By Kaitlyn Riley

Last June, I was preparing for the adventure of a lifetime. Becoming Alice in Dairyland had been a goal of mine for years. Despite my excitement, it was hard to leave my family’s farm on the morning of June 4 to officially assume the role of Alice. I had worked alongside my parents in the previous year caring for our beloved Jersey cows. After walking along the row of hutches to give a quick goodbye to my girls, it was hard not to feel homesick the moment our farm was in the rearview mirror.

While driving to dozens of June Dairy Month events in Maizey, my flex-fuel Ford Explorer, a song came over the radio that reignited my desire to be Alice. It was a tune by Miranda Lambert called “Keeper of the Flame.” While it never became a huge hit, the lyrics resonated with me: “I’m the keeper of the flame, the teller of the story. Keeper of the flame for the ones that came before me.”

Although the full lyrics speak of walking in the footsteps of former country music singers, we all have a flame we will never let die. The path of Alice has greatly changed since the program’s founding in 1948, but the destination has always remained true to showcasing the heritage and tradition of Wisconsin agriculture. The strength of our $88.3 billion agriculture industry comes from the persistence of our farmers and processors who work tirelessly to provide a safe, wholesome and secure food supply for families.

My admiration for farmers burns brightest for my parents. They taught me the importance of working hard, protecting the land, caring for our Jersey cows, and developing sustainable practices. I am proud to have been raised on one of the 96% of Wisconsin dairy farms that are family-owned. In my miles traveled, the pink rubber boots kept in the back of Maizey were a constant reminder of my starting point.

The value of having a spokesperson for Wisconsin agriculture will never fade. It is a rare industry that touches our everyday lives. From the moment we eat, dress or drive, we all become part of agriculture. Even after my role as Alice ends, I will step forward to promote agriculture’s significance to Wisconsin’s economy and way of life.

Somehow, we are approaching another June, and I am once again preparing to say goodbye. No words can fully describe my gratitude for this opportunity. It has been an honor to carry the flame of Alices who have walked before me while making new memories. Whether I was seeing my first cherry harvest, touring a mink ranch on a rainy day, running through snow to get to a cheese factory, or laughing until it hurt while planting Christmas trees, I cannot help but smile when thinking about all of the people who welcomed me into their communities with open arms.

I sincerely hope I have served Wisconsin well in this difficult time for the agriculture community. Among all of the facts I have memorized or topics I’ve studied, the small conversations among agribusiness leaders about hope are constantly top of mind. Although it is selfish of me to ask for anything after this incredible year, my request is that we all continue to kindle our passion for Wisconsin agriculture. June Dairy Month presentations, summer agritourism opportunities or even a brief message from behind a keyboard can make a difference.

Now, it is time to pass the torch to our next Alice, who will be selected on May 11, but my memories of this amazing adventure in agriculture will always burn bright. Thank you for sparking my fire as the 71st Alice in Dairyland.

Riley is the 71st Alice in Dairyland.