World Dairy Expo continues to set the standard for dairy genetics, and this year's event showcased the industry's ongoing evolution toward balanced cows that excel both in the show ring and in commercial production settings. In this episode, Senior Holstein Sire Analyst Kevin Jorgensen reflects on one of the most successful World Dairy Expo events in recent memory, highlighting standout cattle, emerging sire trends, and exciting additions to the Showcase™ lineup.
World Dairy Expo 2026 Highlights: Record Competition and Elite Genetics
With more than four decades of Expo experience, Jorgensen described this year's show as potentially the best ever. Excellent weather, strong attendance, and exceptional cattle quality combined to create a memorable week for dairy breeders from around the globe.
The competition was deeper than ever across multiple breeds, with exhibitors presenting highly productive, structurally sound cows that exemplify modern dairy breeding goals. According to Jorgensen, today's winning cows are no longer judged solely on size and style. Instead, balance, functionality, mobility, and longevity are becoming increasingly important selection criteria.
Select Sires Genetics Shine Across Multiple Breeds
Select Sires enjoyed significant success throughout the week, with daughters from dozens of sires placing among the top competitors.
Junior Holstein Show Success
Highlights included:
Multi-Breed Performance
Select Sires genetics also excelled across:
The diversity of successful sires demonstrated the depth of the Select Sires portfolio and the growing availability of elite genetics across multiple breeding objectives.
The Future of Show Cows: Balanced, Functional, and Productive
One of the biggest themes emerging from Expo was the industry's movement toward cows that combine show ring excellence with commercial profitability.
Jorgensen emphasized that judges increasingly rewarded:
- Correct feet and legs
- Fluid movement and mobility
- Well-balanced frames
- Strong udders
- Moderate stature with adequate strength
Rather than favoring the tallest cows, today's winning animals are those capable of performing efficiently in modern dairy systems while still exhibiting exceptional type traits.
Standout Cow of the Show: Zuriniah Captures Attention
Among all the elite cattle exhibited, one cow generated extraordinary excitement: MD-Locust P Zuriniah (EX-92), a remarkable 7HO15085 PARFECT daughter, owned by the C, C and C Savage and Tom Mercuro.
Jorgensen described her as one of the most talked-about cows of the event thanks to:
- Reserve grand champion honors
- Intermediate champion recognition
- Exceptional balance and correctness
- Deep, proven maternal pedigree
Her performance reinforced the growing influence of the PARFECT sire line and highlighted the importance of strong cow families in developing future breeding programs.
New Showcase Sires Coming Soon
Select Sires also previewed several exciting Showcase additions expected to become available soon.
250HO18672 DROP N RAVE
A 7HO17379 DROP N HOT son backed by the respected Raven cow family, DROP N RAVE offers:
- Strong type traits
- Balanced stature and strength
- Excellent udders
- Valuable pedigree diversity
250HO18685 OLYMPIC-GAMER
This 250HO17567 PALDWYN RC son traces back to the renowned Barbie cow family and combines:
- High udder composite values
- Strong type evaluations
- Functional production traits
- Deep maternal lineage
250HO18654 SPECIAL-P
A polled son of 250HO17298 HABULOUS-P, SPECIAL-P offers:
- High component production
- Excellent fertility traits
- Balanced conformation
- Strong performance expectations in commercial environments
Looking Ahead: The Next Generation of Dairy Genetics
The future appears bright for Showcase genetics. Jorgensen highlighted continued excitement surrounding sires such as 7HO16295 HAS IT ALL, 250HO18402 HI-BALLER-P, 7HO17700 HINGE, and future descendants of influential cow families including Apple, Doc 8784, and Lambda Paris.
As breeders seek cows that can excel in robotic systems, large commercial dairies, and elite show programs alike, Select Sires remains focused on identifying genetics that combine performance, longevity, functionality, and breed-leading type.