For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: March 30, 2021
Weigel appointed to World Dairy Expo Board of Directors
Fennimore -
Ryan Weigel, animal science instructor at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, was appointed in March to a corporate seat on the World Dairy Expo Board of Directors by the Wisconsin Holstein Association. Weigel and his family operate a dairy farm outside of Platteville. He has been a board member of the Wisconsin Holstein Association for four years and is currently serving on its executive committee.
Ryan Weigel
“I have always been interested in the World Dairy Expo,” said Weigel. “To me it’s always the most fun week of the year and that still holds true today.”
Weigel has previous experience with the expo, in various capacities. He served on the board of directors when he was employed by Accelerated Genetics. He also worked for the expo for seven years.
The expo is the world’s largest gathering of dairy cattle and dairy exhibitions. Attendees take in a full week of dairy attractions, including tractors, robotic milkers, cattle shows, seminars and more. “This is where people in the dairy industry meet,” said Weigel, noting the expo draws 60,000-70,000 visitors for the week from all around the world.
“It has always held a place in my heart because some of my best memories were made there,” said Weigel, recalling the time three years ago when his family heifer won junior champion and the first group to congratulate him as he exited the show ring were his Southwest Tech students. “That was a neat experience,” he said.
Weigel always had an interest in showing cattle. Currently, his three children take on the responsibility of doing the showing, while he sources the animals. “This is something I have done my whole life,” he said.
As part of his responsibilities with the board of directors, Weigel will be assigned to committees to work on special projects, will promote the expo within and outside the dairy industry and will meet with the full board multiple times each year.
Weigel, and other Southwest Tech instructors encourage their students to attend the expo. Weigel takes a group of students to show cattle that week.
Corporate seats on the World Dairy Expo Board of Directors are appointed/reappointed on a yearly basis.
After canceling the expo last year due to COVID-19 precautions, this year’s expo is planned for Sept. 26 – Oct. 2 in Madison, Wisconsin. Southwest Tech is a commercial exhibitor at the expo, while Weigel and his family exhibit cattle. “It is encouraging to know that something is going to happen this year,” said Weigel.
• To learn more about Southwest Tech’s agriculture programs, visit www.swtc.edu/ag.
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is one of 16 institutions that comprise the Wisconsin Technical College System. Southwest Tech offers more than 60 programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Courses are offered on campus, online and in a blended format. The college provides apprenticeship, certificate, technical diploma, and associate degree programs that respond to district workforce needs and prepare student for family-sustaining jobs and career advancement. |