Last month, the Alice in Dairyland program selected Wisconsin’s 76th Alice in Dairyland, Ashley Hagenow of Poynette. As I travel throughout June Dairy Month to cap off my time as the 75th Alice in Dairyland, I have been reminiscing about everything the last year has brought me. Through the feelings of excitement for Ashley and what’s to come for her, and the sadness brought by the end of a remarkable year for me, the feeling of gratitude keeps coming to the forefront. That gratitude spreads far and wide, to people and places in all parts of Wisconsin. 

Thank you to the hosts and attendees of the more than 20 county fairs and festivals I was invited to. Seeing the participants share their entries and displays with pride showed me just how far-reaching Wisconsin agriculture is. Whether it was the livestock auction at the Columbia County Fair, the maple syrup entries at Phelps Maple Fest, the ginseng growers at the Mid-Autumn Harvest Fest, or the small animal exhibitors at the Wisconsin State Fair, these individuals invited me to learn about their hard work and dedication. 

Thank you to the countless media personnel who interviewed me on all things ice cream, cheese, Something Special from Wisconsin products, ginseng, potatoes, and so much more, and for allowing me to share my messages with their audiences. By sharing my articles, welcoming me into their studios, hosting virtual interviews, or featuring the events I attended, the messaging of Wisconsin’s $104.8 billion agriculture industry reached viewers nearly 35 million times. 

Thank you to the partners of the Alice in Dairyland program: Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, Ginseng Board of Wisconsin, Goodman’s Jewelers, Kettle Moraine Mink Breeders Association, Wisconsin Beef Council, Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board, and the Wisconsin Potato Promotions and Auxiliary. They provide my trusty ethanol fueled vehicle, Kernel; my tiara and brooch; my warm mink vest; and resources, support, guidance, and funding to this program, and have for much of the history of Alice in Dairyland. None of this could be done without them!

Thank you to the staff of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. I’ve spent my term first eating mac and cheese with Secretary Randy Romanski, then exploring Monroe Cheese Days and World Dairy Expo with Economic Development and Innovation Center staff. I often enjoyed celebrating Wonton Wednesdays with the Division of Agricultural Development and engaging our agricultural community alongside many other colleagues. “Team Alice” is also constantly working behind the scenes to organize my schedule, encourage me when the days are tough, and support me through it all.

And thank you, the people of Wisconsin, for the opportunity to serve as your 75th Alice in Dairyland. If you attended an event, watched or listened to an interview, commented on a social media post, asked me for a picture, requested to have me visit, or shared your agricultural story with me, you made all the difference this year. This year has come and gone in the blink of an eye, but I will never forget how you all welcomed me to be your Alice in Dairyland.

—  Taylor Schaefer is the 75th Alice in Dairyland, Wisconsin’s agriculture ambassador who works with media professionals to educate consumers about the importance of agriculture to Wisconsin’s economy and way of life. She can be reached at taylor.schaefer@wisconsin.gov.