Something Special from Wisconsin (SSfW ) members certify that at least 50% of the value of the product or service is attributable to Wisconsin ingredients, production, or processing activities. Since 1983, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has administered this program to showcase Wisconsin companies. More than 450 companies offer a wide selection of handcrafted signature pieces, agricultural goods and products, agritourism destinations, and so much more. From the Northwoods to the coast of Lake Michigan, the sandy central region, and everywhere in between, there is something special for everyone. You can enjoy Bright Lights and Merry Nights with Something Special from Wisconsin this holiday season as I feature 35 SSfW companies on social media and media outlets around the state! A small sampling of these wonderfully Wisconsin companies includes Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese; Starla's Seasonings, Dips & Mixes; Emmanuel's Mix; Barracks BBQ, LLC; Buzzshack Apiaries; Turners Ridge Wood Workz; Hickory Road Natural Products; Little Bull Falls Soap Works; and CRACKnola. Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese crafts award-winning Mascarpone and Chocolate Mascarpone using fresh milk from their family farm in Waterloo, Wisconsin. Their rich, creamy Mascarpone offers a smooth texture and delicate flavor ideal for both sweet and savory applications. From crops to cows, cheese to the consumer, they take pride in quality, sustainable, and authentic Wisconsin cheesemaking! You can find them at Woodman’s, Whole Foods, Metcalfe Market, Lake Mills Market, or online at cravecheese.com. Starla's Seasonings, Dips & Mixes is a female-owned and Wisconsin family-run small business. Starla’s seasoning mixes can be used to make easy dips or added to chicken, beef, pork, seafood, vegetables, potatoes, fries, popcorn, pretzels, burgers, and more! Her sweet mixes are great for fruit dips, cheesecakes, desserts, breakfast treats, and creative snacks. All dip mixes and seasonings have No MSG and are gluten-free, excluding the Garlic & Herb Beer Bread Mix. Find Starla’s Seasonings, Dips & Mixes online at starlaseasonings.com. Emmanuel’s Mix was born in 2008 in a quiet Milwaukee kitchen, where Jacqulyn Tucker, a Montessori teacher, sought to create a unique snack for her son to share with his friends. Her signature glaze—a masterclass in the addictive balance of sweet and salty—transformed a simple blend of cereals, pretzels, and mammoth pecans into a local sensation. Today, the mix has moved from the kitchen counter to the suite levels of the Fiserv Forum and the shelves of Outpost Natural Foods in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the surrounding area. You can also find them online at emmanuelsmix.com, Potawatomi Bingo Casino Provisions stores, and other locations in the Milwaukee area. Barracks BBQ, LLC is a veteran-owned Wisconsin barbecue company co-founded by Antony “Tony” Kamps and Chase Baker in Mukwonago, Wisconsin. Their flavor-forward sauces enhance smoked meats and backyard grilling without overpowering the food. At the 2026 American Royal World Series of Barbecue Sauce Contest, their Blazin’ Battle sauce ranked 13th of 94 Hot Sauce entries, while Smokin’ Soldier placed 21st of 158 Mild Sauce entries! Blazin’ Battle combines cayenne and chipotle for medium-to-hot heat, and Smokin’ Soldier delivers smoky, mild-to-medium flavor. Both sauces complement ribs, pulled pork, chicken, burgers, and wings! Shop all their offerings at barracksbbqllc.com. Buzzshack Apiaries is a small, family-owned business specializing in handcrafted honey and beeswax products made with quality ingredients and plenty of care. Their 16-ounce Wildflower Honey is pure, delicious honey with a naturally rich flavor that comes straight from our bees. The Cinnamon Creamed Honey combines smooth, creamy honey with warm cinnamon for a delicious spread that’s perfect on toast, biscuits, apples, or enjoyed by the spoonful! Find them at the West Allis Farmers Market, Zinn’s on the Square, Barcelona MKE, Busia’s XOXO, Maxilyn House Collective, Huckelberry Collective, and Etsy! Woodworking isn’t just a business at Turners Ridge Wood Workz, it’s what owner David Pehl loves. What began as a hobby in high school grew into a business built on craftsmanship, creativity, and a commitment to quality. Today, David designs and builds handcrafted furniture, charcuterie boards, cutting boards, keepsake boxes, home décor, and personalized gifts that are made to be enjoyed for years to come. Customers can purchase these intentionally created and hand-crafted items by ordering online at turnersridgewoodworkz.com, emailing Turners Ridge Wood Workz, or attending one of their shows. What started small has grown into a tallow company built around understanding the ingredient, controlling