We often think about the abundance and diversity of Wisconsin's $116.3 billion agriculture industry, but you may not know about the abundant opportunities to explore the world of agriculture through educational tours and talks. Local county, district, and state fairs offer hands on exposure to agriculture. In addition to the livestock shows and 4-H or FFA projects, there are also a variety of speakers and educational tents available. During my very first fair visit as Alice in Dairyland at the Lafayette County Fair, I taught fair goers how to make their own butter and the importance of our $52.8 billion dairy industry. This presentation continued at the Wisconsin State Fair, where I also talked about Wisconsin’s potato industry Additionally, many fairs offer agriculture exploration tents or exhibits. I found one such area while at the Rock County 4-H Fair! From ducks, to pheasants, honeybees, and matching games, there were many unique aspects of agriculture for people of all ages to interact with. Beyond county fairs, farms across the state of Wisconsin offer farm tours. These farms may have educational displays or viewing windows that they utilize during visits from nursing homes, schools, and various other organizations. As we head into the fall season, Wisconsin’s apple orchards, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches will shine even brighter. We are home to over 4,000 acres of apple orchards and over 3,000 acres of pumpkin patches, For those who love Wisconsin winters, we have over 800 Christmas tree farms all across our state! They harvest over 700,000 trees on approximately 23,000 acres for us to enjoy. Associations such as the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association, Wisconsin Apple Growers Association, Wisconsin Maple Syrup Producers Association, and others provide interactive maps or location searching tools on their websites to connect you with local farms . In addition to these seasonal opportunities, some locations offer agriculture education opportunities year-round! The Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center in Manitowoc and the Food + Farm Exploration Center in Plover are two locations with abundant hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. These bustling agriculture adventure centers explore multiple parts of agriculture in Wisconsin, including dairy, crops, technology, and more. Agriculture experiences can be found all across our great state! To find a variety of ag-ventures available near you, visit wiagtourism.com. If you haven't had the chance to travel to these incredible agriculture locations, you may find that Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom is an excellent opportunity to bring agriculture to your school. They have various presentations, teacher resources, and a network of agriculture advocates to connect students to Wisconsin agriculture. As Alice in Dairyland, I will visit classrooms across the state presenting our top commodities and specialty crops with Expedition Agriculture, highlighting the beef industry in Wisconsin, and celebrating Wisconsin potatoes. If you're interested in having Alice visit your school, more information is available at aliceindairyland.com. All Wisconsin consumers utilize a variety of agriculture products. Agriculture education and literacy continue to be vital to the success of our communities. Find the opportunities available, explore Wisconsin, and follow industry organizations or leaders such as Alice in Dairyland online for regular updates about Wisconsin’s agriculture industry!

No matter the shape, form, or flavor, ice cream is one of my favorite sweet treats. In fact, ice cream is easily my favorite food. It doesn’t matter if it’s 85 degrees and sunny, or I’m huddled under three blankets in the cold of winter—ice cream is my go-to. Ice cream can be enjoyed in a variety of ways! From vanilla to chocolate chip cookie dough or a creamy peanut butter swirl, you can’t go wrong. Whether you enjoy toppings on your ice cream, or ice cream as a topping on your waffles or pie, National Ice Cream Month is the perfect reason to enjoy a scoop…or three! Since 1984, July has been designated as National Ice Cream Month by a proclamation from President Ronald Reagan. It also serves as the perfect time to begin my journey as the 79th Alice in Dairyland. I’ve eagerly awaited my official start date of July 6 since being selected during the 79th Alice in Dairyland Finals