World Dairy Expo announced that Cory Geiger has been named its 2026 Industry Person of the Year. The award was presented during a special episode of The Dairy Show podcast, produced in partnership with Uplevel Dairy. In the interview, Geiger reflected on the mentors and experiences that shaped his career, from his early days working with his father on money and genetics to a pivotal 1990 World Dairy Expo judging trip that cemented his passion for the dairy sector.
Career highlights and industry impact
Geiger’s résumé includes roles as a Hoard’s Dairyman editor, a CoBank dairy economist, author, and youth mentor. At CoBank, he has led research, spoken at industry events, and worked directly with clients to quantify the economic value of genetics, shift milk metrics toward component pricing, and model herd‑replacement strategies in the growing beef‑on‑dairy market.
He also co‑edited the 50th‑anniversary book We Need a Show, wrote recognition scripts for the Expo, and authored award‑winning books that chronicle farm history. Throughout his work, Geiger emphasizes mentorship, encouraging young people to explore dairy careers and ensuring that industry professionals feel valued.
Looking ahead
The podcast episode serves as a reminder of the importance of knowledge sharing and mentorship in agriculture. As the dairy industry navigates evolving market dynamics, leaders like Geiger play a crucial role in guiding producers toward profitability and sustainability.
World Dairy Expo’s 2026 event is scheduled for September 29 – October 2, 2026. More information can be found on the Expo’s website.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
