The annual “Friends of Expo” reception held Dec. 1 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin, gathered a record number of volunteers that assist in implementing the world-class dairy industry show. Two hundred and nine guests attended the Asian-themed volunteer appreciation dinner and celebrated another successful 2011 World Dairy Expo. Four “Friends of Expo” were honored that evening as outstanding volunteers. The individuals that were honored for their years of support and outstanding service to World Dairy Expo were selected from more than 400 volunteers who help run the cattle shows, commercial exhibits, youth contests, school tours, Purple Cow Gift Shop and educational venues during the five-day show. The 2011 Friends of Expo honorees include: Brenda Lee Turner, Betty Haag, Julie Ehrke and Maureen DeBruin.

Women involved in agriculture from throughout the U.S. and Canada met in Wichita, Kansas, recently for the 36th annual American Agri-Women (AAW) convention. They elected officers, recognized outstanding contributors – and gathered information and resources to advocate for agriculture. AAW is a national coalition of more than 40,000 farm, ranch and agribusiness women, representing 60 state and commodity affiliates. National officers for 2012 are: • President: Karen Yost, Billings, Montana • First Vice President for Resolutions & Vital Issues: Sue McCrum, Mars Hill, Maine • Vice President Communications: Abby Amick, Alma, Kansas • Vice President Education: Lisa Condon, Horicon, Wisconsin • Secretary: Jody Elrod, Sinton, Texas • Treasurer: Peggy Clark, Dayton, Ohio • Past-President: Chris Wilson, Manhattan, Kansas