hosted in Marathon County this past May. It has already been an exciting adventure, starting with submitting my application in January, completing the in-depth 10-week Top Candidate process, and concluding the three-day finals. All six Top Candidates actively engaged in weekly marketing and communications trainings, while also gaining valuable insights into our diverse and abundant agricultural industry. My agricultural journey began on my grandparents’ dairy farm, exploring the barn with my grandparents, helping feed calves, and whatever else I could find to help with! Through 4-H, I joined several projects that expanded my understanding of agriculture beyond dairy. In fact, Wisconsin is home to 58,000 farms that incorporate hundreds of agricultural products from berries and beef to cheese and corn. My sheep "Shirley" and I after competing in the lamb lead contest. The experiences I had in 4-H solidified my desire to continue my education in agriculture. I attended South Dakota State University (SDSU), where I earned three bachelor’s degrees in Animal Science, Agricultural Leadership, and Agricultural Science. I also stayed actively involved on campus through organizations such as the wool judging team and Little International. My involvement established important connections and enabled me to continue at SDSU for my Master of Arts in Communication and Media Studies through an assistantship with the Department of Animal Science. I enjoyed my time in South Dakota, but Wisconsin is truly home. Following my master’s graduation in May of 2025, I returned to Wisconsin and worked as an Agricultural Marketing Specialist at the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. With the conclusion of this short-term position, I returned to my home area to work at Red Line Ranch and substitute at a nearby school. The combination of my experiences in agriculture, communications, and education, plus my desire to bridge the gap between producers and consumers, led me to apply for Alice in Dairyland. It was a surreal experience when I heard my name called on Saturday night of the finals. “Introducing Wisconsin’s 79th Alice in Dairyland, Anastasia Poull” continues to replay in my mind as I begin this incredible journey. I’m excited to celebrate the people, products, and places that contribute to the continued success of Wisconsin agriculture! Throughout my year, I’ll travel over 45,00 miles connecting with people at hundreds of events, school visits, and media interviews. If you’re wondering what I’m looking forward to the most, you’re not the only one. My answer? Engaging with thousands of individuals across the state who offer unique insights while also soaking in the numerous tidbits of information I’ll learn during this year. One such tidbit is that here in America’s Dairyland, frozen treats are more than a dessert—they’re a way of life. Wisconsinites bought 74 million pints of ice cream and sherbet in 2024! My contribution to this scoop-tacular statistic involved cooling down with delicious chocolate milkshakes during county fair season. Personally, I like to enjoy ice cream on any day that ends in “y.” Enjoying a delicious chocolate milkshake at the Ozaukee County Fair! Our over 5,000 dairy farms help supply the 46 dairy plants that make ice cream or ice cream mix in Wisconsin. We’re well stocked year-round, especially in July during National Ice Cream Month and on National Ice Cream Day. National Ice Cream Day occurs annually on the third Sunday of July. This year, celebrate on July 19 with your favorite scoop (or two)! You’ll most likely find me enjoying classic vanilla or a creamy peanut butter swirl. Enjoy National Ice Cream Month the Wisconsin way by looking for plant code “55” on your favorite flavors. This “55” is the state identification code used on cheese and dairy product labels to indicate that they were made at a licensed Wisconsin dairy plant! You can also find a local Wisconsin ice cream shop near you by visiting https://www.wisconsindairy.org/national-ice-cream-month/Wisconsin-Ice-Cream. Alice in Dairyland is a one-year, full-time public relations professional employed by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). Each year, Alice in Dairyland travels over 45,000 miles, promoting Wisconsin agriculture, as authorized by Wis. Stat. § § 93.07(3), 93.40(1)(e), and 93.44(1)). Alice in Dairyland conducts hundreds of media interviews, speeches, and school presentations in her position.

