UVM Extension attended the first Annual American Dairy Xpo on November 5 and 6 in Essex Junction, Vermont. This new event was a dairy-specific showcase featuring more than 200 exhibitors from around the world who came together to share the latest innovations in education, technology, research, and business. The halls of the Champlain Valley Exposition were filled with farmers, researchers, educators, students, and 4-H members all coming together to celebrate and strengthen the dairy industry.

Throughout the event, educational presentations took place in the Dairy Delivers Classroom. UVM Extension Dairy Specialist Whitney Hull presented practical, research-based strategies for improving milk quality and farm profitability, offering tips farmers can apply directly on their operations.

Other Dairy Delivers Classroom speakers included Elle St. Pierre, Olympic gold medalist and Vermont dairy farmer; E.B. Flory, Dairy Program Manager with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM); and Laura Ginsburg from VAAFM. Their talks highlighted the current state of the dairy industry as well as hopes and strategies for its future.

UVM Extension Staff at booth
UVM Extension staff man the booth at the American Dairy Xpo. From left: Carly Bass, Whitney Hull, Amber Machia.

At the UVM Extension booth, staff connected with local farmers and made new connections with industry professionals and students. We shared resources, promoted upcoming programs and events, and showcased the many ways UVM Extension supports Vermont farmers. Our team was especially inspired to see so many young attendees proudly wearing their Future Farmers of America jackets, reminding us how important it is to engage and support the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Future Farmers of American at American Dairy Xpo.
Student members of the Future Farmers of America at the Stonyfield Organics booth.
Man holding shake and grilled cheese.
Anson Tebbetts, Vermont Secretary of Agriculture, enjoying his milkshake and grilled cheese made by 4-H members.

A heartfelt thank-you to the American Dairy Xpo team for organizing this wonderful event that brought together so many members of the dairy community to learn, connect, and collaborate. UVM Extension looks forward to attending again next year and, in the meantime, continuing to provide resources, technical assistance, and support to farmers across Vermont.

Sign at the American Dairy Xpo
The American Dairy Xpo wishing us well on our way out of the event. See you next year!