Dairy Leaders Honored with World Dairy Expo® Recognition Awards

Madison, Wis. (March 14, 2017)...After a year hiatus – to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of World Dairy Expo – WDE is pleased to announce the return of Expo Recognition Awards and the four honorees selected this year. These individuals were nominated by their peers for their involvement and excellence in the dairy industry and their community. The 2017 honorees are as follows: Dairy Woman of the Year Marilyn Hershey, Ar-Joy Farm, Cochranville, Pa. Dairyman of the Year Charles Ahlem, Charles Ahlem Ranch, Turlock, Calif. Industry Person of the Year Ben Brancel, Endeavor, Wis., Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection International Person of the Year Derrick Frigot, Owner of JISEX International, Jersey, Channel Islands, United Kingdom A formal awards presentation for these outstanding dairy leaders will take place during the Dinner with the Stars banquet on Wednesday evening, October 4, 2017, in the Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center. Anyone may purchase tickets to the banquet by contacting the Expo Office at 608-224-6455 or wde@wdexpo.com. Prior to the ticketed banquet, a complimentary reception featuring hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be held for all Expo stakeholders to celebrate, meet and greet the Expo honorees. For over five decades, the global dairy industry has been meeting in Madison, Wis. for World Dairy Expo. Crowds of nearly 75,000 people from more than 100 countries attended the annual event in 2016. WDE will return Oct. 3-7, 2017 as attendees and exhibitors are encouraged to “Discover New Dairy Worlds.” Visit worlddairyexpo.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@WDExpo or #WDE17) for more information.