A list of where you can find 78th Alice in Dairyland, Sarah Hagenow, at National Dairy Month events across the state this June. It is hard to believe that my year serving as Wisconsin’s 78th Alice in Dairyland is coming to a close, but I have the opportunity to finish out with one of the best celebrations yet: June Dairy Month in America’s Dairyland! As the dairy state, Wisconsin surely knows how to enjoy a “dairy” good time and highlight the rich heritage of our $52.8 billion dairy community. National Dairy Month is celebrated every year in June as a time to explore, enjoy, and honor the farmers, craftsmanship, and exceptional products that make Wisconsin dairy truly special. This month-long observance started as National Milk Month in 1937 to promote drinking milk. In 1939, June Dairy Month became the official title of the promotion and focused on greater use of milk and other dairy products. Today, we continue the strong tradition of highlighting dairy in Wisconsin every year by taking part in fun activities across the state! Growing up, I recall attending many dairy breakfasts, promotional events, and local festivals that called attention to Wisconsin’s dairy foundation. One of my favorite volunteer opportunities was scooping ice cream with my 4-H club at my home county’s breakfast on the farm, the Columbia County Mood Day Brunch! Numerous counties host their own dairy breakfasts, which allows visitors to see a real Wisconsin dairy farm in action by going on a farm tour and meeting the farming family all while enjoying a delicious meal. Every farm is unique, but they all have the same passion in caring for their land, animals, and communities to provide us with high-quality, nutritious dairy products. This year I am so excited to end my time as Alice by returning to my dairy roots and experiencing this rich Wisconsin tradition through the lens of our state’s agriculture ambassador! Here is a tentative list of events you can find me at during National Dairy Month! Saturday, June 6: Jefferson County Br eakfast on the Farm at Kutz Dairy in Jefferson Saturday, June 6: Cows on the Concourse at Madison Capitol Square in Madison Sunday, June 7: Brown County Breakfast on the Farm at Tinedale Farms in Wrightstown Sunday June 7: Marathon County June Dairy Breakfast at Northcentral Technical College Agriculture Center of Excellence in Wausau Saturday, June 13: Sauk County Dairy Breakfast at Windi Ridge Farm in Hillpoint Saturday, June 13: Big Top Parade at the Baraboo Courthouse Square in Baraboo Sunday, June 14: Oconto County Breakfast on the Farm in Oconto Wednesday, June 17: Welcome to the Dairyland Night at Forward Madison FC in Madison Friday, June 19: Juneteenth Day Celebration in Milwaukee Saturday, June 20: Sheboygan County Breakfast on the Farm at Majestic Crossing Dairy in Sheboygan Falls Saturday, June 20: Columbia County Moo-Day Brunch at Baerwolf Dairies, LLC in Columbus Saturday, June 20: Tour of America’s Dairyland Bike Race in Kenosha Wednesday, June 24: 56th Annual Farmer Appreciation Dinner in Chippewa Falls Thursday, June 25: Sundae Thursday in Two Rivers Friday, June 26: Tour of America’s Dairyland Bike Race in Shorewood Saturday, June 27: 11th Annual Racine County Breakfast on the Farm in Union Grove Saturday, June 27: 4th Annual Cheese Capital Festival in Plymouth Saturday, June 27: Salute to Cows Night with the Wisconsin “Udder Tuggers” at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton Sunday, June 28: 37th Annual Waushara County Dairy Breakfast at the Waushara County Fairgrounds in Wautoma Sunday, June 28: 42nd Shawano County Brunch on the Farm at Kurowski Dairy in Bonduel Sunday, June 28: Tour of America’s Dairyland Bike Race in Wauwatosa There are several ways to celebrate National Dairy Month and be a champion for Wisconsin dairy all year long! You can use Wisconsin dairy products in your meals, share Wisconsin dairy with friends and families, purchase Wisconsin dairy products in stores, attend a local dairy festival, and more. You can find creative recipes and additional Wisconsin dairy activities at www.wisconsindairy.org. To support Wisconsin farmers and processors when purchasing dairy products, look for the Proudly Wisconsin Cheese® and Proudly Wisconsin Dairy® badges on packaging! You can also look for code “55” on products to know that it was processed in a Wisconsin plant and that you are buying genuine Wisconsin dairy. This is a great way to keep your support local and celebrate America’s Dairyland! I look forward to seeing many of you at National Dairy Month events across Wisconsin this June! You can follow the journey on social media by searching for Alice in Dairyland on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. It has been the honor of my life thus far to serve as the official ambassador for Wisconsin’s abundant, diverse, and vibrant agriculture industry as the 78th Alice in Dairyland. Thank you for being by my side every step of the way and for recognizing, appreciating, and supporting Wisconsin’s farmers and processors that provide us with so much to enjoy!

