Meet the Candidates: Kelly Herness - Not Just a Farm Kid

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!