07/05/2026
As I finally have a chance to catch my breath after the 2026 ADGA National Show, I find myself reflecting on what an incredible week it was.
National Shows are never easy. They require months of planning, thousands of decisions, and countless volunteers who quietly give of themselves so that others can enjoy the experience. This year reminded me more than ever that no one accomplishes something like this alone.
We celebrated great animals, outstanding exhibitors, and wonderful friendships. We also faced challenges that none of us had hoped for. The extreme heat forced our committee to make some incredibly difficult decisions, always with one guiding principle: the welfare of our animals and the safety of our exhibitors. While not every decision was easy, I have never been prouder of a team that thoughtfully considered every option and always put people and animals first.
I want to recognize some of the amazing people who made this National Show possible.
To our National Show Committee leads:
• Travis Cockburn – Penning
• Ashley Clement-Clark – Vet Check Team
• Dr. Katherine Jodlowski – Lead Veterinarian
• Danni Louie – Sponsors, Ring setup and seemingly every other task that needed to be done
Vicki Larson - Vendors
• Stephanie Trout – Ring cleanup, a truly mammoth job every single day
• Jon Ethridge – Ring Stewards
• Jenn Funk – Breed Secretaries
• Jason Peckham – Raffle Lead
• Lisa Hemm-Begley – Welcome Bags
• Ed Jodlowski – Check-In
Thank you all for your leadership, your vision, your countless hours, and your willingness to do whatever was needed.
A very special thank you goes to Dr. Paul Plummer, who somehow managed to serve both as our National Show Youth Chair and our veterinary consultant. Your expertise, steady leadership, and compassion helped guide us through a busy week made more challenging due to the extreme heat.
Thank you to McKendrie Plummer, Sandy Van Echo and her beautiful granddaughters, and Scott Burns for jumping in wherever there was a need. You never asked whether something was your job—you simply helped.
To Dan Greene and Thanh Duong, two members of our Executive Committee, thank you for working tirelessly before the show and throughout the week. Whether the task was large or small, visible or behind the scenes, you were there.
Heidi Vanderloop—you absolutely knocked it out of the park with our media coverage and updates. You helped tell the story of this National Show, and you did it beautifully.
To Lori Reynolds and the ADGA office staff—Matt, Erin, and Kristen—thank you for always being willing to go above and beyond. Your support behind the scenes kept everything moving, even when the pace was relentless.
Caroline Warren—you were my right hand all week long. I honestly don’t know how I would have gotten through the week without you. Thank you for anticipating what needed to be done before I even asked.
And to my daughter, Elizabeth Warren, who stayed home and cared for our herd while I was away—thank you for making it possible for me to give my full attention to the National Show. Knowing everything at home was in your capable hands gave me tremendous peace of mind.
Finally, thank you to every exhibitor, volunteer, judge, sponsor, veterinarian, youth representative, ring steward, Eastern States Exposition staff member, and committee volunteer who contributed to this week. Every stall cleaned, every question answered, every gate held, every class organized, every early morning and late night mattered.
I have always believed that the dairy goat community is something special. This week reminded me why. When challenges arose, people stepped forward. They helped one another, supported one another, and kept the focus on what matters most.
I am incredibly honored to have served alongside this amazing team. Thank you for your trust, your friendship, and your dedication. It truly takes a village to put on a National Show, and I was blessed to work with the very best one.
With much gratitude,
Laura Warren-Hughes
2026 ADGA National Show Chair
(Pic below was one of my favorites from the week)