I have learned many valuable skills while growing up on my family’s dairy farm in Columbus; however, the most important lesson I learned that still guides me through life today is to always try new things. The day I decided to start showing sheep at the county fair changed everything. I had shown dairy every year, but I knew I wanted to try something new. Some of my neighbors showed sheep and mentioned how fun it was, and I thought I would give it a try. I’d never done it before, but that just made it all the more interesting. Once I convinced my family to let me raise sheep for the next year’s fair, I found out how much I truly had to learn. The idea of showing an animal in the ring without a halter was completely new to me. I learned a lot during my first year. I also made great connections and continued my sheep project for many years. I even got to travel around the state and country for different shows! I also enjoyed being on my county’s 4-H dairy judging team, but based on my sheep showing experience, I decided I wanted to expand my knowledge and try more new things! I joined the meat judging team. This was a totally new experience, but evaluating an animal for its meat characteristics proved incredibly challenging. I studied flashcards of different meat cuts and classes every day and the hard work paid off. My team did well in state and national competitions. My “try new things” mentality became part of every aspect of my life. It led me to study abroad in Ireland for a semester. Despite never traveling outside of the country before, I knew I needed to explore the world. This turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life. I made lasting friendships and learned about the global agricultural industry. Trying new things also led me to apply to become the 79th Alice in Dairyland. Throughout my life, I have grown in agriculture and developed a passion for educating others about Wisconsin’s agricultural industry. Trying new things is exactly what Alice in Dairyland does and encourages by traveling throughout our state, nation, and world to help share the wonders of Wisconsin agriculture. I have no doubt that I will continue to try new things. Wisconsin’s diverse agricultural industry is one of our greatest strengths. While we are known for nutritious dairy products and award-winning cheeses, we are also national leaders in producing ginseng, cranberries, snap beans, potatoes, and more. Not only does this mean there are many different agricultural adventures you can be part of, but you can always try something new!

I loved growing up as a farm kid on one of Wisconsin’s 5,100 dairy farms. Yet, for every agriculture-related experience I had, I experienced an equally important non-agriculture experience that has shaped me into the passionate advocate I am today. Being allergic to grass, weeds, trees, and dust meant I couldn’t be involved with the farm in a traditional way. Instead, I used my passions to find a different role in the industry. Spending my childhood with my nose stuck in a book and competing in reading competitions sparked a lifetime love of learning new things about agriculture and the world around me. Performing in nine school musicals built my confidence to compete in FFA speaking contests and tackle leadership roles in Collegiate Farm Bureau and the Association of Women in Agriculture. Representing my rural community as Miss Whitehall inspired me to serve on the Wisconsin Agriculture Youth Council at the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection. Competing as a powerlifter added to the strength I built from showing dairy cattle at the Trempealeau County Fair and helping on the farm. Playing French horn once a week in a university band recharged my brain for studies in agricultural economics, science communication, and public policy at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Collecting houseplants and experimenting with hydroponics drove me to learn more about agronomy and join the crop conversations at the family dinner table. Living in Norway for four months while studying sustainability and culture gave me the opportunity to visit the original Herness family farm. Sharing the story of Wisconsin agriculture while interning with Wisconsin Farm Bureau prepared me to connect with a variety of Wisconsinites and learn their stories while interning in U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin’s office. My family has been involved in Wisconsin agriculture for decades, making it an important aspect of our legacy. From dairy and crops, to feed mills, precision agriculture, agronomy, sales, and agribusiness – my relatives have shown me how strong and diversified the agriculture industry is. Wisconsin agriculture provides over 350,000 jobs in an array of different fields, making it a place for everyone, including myself. From a young age I learned that my broad range of interests could help me find my home in Wisconsin’s agriculture industry. I am thrilled to be a Top Candidate for the 79th Alice in Dairyland and cannot wait for the opportunity to help diverse audiences discover that they are not just consumers, students, or farm kids – their individuality and passions make them a crucial part of the agriculture community!

