer for another cow show.
Boop admits he misses a lot of school to attend dairy cattle shows, but positive relationships with his teachers have allowed him to maintain exceptional grades.
This high school freshman believes it’s the lessons he has learned at shows, such as World Dairy Expo, that have the greatest impact on his life in the present and the future.
At home, Matthew and his family breed cows under Heart & Soul Holsteins and J&K-Vue Farm. For him and his family, World Dairy Expo has given their farm, their prefix and their cattle genetics more exposure.
Exhibiting in the show ring and placing remarkably well has given them the opportunity to advertise their home-bred cow families.
As a young exhibitor, Boop is still learning what it’s like to show on such a competitive level, but he is soaking up all the knowledge he can. Walking onto the colored shavings at Madison is both nerve-wracking and joyous for Boop.
When asked to describe his routine before the show, he says, “My heart beats so fast. I can barely hear myself think. I get the jitters. But I tell myself I have to calm down and show my heifers to the best of my ability and make them look outstanding to the judges.”
And whether he’s at the top of the class or the bottom, Boop says, “It’s gonna be what it’s gonna be. Sometimes you just have to bite your tongue. You can’t always fight it. You have to appreciate the opportunity and win, or lose, gracefully.”
Elise and Elisabeth Regusci
Modesto, California
Strengthening connections and growing passion
Elise and Elisabeth Regusci are entering 11th grade at Ripon Christian High School. The two girls have big plans for their futures, and they both expect to stay involved with the dairy industry.
The year 2013 marks nine years that the Regusci twins have embarked on the 48-hour, one-way trip to Madison, Wisconsin, to exhibit in the International Brown Swiss Show.
The girls agree as they say, “The competitive energy at Expo is something you cannot miss out on.
We go to compete with the best of the best, and our successes and failures drive us to come back for more.”
For Elise, World Dairy Expo has given her the opportunity to make connections with industry professionals from across the nation and develop friendships with others who share a similar passion for dairy cattle.
For Elisabeth, the experiences at the show have given her confidence, yet made her humble.
The show has also taught her that teamwork is crucial in every aspect of life.
Through the years, World Dairy Expo has undoubtedly taught many valuable lessons, and for the Regusci twins, the show has provided irreplaceable opportunities.
When asked to describe some of these opportunities, Elise and Elisabeth were proud to say, “The most valuable lesson we have learned from the show is that hard work and passion can help you achieve your goals.
We have learned that getting ready for Expo is a year-round job. It can be emotional, tiring and frustrating at times, but the difficult times have made us strive to do our best. Nothing we have accomplished would have been possible without the love and support of our parents, brother and friends.
Our parents are always by our sides, being our biggest fans. Our brother has given us not only knowledge but passion for showing.
The memories Expo has given us have created a special bond among the three of us. World Dairy Expo allows youth like ourselves from across North America to grow, connect and shine under the coliseum lights.” PD
Sara Kitchen is a freelance writer and a student at Penn State University.
PHOTOS
TOP RIGHT: Cara Woloohojian of W. Greenwich, Rhode Island, has had much success in the show ring with her Guernsey cow, Clara Bell. Photo courtesy of Cara Woloohojian.
BOTTOM RIGHT: Elisabeth Regusci of Modesto, California, shows Busy Bee Syndicate Jasper while shaking Expo Associate Judge Brian Schnebly’s hand in 2012. Photo courtesy of the Regusci family .