the process, and making products that proudly display the Hickory Road Natural Products name. Hickory Road Natural Products started by learning the ingredient first—where it comes from, how it behaves, and the way it is handled affects the finished tallow. That curiosity continues to be a central part of their businesses. They believe people deserve to know more about the products they use. They can be found at numerous locations across Wisconsin and online at hickoryroadnp.com. Little Bull Falls Soap Works proudly turns agricultural ingredients into products families love. Handmade in Wisconsin since 2003, they create goat milk soaps, lotions, body care products, and soy wax candles using quality ingredients and small-batch craftsmanship. They are passionate about supporting agriculture, local manufacturing, and rural businesses while providing products that help customers care for themselves and their homes naturally. Find their soaps, lotions, candles, and more at their store in Rothschild, Wisconsin, in participating retailers, and their website littlebullfallssoapworks.com. CRACKnola makes delicious gluten-free, glyphosate-free, dairy-free, nut-free, allergy-friendly granola with no refined sugar additives or preservatives. Their products are locally made in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, using eight simple ingredients that are mostly locally sourced. Every batch is made by hand and designed to create healthy, great tasting granola. They also make custom bags branded for individual businesses, the perfect gift for the holiday season! Order yours online at cracknola.com, find them at farmers markets around Oshkosh, and at Sweet Jules Bakes. Visit somethingspecialwi.com to explore hundreds of Wisconsin businesses of all types and sizes! Enjoy Bright Lights and Merry Nights with Something Special from Wisconsin™ this holiday season!

Whether you started your holiday shopping in September or you’re holding off for December deals, there’s always a chance to add Something Special from Wisconsin™ (SSfW). Something Special from Wisconsin members certify that at least 50% of the value of the product or service is attributable to Wisconsin ingredients, production, or processing activities. Since 1983, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has administered this program to showcase Wisconsin companies. More than 450 companies offer a wide selection of handcrafted signature pieces, agricultural goods and products, agritourism destinations, and so much more. From the Northwoods to the coast of Lake Michigan, the sandy central region, and everywhere in between, there is something special for everyone. You can enjoy Bright Lights and Merry Nights with Something Special from Wisconsin this holiday season as I feature 35 SSfW companies on social media and media outlets around the state! A small sampling of these wonderfully Wisconsin companies includes Carr Valley Cheese, Palo Popcorn, Olympia Granola, Fika Spice, Jam Session Honey and Preserves, Fazio’s Chocolate, Ellie Joe Design Co., and Moose Lake Mustard. Carr Valley Cheese is a fourth-generation, family-owned artisan cheese company in Wisconsin’s Driftless Region, known for their traditional cheesemaking methods, local milk, and innovative American Original Recipes. Their Holiday Bread Cheese and Blue Spruce Blue are wonderful additions for any holiday gathering or gift! You can find Carr Valley Cheese at their seven retail stores, online through Wisconsin Cheese Mart, or check at your local retailer Palo Popcorn has been family owned since 1963, and every batch is made in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin. From savory cheddars to sweet caramel corn, their popcorn is made for sharing, because everyday snacking should feel a little special. Palo Popcorn is available at most grocery stores in Wisconsin, Blain's Farm & Fleet stores, and select Walmart stores, plus several Wisconsin shops and online at PaloPopcorn.com or Amazon. Olympia Granola helps you fuel up for adventure with their numerous granola bar flavors, including two holiday favorites, Tart Cherry Pepita and Honey Almond. Packed with eight grams of protein and bound with pure U.S. honey, these gluten-free bars are made for wherever the day takes you—from the hiking trail to the office desk. Visit OlympiaGranola.com to find a local store near you or order online! Fika Spice LLC is a family-owned company founded by Holly and John Ellenson in Shell Lake, Wisconsin. The carefully crafted blends combine real spices selected for amazing flavor and naturally occurring antioxidant compounds, helping people enjoy delicious coffee! For the coffee lover on your gift list, Original Fika Spice and Maple Sugar Fika Spice are great Wisconsin additions! Order yours at FikaSpice.com or find them in a growing collection of independent