One of our World Dairy Expo sponsors is Hoard’s Dairyman. Here’s Managing Editor, Steve Larson, serving ice cream at the opening night exhibitor reception. Steve will be presented with the 2011 Guest of Honor award here at Expo from the National Dairy Shrine.

Steven A. Larson, a dairy journalist and editor for Hoard’s Dairyman magazine who has been educating dairy producers and sharing their stories for over four decades, has been named the 2011 National Dairy Shrine Guest of Honor. The prestigious award is given each year to salute a contemporary leader for his or her outstanding achievements and contributions that benefit the dairy industry.

As a Hoard’s Dairyman associate editor from 1969 to 1998, Larson covered important dairy topics around the United States and the world. He also solicited articles on contemporary topics from leading dairy professionals and scientists. “Steve kept his finger on the pulse of the dairy industry on a wide range of issues,” says George Shook, professor emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

I visited with Steve before he had to start serving ice cream last night. Steve says the award he’s receiving is very special and many of his mentors and people he looks up to have received it. “I hardly put myself in that category. I kind of have to pinch myself to get the feeling of it. It is a great honor.”

You can listen to my interview with Steve here: Steve Larson Interview

2011 World Dairy Expo Photo Album