Growing up, my dad would bring me along on his milk hauling routes across south-central Wisconsin. While he pumped milk, I would find the barn cats, name the calves, and become fascinated by the occasional robot milker in the free stall barn. What felt like simple curiosity at the time was actually the beginning of something bigger. I began to ask the farmers and my dad questions, most of which starting with “why.” Why are these cows eating something different from those cows? Why do you need to take samples of milk to the milk processing plants? Reflecting on it, those questions were the spark that ignited my passion for agriculture. My parents saw my curiosity from early on and provided me the opportunities to grow it through 4-H and FFA. I was able to take those “why” questions and turn them into experiences, like raising my own market lambs for the county fair or finding the biggest pumpkin in the patch and struggle to carry it back to the truck by myself. Competing in contests centered around communicating about agriculture further gave me the confidence and direction needed to develop me to be the person I am today. Between questions from fairgoers and other exhibitors, showing market lambs at the Wisconsin State Fair and serving as the 2025 Green Lake County Fairest of the Fair reinforced the importance of value gained from every connection made. Beyond the show ring, I had the opportunity to intern with Impact Hampshires and Hilltop Dairy, which allowed me to experience different sides of the livestock industry ranging from creating high-quality sheep genetics to working with innovative dairy farmers. These internships gave me a deeper appreciation for the hard-working families that fuel Wisconsin’s agriculture industry every day. As a senior at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls majoring in Animal Science with a meat animal emphasis, I see how foundational those experiences were in shaping my career path to working in Wisconsin’s $116.3 billion dollar agriculture industry. That same childhood curiosity drove me to become involved in Block & Bridle, the Livestock Judging Team, the Animal Welfare Judging Team, the Humane Handling Institute, and research through the Animal Welfare Lab on campus. As a 79th Alice in Dairyland Top Candidate, I will continue building connections and sharing the good news of agriculture because the same curiosity that made me ask “why?” now drives me to ask “how can I teach others and create meaningful experiences that share Wisconsin’s agriculture industry and empower others to tell their own story?”

You may see a little girl digging a hole, but in less than a year, this will turn into the house and hobby farm of her family's dreams. I’m happy to report that little girl is me, and I dug the first hole to start our more than 40-acre hobby farm from the 13.8 million acres of agricultural land in Wisconsin. This is where each of my agricultural passions started. This is not a multi-generational family farm, but through the hard work of my family, we were able to start our own traditions. We currently raise beef cattle, rabbits, chickens, and horses. Each animal gave me a basic knowledge of the many different areas of agriculture, but my world opened up in high school when I signed up for FFA because of the various opportunities that were available, no matter a person’s background. The most caring agriculture teacher pushed me to become a chapter officer, compete in speaking contests, and had me attend my first ever rodeo in St. Paul, Minnesota. Have you ever had that moment where you ask yourself, “How did I get here?” My answer to this question starts with those incredible connections from FFA and 4-H that created my love of rodeo and showed the possibilities after high school. At that point, I knew Wisconsin agriculture not only consisted of dairy, but held a vast array of products, foods, animals and farms. Today, it is encouraging to see the little things that matter, such as raising a small fraction of the 58.4 million broiler chickens in 2024, or baling hay throughout the summer to feed the animals. My horse obsession started well before I was born. My grandfather owned harness racing horses – Standardbred horses to be exact. That interest was passed down to my father, who has more stories of riding horses around Delaware in his youth than I do. His experiences made him a willing participant in getting his daughter a colt for her 8th birthday, every little girl's dream. My young life consisted of horse books, posters, and movies of 4-H clinics and Western Saddle Clubs Association (WSCA) shows with my horse Renegade. My parents supported me through ten years of 4-H and three rodeo queen titles, with each title encompassing a busy summer schedule. I am grateful to my parents for moving to Wisconsin and starting a hobby farm where I was able to experience many types of agriculture. They always encouraged me to do my best and continue to do so as I experience this journey as a 79th Alice in Dairyland Top Candidate.

I remember summer days as a kid when a special treat was traveling to Lake Wisconsin for an afternoon in the sun. I can still feel that anticipation of being able to swim, enjoy a picnic, and – the best part – head to the Merrimac Ferry for ice cream made right in Wisconsin! The idea of visiting a new location for the afternoon filled me with such joy.  As I grew older, that same love of traveling to new experiences stayed with me, this time with added expectation. Traveling to my first dairy judging contest brought thrill for the competition, and my first day giving “real” verbal reasons was a growth opportunity. Traversing to the Wisconsin State Fair to show my dairy cattle brought the chance to vye for a coveted purple ribbon, reconnect with friends, and make lasting memories with my Columbia County crew. However, that chance came with a few questions. Would I make friends early on? Would my cows behave? How could I possibly keep my white pants clean for three days?   Fast forward to college, that desire for adventure in new places led me to study abroad. I had never traveled internationally before my agricultural visit to Denmark, so I had a lesson on turning nerves into enthusiasm when facing new things. The potential to form friendships, immerse myself in a different culture, and see iconic sights helped me put my trust in the unknown.   Just as Alice in Dairyland journeys to places that hold both excitement and unfamiliarity, my many travels helped me realize that not knowing the future creates room for unforgettable moments. Alice is a master of facing new experiences head on. Her ability to dive into new possibilities is something I admire and am inspired by.   As a 78th Alice in Dairyland Top Candidate, I’ve learned this journey is thrilling, full of discovery, and always rewarding. Just as those early lake days held so much promise for fun, so too does the chance to learn about Wisconsin’s diverse and abundant agricultural industry, from cherries to Christmas trees to award-winning cheese. Above all, Wisconsin agriculture holds the greatest promise for the future and offers lasting adventures across our state.  Just as I anticipated those travels in my youth, I’m incredibly humbled to navigate this new trek in agriculture and look forward to what lies ahead!