kitchen stores, coffee shops, and specialty retailers across four states. . Jam Session Honey and Preserves produces award-winning Wisconsin wildflower honey in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Each jar captures the flavor of southeastern Wisconsin, where the bees forage among clover, wildflowers, and orchard blossoms. Give the gift of Wisconsin flavor this holiday season with Jam Session Honey and Preserves. Find these delicious products at Pine Acres General Store in Union Grove, Wisconsin, and Queen Bee Artisan Market in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, which also offers convenient shipping. Fazio's Chocolate’s three-time Wisconsin State Fair Best of Show Grand Champion Chocolates are a unique gift to keep or share. This award-winning 15-piece trio consists of five Decade of Decadence, five Cheers from Wisconsin, and five Cherry Chipotle Crush chocolates. Experience this special Wisconsin offering from Fazio's Chocolate in Elm Grove, Wisconsin. Visit them in store in Elm Grove or order online for in-store pickup. Ellie Joe Design Co. blends modern design with Midwest soul, offering everything from wood creations to playful greeting cards and art that speaks to real life moments. Founder and creator Monica Faucheux’s favorite projects are those that tell a story. Her Wisconsin state ornaments and paint-your-own farm scene watercolor greeting cards help share the holiday spirit of Wisconsin! Order yours at CustomByMonica.com. Moose Lake Mustard is a unique style mustard thatyou can put on EVERYTHING! It can be used as a Condiment, Dipping Sauce, Marinade and Toppingfor all kinds of foods. It comes in Original, which is Sweet and Sassy and Spicy, which has a bit ofheat. The original family recipe has remained largely the same, with only a few tweeks, keeping the memory of family members alive. They are so grateful for all of the support and love making people happy with their products! Enjoy Bright Lights and Merry Nights with Something Special from Wisconsin ™ this holiday season. Visit SomethingSpecialWI.com to explore hundreds of Wisconsin businesses of all types and sizes!

World Dairy Expo is the pinnacle event of the year for much of the world’s dairy industry. Madison has been the hub of this global event since it first started in 1967 under the name “World Food Exposition.” To celebrate the first year of this event, the iconic globe displayed on the Alliant Energy Center campus was created by combining two silo roofs. Over five decades later, thousands of people continue to gather in Madison to celebrate the dairy industry. In 2025, more than 51,500 people attended the annual world showcase, and 2026 proved to be another outstanding year. “Opening New Doors for Dairy” was the theme of the 2026 World Dairy Expo, held September 29 through October 2, 2026, at the Alliant Energy Center. The attendees include dairy producers, business professionals, exhibitors, students of all ages, and dairy enthusiasts. New doors certainly opened for me through the role of Alice in Dairyland. During the Dairy Contest Awards and Products Auction I was invited on stage to impromptu auctioneer one of the lots. The team of volunteers kept me on track as I worked through the numbers and successfully sold one of the highest selling lots! The positive feedback I received afterwards was encouraging, and a brief video can be found on the Alice in Dairyland LinkedIn. Learning to auctioneer has been on my bucket list, so this experience was a full throttle launch in the right direction! While at World Dairy Expo, I met with international trade groups, college judging teams, youth groups, and many dairy professionals. About 90 countries were represented throughout the week, and I enjoyed learning more about agriculture in other countries! My conversations with Italian, Dutch, Columbian, and other international representatives broadened my understanding of agriculture. I also enjoyed seeing the excitement from collegiate and youth groups about the dairy industry, including the National 4-H Dairy Conference attendees. Many of these connections occurred during forums and recognition events, but I was also able to engage with people in partnership with the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin (DFW) is the marketing and promotion arm for Wisconsin’s $52.8 billion dairy industry. DFW utilizes checkoff dollars to showcase Wisconsin dairy products, driving demand and consumption. At World Dairy Expo 2025, DFW launched their Born to Dairy™ campaign with a handful of character cards to celebrate the pride, quirks, and big personalities of Wisconsin’s dairy farmers. This campaign continues to flourish and was a part of the celebrations at this year’s World Dairy Expo! “Legendairy Leaper” is one of the newest members of the Born to Dairy™ family, modeled