Meet the Candidates - Michelle Stangler: A Love for Storytelling

Whether it’s hearing a farmer’s story, sharing facts about Wisconsin’s unique agriculture community or experiencing the state’s diversity firsthand, I have a deep appreciation for our state’s rich agriculture heritage.

My love for agriculture began on my family’s dairy farm in Watertown, one of the many family-owned farms making up 99% of Wisconsin’s dairy industry. Growing up in a community of over 20,000 people, I saw early on the importance of connecting more people to agriculture whether through sports, school, or youth leadership organizations like 4-H and the National FFA Organization I was part of.

That curiosity grew stronger when I served as the 2019–2020 Wisconsin FFA state vice president, inspiring me to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Agricultural Marketing Communications with a minor in Agricultural Business from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls (UWRF). I proudly graduated in May 2024.

While at UWRF, I became an on-air host for WRFW 88.7, the student-run radio station. That opportunity sparked my love for broadcasting and strengthened my passion for telling agricultural stories in relatable, engaging ways.

My drive to become a better storyteller has been fueled by hands-on internships gaining experiences with the Mid-West Farm Report and Brownfield Ag News, where I covered statewide and regional agricultural stories. Additionally, my time at WEAU 13 News in Eau Claire broadened my skills, allowing me to bring agricultural stories to mainstream media. From reporting on ethanol’s impact during harvest season to covering the opening of my alma mater’s cheese plant, storytelling is my love.

Additionally, living in Missouri, Idaho and even Europe grew my appreciation for Wisconsin’s unique agricultural community, from June Dairy Month traditions to our thriving agritourism experiences that highlight our specialty crops.

Today, I contribute to various media outlets including the Ag News Daily and Positivity in Ag podcasts, as well as the Dairy Star newspaper. I also enjoy giving back to my community, currently serving as the 2024 Dodge County Fairest of the Fair.

Every day, I’m energized by the opportunity to connect with farmers and consumers through storytelling. That connection lies at the heart of what Alice in Dairyland represents.

As a top candidate for the 78th Alice in Dairyland, I am eager to continue showcasing my love for this state’s agriculture community one story at a time.