Search Results

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.

Potatoes may have originated thousands of years ago and even traveled to outer space, but here in Wisconsin, they’ve become a down-to-earth staple of home cooking. With our cool climate, quick spring warm-up, and sandy soils, Wisconsin naturally produces some of the nation’s finest spuds. So, it’s no surprise we rank third in the country for potato production, and first for states east of the Mississippi River. But beyond the fields and harvest equipment, the real story of Wisconsin potatoes is told in our kitchens. On a recent visit to Schroeder Brother’s Farms in Antigo (the home of our Wisconsin state soil, Antigo Silt Loam), I saw firsthand how generations of family knowledge help bring approximately 20 varieties and subvarieties of potatoes from soil to supper. Whether it’s russets or reds, Schroeder’s varieties shine when mashed, fried, or baked, and they remain a fan-favorite in many retail stores across Wisconsin. Other varieties offer their own colors, textures, and flavor profiles that give home cooks endless possibilities to make warm and comforting dishes. With options to roast, grill, microwave, boil, and so much more, potatoes are able to fit many different cooking styles that are perfect for any season. Besides potatoes for consumption, Schroeders also grow potatoes for seed. While the Schroeder family has been farming the land since 1879, their existence as an incorporated potato farm began in the early 1960s with seed potato production. What may surprise most consumers is that potato seeds do not look like traditional seeds. They actually appear just like a regular potato but have a distinct genetic makeup that allows them to grow tubers more readily and sprout a potato plant once underground. Storing potatoes correctly is key to unlocking their full potential. Because potatoes are living, breathing organisms, they keep best in a cool, dry, dark space—ideally 45–55°F. Skip the refrigerator, which can turn starches into sugars and affect cooking quality, and save the washing for right before you’re ready to cook. In kitchens across Wisconsin, potatoes earn renewed appreciation not only for their versatility, but for their nutrition. They’re naturally low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with vitamin B6, vitamin C, antioxidants, and even more potassium than a banana. No wonder they show up in everything from weekday meals to holiday feasts! During the holiday season, I had the chance to promote Wisconsin potatoes at Pick ’N Save and Metro Market locations in Oak Creek and Monona, respectively. I shared a simple air-fryer recipe that we cooked right in the store while chatting with shoppers about easy ways to make potatoes the star of their holiday menus. Thanks to the Wisconsin Potato Board and the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association, consumers can explore everything from cooking tips to creative dishes all year long on the new Spud Specialties Kitchen  recipe series on the Alice in Dairyland YouTube channel. If you’re looking for inspiration, explore dozens of classic, modern, and downright indulgent recipes at eatwisconsinpotatoes.com . Whether mashed, baked, roasted, or fried, there’s no wrong way to enjoy Wisconsin potatoes. As a passionate potato lover myself, I can assure you that you will not be disappointed by any dish that has its roots in our state’s rich soils and strong agricultural heritage. All year long, let Wisconsin potatoes be the ingredient that brings warmth, comfort, and a taste of home to your table.

A new year brings many fresh starts - new recipes, new routines, new friendships, and new goals. For the Alice in Dairyland program, it also brings one of our most meaningful annual traditions: the search for the next woman who will serve as Wisconsin’s official agricultural ambassador. Each January, the Alice in Dairyland program reaches its midpoint for the current “Alice” and begins to look ahead toward who will represent Wisconsin agriculture in the coming year. In the beginning of January, prospective candidates submit a resume, cover letter, references, and application form in hopes of stepping into this once-in-a-lifetime role. After individual interviews at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), up to six Top Candidates are selected and introduced to the public at a press briefing in March. Throughout the spring, these selected candidates participate in weekly training sessions and professional development workshops. They also complete various assignments designed to build their communication skills and deepen their understanding of Wisconsin agriculture. Each piece of knowledge and each new skill that the Top Candidates gain then culminate for the three-day finale event in May. I remember the months leading up to the 78th Alice in Dairyland Finals in Crawford County vividly. As a Top Candidate, I gained invaluable insight into our state’s diverse $116.3 billion agricultural landscape while sharpening skills in public speaking, media relations, and digital communications. As I completed my journey to Prairie du Chien on the brink of the Finals that fateful weekend in May, I remember feeling an energy of excitement and accomplishment. This is a feeling that all Top Candidates experience as they prepare to embark upon a memorable, fulfilling, and life-changing event. Though the process is essentially an interview, it feels like a mini term as Alice in Dairyland. The Top Candidate process is an opportunity to grow, connect, and become fully immersed in the responsibilities of the role and get a taste of the life of serving as Alice in Dairyland. At the conclusion, all Top Candidates receive an official Marketing and Communications Certificate from DATCP to signify that they completed one of the most rewarding job interviews around and gained valuable skills. This May, the candidates vying to become the 79th Alice in Dairyland will travel to Marathon County, the host of the 2026 Alice in Dairyland Finals. Over three days, they will participate in agribusiness tours, media interviews, and formal presentations. A selection panel will evaluate their performance, and on May 16, the last day of the Finals, Wisconsin’s next Alice in Dairyland will be announced. Serving as the 78th Alice has already been an extraordinary honor. These first six months have been filled with meaningful conversations, early-morning interviews, farm and business tours, and plenty of memorable moments enjoying Wisconsin’s agricultural products. The year may be short, but the impact is lasting. Every day reminds me why this role is so special in representing and promoting a special experience in Wisconsin that has its roots in agriculture. If this experience sounds like the right fit for you, I encourage you to apply for a chance to become the 79th Alice in Dairyland. Applications are available at AliceinDairyland.com under the "Becoming Alice" page from January 2 to January 30, 2026. Be sure to apply by 4:30 p.m. on the final day of applications! Whether you are considering applying or simply love following the program, I invite you to join us for the 79th Alice in Dairyland Finals, May 14-16, 2026 in beautiful Marathon County.

