Age: 22 Location: Waupaca, Wisconsin Your agricultural background, in a nutshell: I was raised as the sixth generation on my family’s dairy and grain farm in Waupaca. My roots run 159 years deep in this industry as my family farm was established in 1855.
I recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison with a degree in animal science, and I plan to return to production agriculture on my family farm after my year as Alice in Dairyland.
If I were not involved in the dairy/agricultural industry, I would be … A morning personality on a local country radio station.
A little-known fact about this organization is … despite the program’s evolution to a modern-day marketing professional, Alice continues to wear a tiara or a sash and brooch at large events – not only to increase her visibility but also to highlight Wisconsin’s gem industry. The stones of amethyst and citrine in the brooch and tiara are native to Wisconsin.
My favorite representative of this organization is … our dedicated secretary, Ben Brancel.
What the organization does best is … proactively advocating for Wisconsin agriculture. Alice is a reliable source who serves as the conduit between our agriculturists and consumers to share agriculture’s true story.
I feel valued as Alice in Dairyland when … I see the lightbulb go on in someone’s head when I am able to teach them something new about Wisconsin agriculture.
An influential or interesting person I have met through this organization is … Laura Daniels.
She is influential or interesting because … Laura is a pioneer for women in production agriculture and is a terrific role model showing that women can be farmers too.
The dairy/agricultural industry’s greatest opportunity is … that there are no limits. The agricultural industry will continue to grow and evolve to produce wholesome food and products for all of us.
I hope my legacy is … encouraging young women to become involved with production agriculture.
My advice to all dairymen/dairywomen is ... You don’t need a tiara or a sash to be an advocate for the dairy industry. Make it your goal every day to proactively represent the dairy industry and help share its story as well as your own. PD
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
P.O. Box 8911
Madison, WI 53708
(608) 224-5115
Year organized: 1948
Members: Zoe Brooks is the 67th Alice in Dairyland.
Mission:
The mission of DATCP is to serve the citizens of Wisconsin by assuring the safety and quality of food; fair business practices for the buyer and seller; efficient use of agricultural resources in a quality environment; consumer protection; healthy animals and plants; and the vitality of Wisconsin agriculture and commerce.