Agriculture may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Ozaukee County—but for me, it’s where everything began. I grew up spending many days at my grandparents’ dairy farm, helping feed calves, milk, and other small tasks. Through 4-H, my curiosity grew through projects such as horse and pony, beef, and beekeeping. I was an active member of the horse education program, competing at state and national events while strengthening my public speaking. This marked a huge transformation from my first 4-H meeting, where I struggled to introduce myself!   4-H became my foundation and confirmed my future in agriculture. That path led me to South Dakota State University (SDSU) where I earned bachelor’s degrees in Animal Science, Agricultural Leadership, and Agricultural Science. I eagerly pursued new experiences, including the wool judging team, stepping into the show ring through Little International, volunteering, and serving as a college ambassador. A culminating moment was being selected as the 2023 Outstanding Student in Animal Science. These experiences broadened my perspective and led me to agricultural communications.  Through an assistantship with the SDSU Department of Animal Science, I later earned a Master of Arts in Communication and Media Studies. My work included developing a first-year student peer mentor program, coordinating events, leading the social media team, and co-creating and teaching an agricultural communications course.   In addition to a short-term international experience in South Africa where I experienced global agriculture, I also completed internships with Red Line Dairy, UW-Extension, URUS, and the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB). These experiences strengthened my communication and organizational skills while building expertise in social media, public speaking, and event management. I was able to apply these skills while serving as the 2025 Ozaukee County Fairest of the Fair, sharing my passion at events and media interviews. These experiences connected me with industry professionals, and reinforced my desire to bridge the gap between producers and consumers.  While my journey has taken me beyond Wisconsin, it has also brought me back home. After working with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection as a limited-term Agricultural Marketing Specialist, I returned to Red Line Ranch. The sounds and rhythms of the dairy farm remind me where my story began—and why it matters. Wisconsin’s $116.3 billion agriculture industry is built on people, passion, and purpose, and I’m proud to be part of it.   No matter where the journey takes me, I look forward to sharing the stories that connect people to agriculture.

College, internships and international travel showed me the agriculture industry in different places, yet each opportunity strengthened my connection to Wisconsin’s diverse agricultural communities. From reporting on student stories at multiple National FFA Convention and Expos in Indiana to writing and broadcasting farmers’ stories in Idaho and Missouri, and studying abroad while traveling independently to more than 10 countries across Europe, I grew my communications skills and deepened my passion for sharing agriculture’s story with both consumers and farmers.   While these experiences expanded my perspective, they also showed me how unique and special Wisconsin’s agriculture industry is.   In Europe, I found myself searching for Wisconsin Cheese, a taste of home. In Idaho, interviewing dairy farmers brought out the same strong sense of community that defines Wisconsin’s dairy industry. In Missouri, driving past tall cornfields reminded me that while the soil and climate may differ, farmers everywhere are creating products for people to use and enjoy.   These moments reminded me how Wisconsin’s agricultural community extends beyond our state, helping feed and serve local, national and global communities. I am proud to be part of an industry that supports families at home while connecting people around the world with food. Its diversity and richness strengthen our state’s economy and support farmers and processors alike.   Yet what stands out is not where I have gone. It’s what I have come back to.   Wisconsin feels like home because of the people who make it so. The farmers and grocers who have welcomed me in my role as a member engagement coordinator with the Wisconsin Grocers Association. The families who trusted me to share their stories through news outlets like the Ag News Daily Podcast and Dairy Star, connecting farmers and consumers to information.   It’s the personal moments, too. I cherish sharing Wisconsin with friends and family, whether it’s picking strawberries with my out-of-state friend Jenna or working on my family’s dairy farm growing up.   These experiences reflect the pride and connections that define Wisconsin agriculture. From my early curiosity about the industry to now as a Top Candidate for Wisconsin' s 79th Alice in Dairyland, agriculture has guided my journey and fueled my love for serving this community.   No matter how far I travel, Wisconsin has always been home, and I am excited about the opportunities ahead to share our state’s agriculture story.

