Becoming Alice in Dairyland requires advanced education or experience in communications, marketing, or public relations, strong knowledge of Wisconsin agriculture, and stellar public speaking skills. It also involves a rigorous selection process. After individual interviews at DATCP, up to six qualified candidates participate in training and professional development seminars. Finalists complete several assignments before a three-day, partially public job interview.
Landing a dream role
In May, Sarah Hagenow earned the title of Wisconsin’s 78th Alice in Dairyland, calling her appointment “the honor of a lifetime.” A recent graduate of the University of Minnesota, Hagenow follows in the footsteps of her sister, Ashley, who held the role in 2023.
“This is a dream come true for me," Hagenow said before beginning her role in July. “I feel the utmost joy and pride in being able to tell the stories of the hardworking farmers, ranchers, processors, and businesses that make up the fabric of Wisconsin agriculture. I can’t wait to visit communities across the state and share the dedication and inspiration that they have for this industry.”
Hagenow holds a deep-rooted connection to the industry, inspired by involvement in 4‑H, FFA, the Gopher Dairy Club, the dairy cattle judging team, and other relevant clubs and mentorship programs. She earned her bachelor’s degree in agricultural and food business management with a minor in international agriculture and held numerous industry internships. In this position, Hagenow’s goal is to educate audiences about the importance of Wisconsin’s diverse agricultural industry, as well as how products like cheese, corn, and ginseng impact lives and contribute to the state’s economy.
Reaching important audiences
Alice in Dairyland plays a vital role in promoting and elevating Wisconsin’s dairy industry, both locally and globally. Alice plays a key role at dairy events like June Dairy Month (JDM), using her voice and platform to amplify the hard work of Wisconsin dairy farmers and connect their stories with consumers across the state. Alice creates speeches, educational materials, digital content, and public presentations that celebrate the quality and legacy of Wisconsin dairy. As the 77th Alice, Hagenow will travel over 40,000 miles, present hundreds of media interviews, attend community events, and speak at industry functions. Her efforts help deepen consumer trust in dairy, connect farmers with the public, and showcase the economic impact of Wisconsin’s $116.3 billion agriculture sector. Blending tradition with modern communication tools, Alice in Dairyland remains a powerful ambassador for the dairy community. Follow her journey at aliceindairyland.com or on Alice in Dairyland social platforms.
