If you like cattle, competition, kids showing livestock — or maybe you just want to see some breeds you don’t encounter every day — World Beef Expo is the place to be this weekend. The 2026 World Beef Expo is underway at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis. It runs through Sunday, September 27, and according to Board President Cody Quam, the barns are going to be busy.
“We’re going to be full this year,” Quam said. “About 550 exhibitors and 1,500 entries are expected, with cattle and exhibitors coming from 11 states. Some are traveling from as far away as North Carolina and Texas, along with several Midwest states.”
24 breeds including some you may not recognize
The open shows get things rolling and will feature 24 breeds this year. Sure, you’ll see familiar faces like Angus, Red Angus, and Simmental. But World Beef Expo also gives visitors a chance to see breeds that don’t show up in every Wisconsin pasture.
Highlands, Miniature Herefords, Charolais, American Galloways, British White Parks, and several other breeds will be represented.
And the best part? Visitors don’t have to stand outside the barn and admire the cattle from a distance.
“The barns are open for everybody to walk through,” Quam explained. “That’s part of what makes the event different. World Beef Expo has made a point of giving every breed a chance to shine, regardless of how many cattle are entered. We’ve prided ourselves for many, many years highlighting every breed.”
LISTEN to an interview with World Beef Expo Board President Cody Quam, starting at 4:15, here:
The big Friday night showdown
Friday night brings one of the weekend’s biggest events—the Supreme Drive. The top five heifers, bulls, and cow-calf pairs will compete for the overall honors, with qualifying breeds getting their moment in the spotlight inside the Coliseum.
For Quam, those big drives are one of the highlights of the entire weekend.
“My favorite part of it is the two big Supreme Drives,” he said.
Then it’s the kids’ turn
The next generation of the beef industry gets the spotlight over the weekend. Saturday morning will include sweepstakes and collegiate and high school judging contests. The showmanship competition follows, with participants ranging from Pee Wee exhibitors to young adults up to age 21. Saturday evening brings the Prospect Steer and Market Steer shows.
Sunday will wrap up with the Junior Heifer Show. The youth portion has become a major part of the event. And Quam points out the judging contest, in particular, has grown dramatically the last five years.
“We’ve got kids coming from all corners of the country with their college teams, and that’s been really exciting to watch grow,” he said.
There’s more than cattle
There’s plenty to see, even if you’re not there to show an animal. A trade show runs through Sunday, with vendors offering everything from cattle-handling equipment and pharmaceuticals to show supplies, clothing, toys, and home décor.
And yes, you can grab something to eat while you’re there. Food vendors will be open throughout each day.
Best of all for spectators, there’s no admission charge. You’ll have to pay a parking fee, but walking through the gates and checking out the show is free.
Whether you’re a longtime beef producer, a livestock-show parent, a curious spectator — or you are someone who simply wants to see a Highland or Miniature Hereford up close — World Beef Expo offers plenty to enjoy and explore.
And with those 1,500 entries filling the barns, Quam says this year’s show should have no shortage of action.
World Beef Expo is underway and runs through Sunday, September 27 at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis. Find more information here.