Dairy farmers have long been focused on sustainability as it is a core part of their farms. Depending on the specific plans set in place by each farm, sustainable practices can look different across Wisconsin for the 99% of dairy farms that are family owned. However, underlying sustainability principles for these farming families include caring for the land, water, and local communities, safeguarding their health for future generations. Photo courtesy of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and Paul Gero Photography. When it comes to water, farmers work closely with researchers, conservationists, and themselves to protect and safeguard this natural resource. Did you know Wisconsin is home to more than 28 dairy farmer-led watershed groups that protect hundreds of thousands of acres of land and water by building soil health and improving water quality? The Nature Conservancy (TNC) shared a feature of a selection of farmers in these watershed groups , highlighting their passion for protecting soil and water, therefore helping “their farms remain resilient and profitable in the face of ever-changing conditions.” One of the farmers featured by TNC was Steve Carpenter, of Redrock View Farms near Darlington. He and his wife, Lisa, started their dairy farm in 1985 when it was just a “small operation.” Since then, they’ve grown enough to bring in three of their children and seven employees to farm with them, milking 600 cows and farming 2,000 acres of crops. Throughout the years, the farm has had to overcome a variety of issues – low milk prices, high feed or supply costs, or staffing concerns – but in recent years, environmental issues, especially water quality, have become a focus for the Carpenters. Steve and some other farmers in his area got together and started the Lafayette Ag Stewardship Alliance (LASA) in 2017. The group’s purpose “. . . is to work together to protect and improve their soil, water quality and environment by identifying, sharing, and promoting conservation practices on their farms.” From 2019-2022, LASA partnered with Farmers for Sustainable Food on a 15-farm, four-year project that demonstrated the impact local conservation can have on “sustainability, farm finances, and local water resources.” The final set of data is still to be released, but using the first three years of information it was found that participating farms had lower soil erosion, reduced acreage needs for production, and lower energy use when compared to state or national averages. The LASA continues to work together to improve conservation practices on farms and lands in Southwest Wisconsin. Photo courtesy of LASA. Wisconsin’s Producer-Led Watershed Protection grant program, run by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, has provided grants to help support groups like LASA since 2015. In the first year, awards were given to 15 groups and totaled almost $250,000. The program has steadily grown over the years, and in 2023, 43 groups were awarded a collective total of $1 million! Watershed groups across the state use these funds to “provide financial incentives to farmers to implement conservation practices, for education and outreach, on-farm demonstrations, and water-quality testing and monitoring efforts,” according to a report from the Wisconsin Farmers Union. This is just one of the many examples of ways in which farmers are practicing sustainability to pass on healthy land, healthy water, healthy cows, and a healthy farm for generations to come. They embrace innovation and stewardship practices to not only maximize efficiency but also protect their surroundings and reduce their inputs. Thanks to these advancements in dairy farming practices, producing a gallon of milk in 2017 required 30% less water and 21% less land and created a 19% smaller carbon footprint than it did in 2007. It is truly amazing to think about the additional tools and practices that Wisconsin’s dairy farmers are using and living out in their everyday operations. When I think about “sustainability,” it means making sure future generations can continue to use our land, water, and natural resources in ways that will provide a livelihood for our nation’s farmers and food for our society. There is inspiring work being done across the state, proving that sustainability is not just something that we talk about, but rather is something our dairy farmers practice to help ensure the continued success of Wisconsin as America’s Dairyland. To learn more about the work Wisconsin’s dairy farmers are doing to provide a sustainable environment for our future, visit wisconsindairy.org .

