Meet Robert Chicoine, World Dairy Expo's 2026 International Person of the Year

Some people build their legacy through one career. Others build it through a lifetime of showing up, learning, sharing what they know, and helping the people around them become better. Corey Geiger has done all of that. From growing up on a small dairy farm in Manitowoc County to becoming a journalist, dairy economist, author, mentor, and one of the industry's most recognizable voices, Corey's career has been defined by curiosity, service, and a genuine commitment to dairy. In 2026, World Dairy Expo is proud to name Corey Geiger its Industry Person of the Year.

When you look at how far dairy genetics has come, it’s easy to focus on the technology we have today. Genomics, sexed semen, IVF, advanced genetic indexes—all of these tools have transformed the way dairy producers make breeding decisions. But long before many of these technologies became part of everyday dairy breeding, people like Robert Chicoine were helping lay the groundwork for what was possible. Named the 2026 International Person of the Year by World Dairy Expo, Robert Chicoine has spent his career helping advance dairy genetics, build collaboration within the industry, and bring Canadian genetics to producers around the world. His story is one of curiosity, innovation, and a willingness to think beyond what was possible at the time.

This collaborative episode between Uplevel Dairy and World Dairy Expo features the McCarty Brothers—Mike, David, Ken, and Clay—as they discuss their family's legacy and milestones that led to being named World Dairy Expo's Dairy Producers of the Year. They reflect on their family's history from northeastern Pennsylvania to their significant growth in Kansas, their partnerships with large companies like Danone, and their commitment to sustainability and innovation in dairy farming. They share insights into working as a family, their passion for sustainable practices, and their excitement for the future. The episode also offers advice to aspiring young farmers, underscoring the importance of hard work, taking risks, and maintaining a forward-thinking vision. The McCarty family's story is one of resilience, innovation, and community impact. The McCartys will be honored, along with International Person of the Year, Juan F. Moreno and Industry Person of the Year, Jim Mulhern, on Wednesday, October 1, at the World Dairy Expo Recognition Awards Banquet. Purchase your tickets here. Start mapping your trip to World Dairy Expo, September 30th - October 3rd. Visit www.worlddairyexpo.com today!    

In this special episode, Peggy Coffeen, host of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, partners with World Dairy Expo to interview Juan Moreno, CEO and Founder of STgenetics and recipient of the 2025 International Person of the Year award. Juan shares his inspiring journey from growing up on a dairy farm in Colombia to pioneering reproductive technologies that have transformed dairy cattle breeding.   He discusses his motivations, the pivotal moments in his career, and the importance of individual animal care in modern dairy farming. Juan also reflects on the role of artificial insemination technology in advancing the global dairy industry and emphasizes the collective effort required to feed the world.    Be sure to start planning your trip to World Dairy Expo, September 30th through October 3rd. If you’d like to be part of The Recognition Awards Celebration on Wednesday, October 1, click here to purchase banquet tickets.   This episode is brought to you in partnership with Uplevel Dairy Podcast. You can listen to this episode wherever you get your podcasts or here.

Welcome to this special episode of The Dairy Show, brought to you in partnership with Peggy Coffeen, host of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast. She serves as your guest host for a three episode series spotlighting the 2025 World Dairy Expo Recognition Award winners.   In this first episode, we’ll celebrate the vast impact of Jim Mulhern, former President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, who will be honored as the Industry Person of the Year at the Recognition Award Banquet on Wednesday evening, October 1, in Madison, Wisconsin. Jim will be joined by fellow honorees Juan F. Moreno of STgenetics, the International Person of the Year, and the McCarty Family of Rexford, Kansas, recognized as the Dairy Producers of the Year.   Stay tuned for future episodes as we highlight each of these industry leaders. And, if you’d like to be part of the celebration, visit worlddairyexpo.com (under the Contest tab) to purchase banquet tickets. Now, let’s dive into today’s conversation.

A "Fitting" Tribute to Michael Heath The Friends & Family of Michael Heath will be honoring his memory with several very "fitting" awards at World Dairy Expo.  The Michael Heath Overall Fitter Award will be presented to the overall champion of the youth competition, taking place on opening day of the show and  Junior Champion and Senior Champion Bred & Owned Awards will be presented during the International Jersey Show in Michael's memory. Who was this man who inspired so many during his lifetime and career in the dairy industry?  Learn more from Michael's close personal friend, Jenny Thomas, as she shares the qualities she admired most about him and  how she hopes these special awards will keep them alive in the recipients of these special awards.

Final preparations are underway for World Dairy Expo 2024. Laura Herschleb, General Manager, shares what you can expect if you attend, and how you can join virtually, if unable to make the trek to Madison, Wisconsin. Learn what's new at this year's show and how Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu (HPAI) is being addressed when the world's dairy industry meets, October 1 - 4, 2024.   For more information, or to purchase discounted tickets in advance, visit www.worlddairyexpo.com  

On this episode of the dairy show, the 2024 World Dairy Expo Dairy Producers of the Year, Ed and Barb Larson, Mike Larson, Sandy Larson and Jim Trustem, from Evansville, Wisconsin, share their story. From herd favorites to ways they engage with the community, you'll learn how they manage a 2,500 cow milking herd and 5,000 acres with stellar results. Tune in to hear about herd credentials and how these producers have excelled at breeding and helping cows achieve their potential. 

Meet the 2024 World Dairy Expo International Person of the Year On this episode of The Dairy Show, Paul Larmer, who recently retired as CEO of Semex, shares not only his career journey, but insights he gleaned along the way. Paul has dedicated his professional life to the dairy cattle genetics industry, making a valuable global impact. It speaks volumes that competitors in the AI industry saw fit to nominate him for this prestigious award. Who were his favorite bulls during his storied career? What does he count as his greatest successes? Tune in to The Dairy Show to learn the answers to these questions and more.

GPS Dairy Consulting Founders, Jim Barmore, Marty Faldet and King Hickman will be honored on October 2 at the Recognition Award Banquet. Learn more about this year's World Dairy Expo Industry Persons of the Year on this episode of The Dairy Show.