A regional dairy show called the Heart of America Dairy Expo has grown from what was Missouri’s statewide dairy convention.
There is a large area where dairy farmers are not served by a major dairy show, according to Dave Drennan, executive director of the Missouri Dairy Association.
“Because when you look at the country and where the dairy shows, there’s one in Madison, [Wisconsin], there’s one in Sioux Falls, [South Dakota], but there’s nothing south for dairy farmers in those states until you get to Texas,” Drennan told Brownfield Ag News.
The Expo, to be held January 25 and 26, includes Missouri Dairy Association board meetings and annual meetings.
“We’ll have an expanded trade show, a little more programming, and we’re just going to invite all our friends and neighbors to come and join us in Springfield, Missouri,” said Drennan.
Because of its distance between the major dairy shows, there was an interest in holding an event in the Midwest that is an alternative for educational programming closer to home, said Larry Purdom of Purdy, Missouri, the president of the Missouri Dairy Association, in a news release issued by that organization.
“We picked Springfield for the next two years because it is a natural trade hub and home to many dairy businesses such as Kraft, Mueller, F&S Food Equipment Company, Dairy Farmers of America and Hiland Dairy Foods,” said Purdom, in remarks prepared for the news release.
The Expo headquarters is the Ramada Oasis Hotel and Convention Center housing over 60 exhibits.
Registration is free for dairy farmers.
AUDIO: Dave Drennan (1 min. MP3)
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