Taste and See Why Wisconsin is "America's Dairyland" at 2005 World Dairy Expo
Byline: Jay Stauffacher, WMMB Board Chairman
WMMB District #23

State, national and international visitors to this year's World Dairy Expo will have the opportunity to sample, first-hand, why Wisconsin is known as "America's Dairyland." More than 25 companies from all around the state will showcase and sell their Made in Wisconsin products and craft items in the "America's Dairyland Marketplace." Held in conjunction with the largest dairy-focused trade show in the world, this year’s event is planned for Tuesday, October 4, through Saturday, October 8, at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison.

The America’s Dairyland Marketplace is an excellent opportunity to experience a showcase filled with not only Wisconsin's quality cheeses and dairy products, but also other craft and food products unique to the Dairy State. More than 65,000 attendees from around the globe are expected to visit World Dairy Expo this year. The Marketplace provides an excellent platform for manufacturers and marketers to demonstrate why cheese and other food products from America’s Dairyland win more awards for quality and craftsmanship than any other state or country.

The America's Dairyland Marketplace is being organized in partnership with the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board (WMMB) on behalf of Wisconsin dairy producers. Throughout Expo week, visitors will have the opportunity to sample and purchase cheese and food products and take home some of the best-tasting cheese made in the world. Expo goers will also be able purchase art and craft items and to participate in an entertaining audience-participation game created by WMMB patterned after the popular game of Jeopardy. Wisconsin JeoparDairy is a trivia contest highlighting the many ways that Wisconsin is unique in the world of dairying.

Also part of this year's America's Dairyland Marketplace is a work of art in progress which will be part of the statewide CowParade Wisconsin 2006 announced last month by WMMB. More than 100 special artistic cows are coming to America's Dairyland, joining the more than 1.2 million dairy cows that already reside throughout the state. WMMB will be helping to bring this world's largest public art event to Wisconsin from June 3 through October 13, 2006. Hundreds of artists from throughout the state will be painting and decorating life-sized fiberglass cows in preparation for CowParade Wisconsin 2006.

Local artist Steven Kozar, will be on hand throughout Expo Week in the America's Dairyland Marketplace and will be completing his cow canvas entitled "Where the Cows Are." CowParade Wisconsin 2006 is now lining up sponsors and accepting proposals from artists who wish to participate in this public art event that showcases why cows are an important part of the dairy industry's $20.6 billion annual contribution to Wisconsin's economy.

If you plan to attend this year's World Dairy Expo, don't miss the food, fun and important dairy facts that will be part of the America's Dairyland Marketplace located in the Alliant Energy Center Exhibition Hall.

Jay Stauffacher has served on the WMMB board since 2000 and was elected board chairman in July of 2005. In addition to serving on the WMMB, Stauffacher is a delegate for Accelerated Genetics and Foremost Farms. He also volunteers his time as a 4-H advisor. He lives and farms near Darlington with his two sons, Eric and Aaron.