The colored shavings just got real. WDE 2026’s complete judging roster is locked—and these picks will move markets.
The colored shavings just got a serious upgrade. World Dairy Expo has unveiled the eight associate judges who’ll work alongside the official judges at the 59th annual Dairy Cattle Show this September 27 through October 2 in Madison, Wisconsin.
Here’s the deal: these aren’t backup officials twiddling their thumbs. Associate judges bring additional evaluation expertise to what’s arguably the most scrutinized dairy cattle show on the planet—where over 60,000 attendees watch every placement decision and breeding programs worth tens of millions hang in the balance.
The Complete 2026 Judging Lineup
| Breed Show | Official Judge | Associate Judge |
| International Ayrshire | David Hanson, Nicollet, Minn. | Eric Houdek, Hastings, Minn. |
| International Brown Swiss | Richard “RT” Thompson, Darlington, Wis. | Hayden Hauschildt, Ellsworth, Wis. |
| International Guernsey | Chris Lang, Big Prairie, Ohio | Kevin Stoltzfus, East Earl, Penn. |
| International Holstein | Ryan Krohlow, Poynette, Wis. | Kelly Barbee, Concord, N.C. |
| International Junior Holstein | Ben Wallace, Stoughton, Wis. | Phillip Topp, Botkins, Ohio |
| International Jersey | Mike Berry, Powell Butte, Ore. | Ryan Lancaster, Tillamook, Ore. |
| International Milking Shorthorn | Matt Henkes, Luana, Iowa | Marjorie Rida, Cummington, Mass. |
| International Red & White | Aaron Eaton, Marietta, N.Y. | Anthony Liddle, Argyle, N.Y. |
Meet the 2026 Associate Judges
World Dairy Expo’s newly named associate judges bring serious ringside mileage and genetic savvy to Madison in 2026. Here’s a tight snapshot of who’ll be standing beside the officials on the colored shavings.
International Ayrshire – Eric Houdek, Hastings, Minn.
Eric Houdek blends show-ring experience with a deep genetics toolbox, working in dairy sire development and global genetics strategy while staying closely tied to elite show families in the Midwest. He also coaches collegiate dairy judging, helping shape the next generation of cattle evaluators under the University of Minnesota umbrella.
International Brown Swiss – Hayden Hauschildt, Ellsworth, Wis.
Hayden Hauschildt owns and operates a registered Holstein and Brown Swiss herd under the Jaden prefix with his parents in Ellsworth, Wisconsin. He has bred more than 40 Excellent Brown Swiss and exhibited multiple All-American nominees and champions at major state and national shows, particularly on the Brown Swiss tanbark trail.
International Guernsey – Kevin Stoltzfus, East Earl, Penn.
Kevin and Dina Stoltzfus, with their family, run Warwick Manor Farm in East Earl, Pennsylvania, where a high-type, high-component Guernsey herd supplies milk for Golden Guernsey products under the Yoder Family Farm brand. The farm has produced numerous All-American or Junior All-American nominees and multiple cows on the Component Queen list, underlining Kevin’s focus on type with serious production.
International Holstein – Kelly Barbee, Concord, N.C.
Kelly Barbee, a long-time exhibitor and cattle dealer, works as a Holstein classifier for Holstein USA and has developed, owned, or sold more than 40 All-American or All-American-nominated Holsteins and Jerseys. He has extensive judging credentials, including associate and lead roles at World Dairy Expo’s Jersey shows and other major state and national events across North America.
International Junior Holstein – Phillip Topp, Botkins, Ohio
Phil Topp milks a mixed herd of high-type cows with his family near Botkins, Ohio, after growing up in a registered Holstein and Brown Swiss operation with his parents and brothers. He has bred or owned champions across multiple breeds, including a World Dairy Expo Grand Champion Brown Swiss and a Junior Champion Milking Shorthorn, and is widely respected for his eye for balance and strength across breeds.
International Jersey – Ryan Lancaster, Tillamook, Ore.
Based in Tillamook, Oregon, Ryan Lancaster is closely tied to some of the most competitive Jerseys on the West Coast, with animals he owns or co-owns placing near the top of the International Jersey Show and Western National Jersey events. His cattle have figured prominently in All-American Jersey nomination lists, adding show-ring credibility to his associate role at Expo.
International Milking Shorthorn – Marjorie Rida, Cummington, Mass.
New England-based cattlewoman and judge Marjorie Rida has been a visible presence in the Milking Shorthorn ring, recently serving as lead judge at the 2025 New York Spring Milking Shorthorn Show. Her Grand Champion selections and consistent approach at regional shows have built strong confidence in her ability to sort deep classes of Shorthorns on the colored shavings.
International Red & White – Anthony Liddle, Argyle, N.Y.
Argyle, New York’s Anthony Liddle has made his mark in the Red & White Holstein world with cows like LME Ready To Rock-Red and Liddleholme Shiso-Red-ET hitting the top of major state and regional shows. His breeding and exhibiting success in New York’s competitive Red & White circuit positions him well to help place some of the most talked-about young cows and heifers at WDE 2026.
Mark Your Calendars
World Dairy Expo 2026 runs September 27 through October 2 at Madison’s Alliant Energy Center. Whether you’re bringing cattle, shopping the trade show, or networking with the global dairy community, start booking those hotel rooms now. With this judging lineup and the genetic firepower heading to Wisconsin, WDE 2026 is shaping up to be unmissable for anyone serious about dairy cattle excellence.
