The Wisconsin State Fair has always been one of my favorite events of the summer. This year, I look forward to returning to West Allis as the 75th Alice in Dairyland, Wisconsin’s agriculture ambassador, and promoting the agriculture exhibits and education opportunities inside State Fair Park.

The Wisconsin State Fair is much more than fair food and entertainment — it also showcases all that Wisconsin agriculture has to offer. By exploring the many animal barns or walking through the Wisconsin Products Pavilion, you have the chance to meet many of the state’s hardworking agriculturists. Each year while visiting the fair, I enjoy walking through the barns and pavilions to learn something new.

I officially started my term as the 75th Alice in Dairyland on July 5, after being selected at the three-day finale event held in Dane County, May 19-21. I have been grateful to call Madison my home for the last four years as a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Being selected as the 75th Alice in Dairyland in my “home away from home” was extra special for me, as I was surrounded by numerous family members, friends and colleagues from the area.

Growing up on my parents’ beef and crop farm, I found my passion for agriculture at a young age. I was an active member in the Tucker 4-H program, where I found a passion for connecting with consumers as I traveled the state and country for fairs and livestock shows.

One of my favorite memories from exhibiting at the Wisconsin State Fair is the year my steer made it into the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction, the same year I was playing in the University of Wisconsin-Madison Marching Band prior to the sale. I ended up playing my trumpet in my barn clothes before taking my steer on stage to sell. My two worlds collided that night, and I loved sharing stories of exhibiting at the Wisconsin State Fair with many of my band mates.

My involvement at UW-Madison extended further than the classroom, as I was an active member of the Association of Women in Agriculture, Badger Dairy Club and the UW Marching Band. Although my days were often long, I found great satisfaction in planning and attending events, networking, and advocating for Wisconsin agriculture on campus and in the Madison area.

I’m looking forward to the opportunity to continue exploring Wisconsin’s diverse agriculture industry as the 75th Alice in Dairyland. From farm tours to classroom visits, fairs and more, there is so much to look forward to. Follow along my adventures at aliceindairyland.com or on social media. Find me at the Wisconsin State Fair, Aug. 4-14, at the State Fair Park in West Allis. Learn more at wistatefair.com.