What World Dairy Expo Is
World Dairy Expo is a dairy cattle show and trade exposition held every fall at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Dane County and the Alliant Energy Center have hosted every Expo since it began in 1967. The 2026 edition was the 59th. Over a week it combines youth contests, the International breed shows, cattle sales, a commercial trade show, education sessions and farm tours. At the 2022 Expo, attendance topped 54,500, with visitors from nearly 90 countries and more than 2,600 dairy cattle housed on the grounds.
Ways to Take Part
| If you are... | What you do |
|---|---|
| A cattle exhibitor | Enter online at worlddairyexpo.com. The premium book has entry information, the schedule, rules and updates. |
| A youth contestant | Compete in the National 4-H, Intercollegiate and International Post-Secondary Judging Contests, the Youth Fitting Contest or the Youth Showmanship Contest on Saturday, September 26, 2026. |
| An FFA member | Join FFA events and seminars on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. |
| A visitor | Buy a ticket for the trade show, shows and seminars, September 29 to October 2, 2026. |
How It Works: The 2026 Timeline
- Monday, August 31, 2026, 11:59 p.m. CDT: deadline for dairy cattle show entries. Late entries were accepted for an increased fee.
- Saturday, September 26: youth judging, fitting and showmanship contests, with an awards banquet that evening.
- Sunday, September 27: the Dairy Cattle Show opens at 10 a.m. with the International Junior Holstein Show and the International Milking Shorthorn heifer classes.
- Monday, September 28 to Thursday, October 1: breed shows on a split-day schedule, with heifer and cow classes on separate days: Jersey, Ayrshire, Milking Shorthorn, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Red and White and Holstein.
- Thursday, October 1, about 8:30 p.m.: selection of the Supreme Champion of the Heifer Show.
- Friday, October 2: International Holstein Show, cows, at 7 a.m., and the Parade of Champions at 4 p.m. in the Coliseum.
Cattle Health Rules
H5N1 testing is not required for animals from states with Unaffected State Status under the USDA National Milk Testing Strategy. Lactating cattle from Affected or Provisional Unaffected states need an Influenza A PCR test, and so do animals transported alongside them. Exhibitors should confirm testing timelines with their state animal health official before leaving home.
Trade Show, Sales and Education
The trade show runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday in the Exhibition Hall. Sales in 2026 included the World Opportunity Milking Shorthorn Sale, the World Ayrshire Event Sale, the Global Opportunity Guernsey Sale, the Top of the World Jersey Sale, the World Premier Brown Swiss Sale and the World Classic '26 Holstein Sale. Education includes Knowledge Nook sessions, Dairy Forage Seminars, Expo en Espanol sessions and virtual farm tours. Local farm tours cost $50 per day, with transportation included.
Admission and Parking
Ages 9 and up need a ticket. Published prices: through September 28, 2026, $15 daily or $40 for the season; September 29 to October 2, $20 daily or $50 for the season. Admission is required September 29 to October 2. Parking is included for all guests.
Where
Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713. Shows are in the Coliseum, sales in the Sale Pavilion, and the trade show in the Exhibition Hall. A contract keeps the Expo in Madison through 2028.
Questions
When is the next Expo?
The 2028 Expo is scheduled for October 3 to 6, 2028. The most recent edition ran September 26 to October 2, 2026, with the trade show September 29 to October 2.
Can I bring young children?
Admission prices apply to ages 9 and up.
Who do I call?
World Dairy Expo: 608-224-6455.
Official Links
- World Dairy Expo daily schedule and admission
- 2026 cattle show entries news release
- Future Expo dates
- Cattle entries open for World Dairy Expo
- Madison remains the Expo's home through 2028
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Midwest Horse Fair
Three-day horse fair held since 1979 at the Alliant Energy Center, owned by the Wisconsin Horse Council with proceeds supporting the state equine industry. The next edition is April 16-18, 2027.
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713 | 920-623-5515 | Organizer: Wisconsin Horse Council Official event details - Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors Annual Convention
The 87th WAMP convention for meat processors and industry suppliers, held at the Marriott Madison West in Middleton; membership is required to attend. Held each year; the most recent dates were April 9-12, 2026.
Middleton, WI | Organizer: Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors Official event details - Wisconsin FFA State Convention and Expo
The 97th Wisconsin FFA Convention drew over 4,000 people, awarded State FFA Degrees to more than 400 members and named the State Stars and new officer team. Held each year; the most recent dates were June 15-18, 2026.
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713 | Organizer: Wisconsin FFA Association Official event details - Organic Cereals Field Walk
Early summer walk through organic small grain trials at the West Madison station. Held each year; the most recent date was 2026-06-22.
Madison, WI | Organizer: UW-Madison Division of Extension Official event details - Dane County Fair
A Madison county fair with a carnival, free nightly concerts, animals, youth projects and commercial exhibits held at the Alliant Energy Center. Most recent dates: July 16-19, 2026.
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713 | 608-520-0898 Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.