Dairy Ambassadors will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, including interacting with consumers at regional events, state fair, youth educational presentations and attend dairy industry meetings. Junior Dairy Ambassadors will also connect with consumers and peers to share dairy's story with their focus will be more on their local communities. The program is designed to shape future dairy champions who will promote the dairy community and support Midwest Dairy’s mission to give consumers an excellent dairy experience.
“Education is a cornerstone of our industry and is an important piece of mission to enrich the education of our future leaders and ultimately, our entire dairy industry,” says Tracy J. Behnken, Farmer Relations and Communications Manager. “Our Dairy Ambassador program has been very effective in encouraging growth, innovation and excellence in our industry and we’re looking forward to reviewing the applications of the many bright, young college, and now high school, students across our state.”
To be considered for the Dairy Ambassador Program, applicants must be enrolled in a Nebraska post-secondary school yet do not have to be majoring in agriculture or raised on a dairy farm. Applicants for the Junior Ambassador Program must be enrolled in a Nebraska High School as a Junior (11th grade) or Senior (12th grade). All applicants must be able to communicate effectively through writing and speaking and possess a passion for dairy. Ambassadors of both programs are expected to serve an 11-month term, starting January 10, 2022 and ending November 30, 2022. During their service, ambassadors will receive per diems and have approved expenses covered upon participation. After successful completion of the one-year program, Dairy Ambassadors are eligible to apply for a $1,000 scholarship while the Junior Dairy Ambassadors are eligible to apply for a $500 scholarship.
Students can apply at www.MidwestDairy.com, in the For Young Dairy Leaders tab/section, under Ambassador Programs then select Nebraska. More details can be found on the webpage plus the online application will be at the bottom of each program page. Be sure to select state as Nebraska for the Dairy Ambassadors and Nebraska-JUNIOR for the Junior Dairy Ambassador applications. Online applications are due DECEMBER 1, 2021. Selected ambassadors will be notified by JANUARY 10, 2022.
If you have questions, please contact Tracy J. Behnken at tbehnken@midwestdairy.com or 531-207-4291.
