My TransOvaLog In
Aug 14, 2026
“The average farmer does not read, and he does not travel—but stays on the farm and measures himself by himself. Now, the result of that is he gets misled.”
—W.D. Hoard
W.D. Hoard lived from 1836 to 1918, but his words still ring true today.
When I look across the dairy industry, one thing is clear: The most successful dairy producers are constantly learning and improving.
They read. They travel. They visit other dairies. They ask questions and bring the best ideas home to their own operations.
They also make time to talk with the industry professionals who call on their dairies. Rather than viewing each person as “another salesperson,” they recognize an opportunity to learn what is changing, what other producers are doing and where the industry may be headed next.
At Trans Ova Genetics, we have the privilege of working alongside dairy producers with many different herd sizes, management systems and long-term goals. The most forward-thinking producers do not view genetics as a single breeding decision. They look five or 10 years into the future and ask: What kind of cow will our dairy need then—and what decisions must we make today to begin building her?
Genetic progress is cumulative. The decisions made today can influence a herd for generations.
Reproductive technologies such as IVF and embryo transfer can help move your best genetics forward, but technology is most valuable when it is connected to clear goals, reliable information and disciplined execution. Sometimes progress begins not with a new investment, but with a better question: Are the right females creating our next generation? Are we using our most valuable genetics intentionally? Does our current reproductive strategy support where we want this dairy to be in the future?
Not every improvement on your dairy requires a large financial investment. Some do—and rightfully so. But many efficiencies can be gained simply by learning from others, questioning the way something has always been done and being willing to try a better approach.
That is why events like World Dairy Expo remain so valuable.
The 59th World Dairy Expo will be held September 29 through October 2, 2026, in Madison, Wisconsin. Each year, more than 50,000 dairy enthusiasts from over 80 countries come together to learn, exchange ideas and see what is next for our industry.
This year’s opportunities include:
Those numbers are impressive, but the true value of Expo will not be measured by how many booths you walk past or how many sessions you attend. It will be measured by what you take home.
Go with a question you want answered. Talk with a producer whose operation looks different from yours. Ask an industry professional what trends they are seeing. Look at the cattle, technology and research through the lens of your own goals.
Most importantly, find one idea that could make your dairy better—and act on it.
What are your plans for September 29 through October 2? Will you spend those days working in your dairy, or will you take the opportunity to step away and work on its future?
I challenge you to attend the 59th World Dairy Expo, find one valuable idea, take it home and put it to work on your dairy.
And while you are there, stop by and visit with the Trans Ova Genetics team. Tell us where you want your herd to be five or 10 years from now. We would welcome the opportunity to help you think about what it will take to get there.