The following article was posted by the Dairy Innovation Hub, a partner of the Alice in Dairyland program, on October 1, 2025. The original article was written by Christine Bellport, public relations specialist at UW-Platteville. That article can be found here . With support from Wisconsin’s Dairy Innovation Hub, a groundbreaking patent will give dairy waste a second life in 3D printing   In a powerful blend of agricultural ingenuity and sustainable technology, two University of Wisconsin-Platteville professors have patented a revolutionary way to turn spoiled milk into biodegradable plastic—paving the way for new markets for dairy producers and a greener future for manufacturing.  The project, backed by early and ongoing support from the  Dairy Innovation Hub , showcases what’s possible when innovation meets investment. Using milk proteins like casein and whey, the team developed a 3D printing material that replaces petroleum-based plastics with a renewable, eco-friendly alternative.  “Who would have thought 3D printing and dairy protein could be combined to create a new material?” quipped Dr. Joseph Wu, associate professor of chemistry. “My hope is that it will help both dairy farmers in Wisconsin and the 3D printing industry.”   Dr. John Obielodan (left) and Dr. Joseph Wu (right) in the lab following the announcement of their U.S. patent. “It is a tremendous accomplishment to receive a U.S. patent as it is a rigorous process that recognizes the novelty of this invention,” said President Arjun Sanga, WiSys. From spoiled milk to sustainable innovation   The research was sparked during the COVID-19 pandemic, when milk dumping brought attention to the industry’s vulnerabilities. Professors Wu and Dr. John Obielodan, chair of mechanical and industrial engineering, began exploring how discarded dairy proteins could be repurposed as high-performance polymers.  The answer? A patented process to convert casein and whey into durable, flexible materials suitable for 3D printing and beyond.  “We knew dairy products contain proteins like casein and whey,” observed Obielodan, professor and chair of the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. “We asked ourselves, ‘Why can’t this milk, instead of being wasted, be turned into something valuable?’”   That simple question ignited a five-year journey of experimentation, development and persistence. The effort culminated in WiSys being awarded a U.S. patent for a novel method of transforming dairy waste into usable plastic—a breakthrough with global significance as the widespread use of non-biodegradable, petroleum-based plastics remains a major concern.   The Dairy Innovation Hub’s role   The research was made possible by a two-year, $50,000 grant from the Dairy Innovation Hub, a state-supported initiative linking UW-Platteville, UW-Madison and UW-River Falls. Over time, additional funding brought the Hub’s total investment in the project to approximately $180,000.  “As farmers and innovators, we believe in the quality and power of milk,” said Maria Woldt, program manager for the Dairy Innovation Hub. “It’s really inspiring to see researchers like Dr. Wu and Dr. Obielodan finding alternative uses for this safe, high-quality, natural and sustainable product.”  The project was among the very first funded by the Dairy Innovation Hub, and its success reflects the Hub’s mission to drive innovation in research, teaching and outreach for the state’s $52.8 billion dairy industry.  A circular economy for dairy   Beyond its immediate scientific and agricultural benefits, the invention contributes to the growing circular economy movement—turning food waste into valuable new products while reducing the environmental burden of traditional plastics.  “Farmers work to avoid waste, and the motivation behind this project aligns with that core value,” added Woldt. “We are thrilled that after a little more than five years we helped move an innovative idea forward that will lead to additional uses for milk. Tangible examples like this show we are delivering on that promise.”  Looking ahead, the patent opens the door for commercialization, and future products could range from 3D printer filaments to biodegradable containers, custom tools, and even medical devices, all derived from dairy.   “This is what happens when universities, researchers and agriculture invest in innovation together,” Wu said. “We’re connecting the dots between sustainability and industry—and it all started with a glass of milk.”  For more additional information, visit:   Spoiled Dairy into 3D Sustainable Plastic . About the Dairy Innovation Hub:  The Dairy Innovation Hub, which the state of Wisconsin is supporting to the tune of $7.8 million per year, harnesses research and development at UW-Platteville, UW-Madison and UW-River Falls campuses to keep Wisconsin’s $52.8 billion dairy community at the global forefront in producing nutritious dairy products in an economically, environmentally and socially sustainable manner.