Now entered in the history books, World Dairy Expo 2009 can truly be called “Legendary.”

In its 43rd year, the exposition debuted a record number of commercial exhibitors. Nearly 64,800 people attended this year’s show, with 3,500 fewer attendees than in 2008. However, show organizers say attendance was near the 10-year average. International guests numbered 2,551 from 91 countries. More than 750 companies from 24 countries exhibited products in the commercial booths.

Supreme champion was awarded to Harvue Roy Frosty, a Holstein exhibited by Mike and Julie Duckett, Jim and Nancy Junemann, and Scott Armbrust of Rudolph, Wisconsin. Old Mill E Snickerdoodle OCS took reserve supreme champion. Allen Bassler, Jr. of Upperville, Virginia, exhibited this Brown Swiss aged cow. In the Junior Show, Xanadu Champion Kandy Kiss, a Jersey exhibited by Ben Sauder of Tremont, Illinois, took supreme champion. Coming in reserve was Blind Buck Vall Tri Redpepper, an Ayrshire exhibited by Sara Pulver, Fort Edward, New York.

Industry leaders were honored Wednesday evening at the Dinner With the Stars. This year’s recipients are: the 2009 World Dairy Expo Dairyman of the Year – David Hileman, Tyrone, Pennsylvania; the 2009 Dairy Woman of the Year – Daphne Holterman, Watertown, Wisconsin; the 2009 Industry Person of the Year – Maurice Core, Columbus, Ohio; and the 2009 International Person of the Year – Dr. Jan Philipsson, Uppsala, Sweden. Visit www.worlddairyexpo.com for complete results from this year’s event and mark your calendar for next year, September 28-October 2, 2010, “Crowning Achievements – Golden Opportunities.” PD