The World Dairy Expo 2025 will host eight esteemed judges selected by the 2024 Dairy Cattle Show Exhibitors. From Sunday, September 30, to Friday, October 3, these judges will evaluate premier dairy cattle across North America.
The group of official judges for the 58th World Dairy Expo is as follows:
INTERNATIONAL AYRSHIRE SHOW – GREGORY EVANS, GEORGETOWN, N.Y.
Gregory Evans from Georgetown, NY, is deeply rooted in the Ayrshire dairy community. As part of the eighth generation at Sunny Acres, he has bred numerous top-class Ayrshires. He owns 26 cattle, with standouts like Sunny Acres Nolan’s Satin and Sunny Acres Harmony’s Kennedy earning high accolades. Gregory focuses on breeding plans and bull selection, supports his father’s veterinarian work, and enhances the farm’s presentation. He is growing his skills in cattle marketing and participating in significant sales events. Gregory, an active 4-H member, also coaches the Chenango County dairy judging team and engages with ABA committees.
INTERNATIONAL BROWN SWISS SHOW – ALLYN “SPUD” PAULSON, ROCKFORD, ILL.
Allyn “Spud” Paulson from Rockford, Illinois, runs Paule-View Transport LLC, a company moving high-end dairy cattle nationwide. With two decades in the field, Spud works with his sons, Suton and Dakota, focusing on preparing show cattle. Notably, he served as a judge at the World Dairy Expo in 2015 and 2017, overseeing Milking Shorthorn and Ayrshires. He also judged Holsteins and Red & Whites at the 2018 North American International Livestock Expo. His early interest in elite show cattle has resulted in developing seven top-scoring cows across four breeds and earning numerous All-American nominations in the Red & White, Holsteins, Brown Swiss, and Milking Shorthorn categories.
INTERNATIONAL GUERNSEY SHOW – MARK RUETH, OXFORD, WIS.
Mark Rueth, who grew up on a small dairy farm in Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, has gained recognition in the dairy industry for his work with leading herds in the U.S. and internationally. As co-owner of Rosedale Genetics, Ltd. with Nicky Reape, Rueth oversees a herd known for its superior genetics, including the first Red and White cow to win Supreme Champion at the World Dairy Expo. His judging credentials include overseeing events in the U.S., Canada, and other countries, with highlights like serving as the official judge for the 2009 World Dairy Expo’s International Holstein Show. Rueth is a respected member of the World Dairy Expo’s Dairy Cattle Show Committee and a recipient of both the Klussendorf-MacKenzie and Klussendorf Awards. His notable judging accomplishments include the World Dairy Expo International Holstein Show, Royal Winter Fair Holstein and Jersey Shows, and the Swiss Expo in Lausanne, Switzerland.
INTERNATIONAL HOLSTEIN SHOW – AARON EATON, MARIETTA, N.Y.
Aaron Eaton and his family run Eaton Holsteins in Marietta, New York. They manage their cattle in collaboration with Currie Holsteins, where Aaron assists with operations, cattle development, showing, and sales. Eaton Holsteins has achieved over 100 All-American or All-Canadian honors nominations and has produced numerous champions in the Holstein, Jersey, and Red & White categories at prestigious events like the World Dairy Expo and the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Before committing full-time to his family farm, Aaron gained international experience working with show herds and as a dairy cattle fitter for 12 years. He has judged various state, regional, and national shows in North America, recently serving as an associate judge at the 2023 Canadian National Holstein Show.
INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR HOLSTEIN SHOW – PIERRE BOULET, MONTMAGNY, QUEBEC, CANADA
Pierre Boulet has made a mark in the dairy industry as an esteemed judge with Holstein Canada since 2005, officiating at leading events both in Canada and abroad, such as the 2015 International Dairy Week in Australia and the 2017 Royal Winter Fair and the World Dairy Expo Holstein Show in 2022. Living in Montmagny, Québec, with his family, Pierre oversees a top-tier herd known for its Holstein quality, featuring champions like Thrulane James Rose. His ‘Pierstein’ herd has received numerous accolades, including the Exhibitor banner at The Royal Winter Fair, and includes over 175 Excellent-rated cows. In the commercial dairy realm, Pierre is a pivotal figure as the co-owner of ‘Les Encans Boulet,’ navigating the annual trade of thousands of dairy cattle worldwide, bolstered by his 30-year career in auctioneering.
INTERNATIONAL JERSEY SHOW – KELLY BARBEE, CONCORD, N.C.
Based in Concord, North Carolina, Kelly Barbee lives with his wife, Cherilyn, and their two children, Emily and Ryan. With over 30 All-American nominations in various breeds, Barbee currently works as a Sales Manager for ST Genetics. Before this, he ran his farm, developing top-tier genetic cattle for clients across North America. He also managed a large dairy herd for a decade before establishing his farm. Barbee finds immense satisfaction in judging cattle, especially when working with individuals who share his passion for the dairy industry.
INTERNATIONAL MILKING SHORTHORN SHOW – MIKE MAIER, STITZER, WIS
Mike Maier resides in Stitzer, Wisconsin, and runs Lazy M Farm, LLC, alongside his parents, Herman and Peggy Maier, his girlfriend, Suzie Benoit, and their six-year-old son, Brooks. The farm milks 500 cows across five breeds, with the Holstein herd receiving the Herd of Excellence award in 2023. Maier is passionate about the Milking Shorthorn breed, achieving significant recognition at the World Dairy Expo. Lazy M Farm was named Premier Breeder at the International Milking Shorthorn Show, winning Junior Champion and Reserve Grand Champion accolades in 2014 and 2015. In 2023, they secured 17 nominations in the All-American Milking Shorthorn contest. Maier collaborates with Kurt Wolf on Ayrshire cattle, leading to numerous All-American nominees under the Old-N-Lazy prefix and several Premier Breeder honors at the International Ayrshire Show at the World Dairy Expo.
INTERNATIONAL RED & WHITE SHOW – ADAM HODGINS, KINCARDINE, ONTARIO, CANADA
Adam Hodgins, from Kincardine, Ontario, Canada, manages Hodglynn Holsteins with his wife Jess and their five children. Their 350-acre farm houses 60 milking Holsteins, focusing on breeding for high type and production, and collaborates with leading cow families in the industry. Hodgins has been successful with many All-Canadian and All-American nominees, such as Blondin Unstopabull Maple and Hilrose Moovin Adelina. He mentors local youth through 4-H groups and advocates for the dairy industry and the showring. Hodgins was an associate at the Quebec Supreme Show in 2023 and the International Red & White Show at the World Dairy Expo in 2011 & 2024.
The World Dairy Expo, a key event in the global dairy industry, takes place in Madison, Wisconsin, from September 30 to October 3. This 58th edition will feature cutting-edge dairy innovations, educational seminars, and a premier cattle show.
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