after LeRoy Butler. I loved the chance to meet LeRoy and share in his excitement for Wisconsin dairy! In addition to the forums, events, and my time with Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, I also visited with professionals at the trade show. World Dairy Expo’s trade show is known around the world for its size and dairy-production focus. In fact, it was honored as one of the top 100 trades shows of 2025! Hundreds of companies flock to Madison to share their products, innovative technologies, and dairy expertise. One of the most surreal experiences I had at World Dairy Expo was walking the Supreme Champion Cow results across the vast showring. It was an immense honor to be a part of this ceremony as the Supreme Champion Cow was selected in Madison. Congratulations to the 2026 champions: Supreme Champion of the Junior Show, Arolene Dempsey Ella; Reserve Supreme Champion of the Junior Show, Hall’s V-Lane Spectacle-ET; Supreme Champion, Stoney Point Joel Bailey; Reserve Supreme Champion, Eixdale Pwrup Alongside You don’t want to miss the hub of the global dairy industry. Mark your calendars for the 2027 World Dairy Expo, September 28 through October 1, 2027, at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison!

Less than 10% of Wisconsin is used for growing corn, but that percentage has an impressive impact. In 2025, Wisconsin’s corn industry generated $5.1 billion in economic output and supported more than 19,500 jobs. I’ve enjoyed celebrating corn as Alice in Dairyland at the Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival, the Randolph Community Corn Carnival, and during my tour at the United Wisconsin Grain Producers (UWGP) facility. Plus, every mile I drive is fueled by ethanol! The iconic Alice in Dairyland vehicle is wrapped in a Wisconsin corn design and sponsored by the Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board. Currently nicknamed “Sprout,” the 2026 Ford Explorer I travel in is both fueled by Wisconsin corn and easy to find in parking lots. Ethanol, an organic biofuel, is created through a process of cleaning, separating, and purifying corn. In Wisconsin, ethanol production generates $4.2 billion annually and uses about one-third of our corn crop. Dent corn, commonly referred to as field corn, is used for ethanol and is the most prevalent type of corn grown in Wisconsin. There are nine ethanol facilities in Wisconsin, as stated by the Renewable Fuels Association. I recently toured the UWGP ethanol facility in Cambria. UWGP is a farmer-owned ethanol plant that processes locally grown corn into ethanol fuel, distillers grains, corn oil, and high-protein yeast products for livestock feed and global markets. Ethanol production not only helps support the approximately 15,000 corn growers in Wisconsin, it’s also more efficient! It takes three times more energy to produce a gallon of petroleum-based gasoline than it does to make a single gallon of ethanol. In addition to ethanol, dent corn is used in thousands of other ways, including bio-based products like carpet, cosmetics and aspirin; food uses like corn flour made from ground, dried corn; and livestock feed. About 60% of the corn grown in Wisconsin stays on family farms to feed livestock such as dairy cattle, beef cattle, pigs, chickens, and other farm animals. With a high demand for feed from our successful livestock industries, Wisconsin continues to rise to the top for corn. Wisconsin ranks number one in the nation for the production of corn used for silage, and 11th in the nation for corn used for grain. Furthermore, Wisconsin ranks third in the nation for sweet corn! Sweet corn is the type of corn many people love to enjoy on the cob, as a side dish, or in a variety of other recipes like homemade corn salsa. Only about 1% of the all the corn grown in the United States is sweet corn due to a lower demand compared to field corn. Sweet corn is lower in starch than field corn, which impacts the ability to use it in products such as ethanol. Another difference is that field corn is harvested when the kernels are dry and hard, compared to sweet corn, which is harvested when the kernels are soft and flavorful. Two other types of corn include popcorn and flint corn. As you may have guessed, popcorn is used for a delicious, crunchy snack that’s often enjoyed during movies. Flint corn is not grown as commonly in the United States, but the colorful kernels make for excellent fall decorations and murals! Whether you’re fueling up with ethanol blends like Unleaded 88 or enjoying a bite of flavorful sweet corn, Wisconsin’s 15,000 corn growers sometimes work around the clock during the busy fall harvest season to provide a high-quality crop. WICorn.org has information about our Wisconsin corn farmers, innovations in agriculture, ethanol production, and general facts about Wisconsin corn!

