The 76th Alice in Dairyland was crowned May 13 in Lake Geneva, Wis. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection announced Ashley Hagenow of Poynette, Wis., is the newest Alice in Dairyland. She is the first woman from Columbia County to be named Alice since the first Alice was selected in 1948.

Hagenow will serve as a full-time communications specialist for DATCP, promoting agriculture throughout Wisconsin. In this highly visible and fast-paced position, Alice in Dairyland travels throughout the state teaching rural and urban audiences about Wisconsin’s extensive agricultural industry. Alice cultivates relationships with television, radio and print media outlets; writes and delivers speeches; and uses social media to tell the stories of Wisconsin agriculture. Additional duties include developing and executing marketing plans, delivering classroom presentations, and networking with industry professionals.

“To serve in the role of Alice in Dairyland is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, as the official ambassador of Wisconsin’s abundant and diverse agriculture industry,” Hagenow says. “I have always loved connecting with others about agriculture, and Alice has the ability to connect with a wide variety of consumers to share more about this dynamic industry and the hardworking individuals who make it possible.”

Hagenow is set to start July 5 when the current Alice in Dairyland, Taylor Schaefer, steps down. Hagenow, the daughter of Bob and Lisa Hagenow of Poynette, graduated earlier this month from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communication and marketing.

Growing up, she was active in 4-H and FFA. During college, Hagenow was involved in Agriculture Future of America, the National Agri-Marketing Association, the Gopher Dairy Club, and the University of Minnesota dairy challenge and dairy judging teams. She held various internships throughout college, gaining experiences with CHS, Curious Plot marketing agency, Clutch marketing agency, Progressive Dairy and World Dairy Expo.

Other Alice in Dairyland finalists were Shannon Lamb, Dane, Wis.; Lydia Luebke, Kiel, Wis; Jacquelyn Rosenbush, Sarona, Wis.; Charitee Seebecker, Mauston, Wis.; and Jodie Weyland, Neenah, Wis.