December is always one of my favorite months of the year. Between holiday music, being together with family, festive movies, beautiful decorative displays, and delicious food made possible by agriculture, the spirit of the season makes me incredibly cheery and hopeful. Being able to experience this December through the lens of Alice in Dairyland was a special treat and allowed me to enjoy special time spent with my extended family – Wisconsin’s agricultural community! I started the month with all engines firing in the holiday spirit by continuing the Something Special from  Wisconsin™ Savor the Season media campaign. I had a wonderful experience learning about all the 36 participating members and even meeting a few of them along my travels! As that promotion “wrapped” up, I turned my attention to a beloved ingredient that makes everything better – Wisconsin butter! There is nothing that evokes the warmth, comfort, and togetherness of the holiday season quite like real Wisconsin butter. Not only does it bind together our meals, but it brings friends and families together over shared tradition. It’s simple ingredients – cream and salt - are a testament to the purity and wholesomeness of Wisconsin-made dairy that contributes to Wisconsin’s $52.8 billion dairy industry, a cornerstone of the state’s economy! To learn more about Wisconsin butter facts and uses, visit Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. My monthly trip up to Marathon County brought even more holiday cheer with ornament decorating and parade waving! I visited the Children’s Imaginarium in Wausau for the first time, where I had the chance to see interactive STEM exhibits for young visitors that included the unique aspects of Marathon County agriculture. I then joined the Partnership for Progressive Agriculture (PPA) for the annual Wausau Holiday Parade! I helped PPA members promote Marathon County dairy by handing out mozzarella cheese sticks to parade goers, which was a cheesy hit! Marathon County has certainly become a home away from home as we prepare for the 79th Alice in Dairyland Finals in May, so it was meaningful to celebrate a special time of year with these special friends.   The holiday season of course brings a busy and exciting time for our nearly 600 Christmas tree growers across the state of Wisconsin, and this year was no different! Wisconsin is proud to rank 5th in the nation for Christmas tree production, harvesting approximately 700,000 fresh trees to enjoy in our homes each year. Whether it’s a family business on the wholesale side or a local farm that invites you to pick your tree from their lots, each grower helps provide a real, fresh, and fragrant tree that brings the spirit into your home. My own family has a tradition of getting a real tree to decorate in our home every year while we drink hot chocolate and watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” The holidays wouldn’t be the same without our real tree, and the best part is supporting local family farms while choosing a sustainable and renewable tradition. I had the chance to visit several Christmas tree farming families this year, both for promotion and for a personal trip to secure our own family wreath and Christmas tree. One such farm was Vines Christmas Trees in Granton, who graciously welcomed me to experience their farm and spread the wonderful holiday cheer. Between hot chocolate, a horse-drawn wagon ride, a cozy fire in the warming shed, and more, the Vine family surely provides a winter-time experience that is rich with Wisconsin welcome. Paul and Kelly, along with their daughter Jenna and other family members, run the tree farm today, and like every Christmas tree grower in Wisconsin, they help visitors create timeless holiday memories year after year. In agriculture, countless celebrations and gatherings happen around the holidays as the year wraps and farmers are able to rest after the harvest season. It is a wonderful time to come together and look back upon the hard work of each growing year while celebrating with friends. I was lucky to join both the World Dairy Expo community and the Wisconsin Farmers Union membership for the Friends of Expo celebration and Annual Convention, respectively. I loved hearing about updates from each organization and reflecting on the year that passed while meeting new friends and sharing about my love of agriculture! Both World Dairy Expo and the Wisconsin Farmers Union have provided me with unforgettable memories while serving as the 78th Alice in Dairyland, and I couldn’t be more grateful for their role in elevating Wisconsin agriculture. These past six months have provided me with infinite opportunities for growth, education, and connection, none of which would be possible without our partners, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, Kettle Moraine Mink Breeders Association, Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board, Midwest Jewelers Association, Wisconsin Potato Industry Board, Ginseng Board of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Beef Council, and the Dairy Innovation Hub. I am so appreciative of their continued support. Some memories with each program partner were shared on the Alice in Dairyland social media accounts recently, if you would like to learn more about how Alice partners with each of these organizations. While it’s hard for me to imagine, in six more short months, I’ll be handing over the sash and tiara to a lucky new Alice. If you would like to serve as Wisconsin's 79th Alice in Dairyland, applications are being accepted through January 30, 2026. Visit aliceindairyland.com/becoming-alice-in-dairyland  for more information.