My experience at the 175th Wisconsin State Fair was an easy five-star review. Some may think that spending all 11 days of the Wisconsin State Fair walking the grounds and connecting with exhibitors and fairgoers would be tiring… and that would be correct, to an extent. However, the energy I gained from being at the State Fair, surrounded by agriculture and passionate advocates, made the miles I walked seem like nothing! I spent the majority of my time visiting Dairy Lane or exploring the Wisconsin Building. In Dairy Lane, I talked with fairgoers about the importance of our dairy industry, not only with our dairy cows, but also our dairy goats. Each year, Dairy Lane has a beautiful educational exhibit about how our milk becomes cheese, the different breeds of dairy cattle, and so much more. Dairy Lane also offers four dairy cow milking demonstrations per day and three dairy goat milking demonstrations per day. Wisconsin is home to 1.29 million dairy cows and nearly 80,000 dairy goats that provide high-quality milk for our favorite dairy products! I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to be the spokesperson for a few of these demonstrations and teach fairgoers about the process of milking our dairy animals. An added benefit? Getting to share delicious Wisconsin cheese at the end of the demonstration! In the Wisconsin Building, I visited with Something Special from Wisconsin™ members and enjoyed a few of our Wisconsin commodities. There were tons of wonderful Wisconsin products and delicious Wisconsin food options. Every single time I walked into the Wisconsin Building, I took a deep breath and enjoyed the smell of Wisconsin. It's difficult to pick a favorite, but I'll share what I ate most often. If you met me in the Wisconsin Building, you probably met me with a grilled cheese, a baked potato, or a shake. In addition to these foods tasting good, they were often a highlight of my daily stage presentation in the Wisconsin Building. Each day I shared the story of our $52.8 billion dairy industry, how to make your own butter, and the impact of the nearly three billion pounds of potatoes we produce annually in Wisconsin! I loved seeing the magic of Wisconsin come alive for many people as they made their own butter. After my presentation, I joined the audience and heard some amazing State Fair stories. From the couple that met at the State Fair 60 years ago and have come back every year since, to the family with four generations celebrating together, the State Fair provides such a strong community to connect with. Although I loved the food, the excitement, and the adventures of the State Fair, what I loved the most were the people. Every day I visited Grand Champion Hall for a new gorgeous corsage made by Deb, saw Jill Albanese, Competitive Exhibits & Park Beautification Director, traveling around the grounds with infectious energy, talked with the team of people who make the shows possible, saw friends and family from across the state, met new exhibitors and fairgoers, and always had a home base with the team in Dairy Lane. Thank you for an incredibly amazing time as Alice in Dairyland at the State Fair, whether we talked for 10 seconds or 10 minutes!! To catch up on my adventures at the 175th Wisconsin State Fair, visit the Alice in Dairyland Facebook and Instagram to access all the interviews, youth agriculture challenges, sights of the State Fair, and daily recaps!

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.