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MADISON, Wis. - Attendees at this year's World Dairy Expo can expect a new look at the Alliant Energy Center grounds where the Expo is held every year in Madison, Wis.
Two pavilions are being constructed at the Alliant Energy Center to replace the barns where cattle used to be stalled during World Dairy Expo. A ground breaking ceremony for the new facility was held April 11.
"It has been in the works for several years," said Scott Bentley, World Dairy Expo general manager. "It has been a goal of early leaders of World Dairy Expo."
The target completion date for the new facility is Sept. 15 - just over two weeks before the start of the 2014 World Dairy Expo.
Bentley said it has been the World Dairy Expo board of directors' No. 1 priority of a five-year strategic plan developed in 2010.
"The barns were not world-class facilities that we thought we needed in order to attract world-class cattle," Bentley said.
Two pavilions - one measuring 300- by 300-feet and the other 300- by 600-feet - will replace all 10 barns, some of which had been in existence all 47 years of World Dairy Expo.
The new buildings will increase security and cow comfort, Bentley said. Walkways and washracks will be covered to keep people and cows out of the elements.
"It will allow exhibitors and animals to get closer to the coliseum under cover," Bentley said.
The pavilions will have a positive pressure ventilation system.
"It will keep air flowing through no matter what the weather is like outside," Bentley said.
New stalling panels will be anchored to prevent any safety concerns and the cement will be grooved to provide better footing for people and animals. Lighting will be more appropriate for the event than the previous barns. Both facilities will have doors wide and tall enough for vehicles to drive through.
"This will help (the Alliant Energy Center) attract more exhibitions," Bentley said.
Pavilion One can be heated and will have a concession stand along with upgraded restrooms and showering facilities.
"There will be dramatic improvements for exhibitors and attendees," Bentley said.
Reactions from exhibitors have been positive and hopeful, Bentley said.
"This facility came together as a result from exhibitors and leaders over many decades. There's a tremendous amount of excitement, but many people will have memories from past years in the barns," Bentley said.
Dairy farms and World Dairy Expo exhibitors, Henk and Bonnie Van Dyk, won't miss the old barns.
"... the idea and the result is fantastic," Bonnie said. "When we have the title of World Dairy Expo, it really needs to look like it is."
The Van Dyks, who milk 130 cows on their dairy, Williows-Edge Holsteins, near New Richmond, Wis., have exhibited their registered Holsteins at World Dairy Expo since 2000.
With the new facility, the Van Dyks said they are excited to have improved wash racks. They are also hoping the new facility will make the manure handling less complicated.
"Many people who come in and are visiting are walking around in good clothes. It was impossible to keep everything clean," Bonnie said about the old barns.
They are also glad everything will have a roof overhead.
"It will be a nice climate. People won't have to worry about going from tent to tent or barn to barn if it's raining outside," Bonnie said. "They can stay out of the weather."
Henk said he thinks the new facilities will draw more visitors, especially people from foreign countries.
"It will bring a lot of class to the whole experience," he said.[[In-content Ad]]

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