Posted: 09.29.2010

The facilities might be maxed out - but World Dairy Expo officials say they have no intention or relocating the "Grand Daddy of the Dairy Shows".

In an interview with Pam Jahnke, WDE Board President, Mike Holschbach, said that the board is in constant contact with Alliant Energy Center staff, and county officials, on what expansion plans might be in the future for the unique facilities.  "Times being what they are, and the economy being what it is - we understand the limits of what can be done right now to add more space,"  Holschbach told Jahnke.  "We're to the limit.  Both in exhibit hall space and cattle stall space."

WDE erects two large temporary tents that house more then 1,000 animals for the course of the show.  "Obviously, we'd like to see permanent buildings in place of those some day - but we understand the current financial situation, and we're going to do the best that we can now.  Long term, I know they would like to expand the exhibitor hall and we would certainly like to see some expansion in barn space.  I know there's a large scale plan that's out there," Holschbach continued, "but due to monetary concerns at this time, it's just not going to take place."

Holschbach said the show is very financially dependent on their volunteer workforce.  "We did a little math last year and we figured that we had between 32,000-35,000 man hours in volunteers.  You can do the math.  Even at $10 an hour - we're talking over a third of million dollars in salaries that would have to be paid out, and there's no way we're in a position to pay that kind of money.  So we're indebted to our volunteers.  The show wouldn't happen without them."

Holschbach said that WDE also stepped up its paper trail for all the dairy animals exhibited a this years show.  He said literally every state - and of course Canada - have different animal health paper requirements for interstate travel.  WDE added an additional staff of about 45 people working around the clock from 8 a.m. on Friday, around the clock, to the beginning of the show.  Holschbach said that's going to be an area that they continue to concentrate on.  "Ultimately we'd like to get to a point where there's a uniform group of tests that will be required for all cattle that come to the show.  There's plenty left to do."

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