In another move toward shaping future dairy champions, Midwest Dairy announces the 2026 Dairy Ambassadors. This group of students will promote the dairy community and support Midwest Dairy’s mission to give consumers an excellent dairy experience at a variety of activities throughout the year.
Illinois:
- Elsie Sizemore of Gibson City, Illinois, attends the University of Illinois, studying animal science
- Amanda Kistinger of Champaign, Illinois, attends the University of Illinois, studying animal science
- Aubrey Wall of Sorento, Illinois, attends the University of Illinois, studying agriculture education
- Emma Rauch of Newton, Illinois, attends the University of Illinois, studying animal science
Iowa:
- Korey Hrdlicka of Cresco, Iowa, attends Iowa State University, studying animal science pre-vet
- Elle Ruffner of Ames, Iowa, attends Iowa State University, studying agricultural communications
- Dillion Sparrgrove of Castalia, Iowa, attends South Dakota State University, studying dairy science
Minnesota and North Dakota:
- Claudia Frenchick of St. Martin, Minn., attends the University of Minnesota, majoring in animal science
- Grace Herdering of Sauk Centre, Minn., attends the University of Minnesota, majoring in agricultural education and animal science
- Chloe Hoppe of Albany, Minn., attends North Dakota State College of Science, majoring in animal science
- Avery Rieland of Sauk Centre, Minn., attends the University of Minnesota, majoring in agricultural food and business management and agricultural communications and marketing
- Lindsey Rotz of Pelican Rapids, Minn., attends South Dakota State University, studying dairy production and animal science
- Ellie Sauder of Pine Island, Minn., attends the University of Wisconsin – River Falls, studying agricultural marketing and communications
- Shelby Swanson of Hutchinson, Minn., attends the University of Minnesota, studying agriculture and food business management
- Madison Wiese of Greenleaf, Wisc., attends the University of Minnesota, studying animal science and agriculture communications and marketing
Nebraska
- Jordan Aschoff of Norfolk, Nebraska, attends the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, majoring in business management with computer science and psychology minors
- Carter Behnken of Omaha, Nebraska, attends the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, majoring in agriculture economics with an Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship minor
- Hannah Dean of Lincoln, Nebraska, attends Concordia University Nebraska, majoring in agriculture education (secondary)
- Eliza Lange of Hartington, Nebraska, attends Bryan Health College for diagnostic medical sonography
- Alicia Lopez of Murrieta, California, attends Concordia University Nebraska, majoring in biology
- Madison Martinez of Lincoln, Nebraska, attends the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, majoring in fisheries and wildlife with an environmental studies minor
- Alyvia Shultz-Ramer of Kearney, Nebraska, attends the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, majoring in agriculture and environmental sciences communications with an Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship minor
South Dakota
- Crystal Gunderson of Howard Lake, Minnesota, attends South Dakota State University, majoring in animal science with a pre-vet emphasis
- Vaishali Poswal of Brookings, South Dakota, attends South Dakota State University, studying for a PhD in dairy manufacturing
- Jellie Waterlander of Waupaca, Wisconsin, attending South Dakota State University, majoring in animal science
- Priyamvada Thorakkattu of Brookings, South Dakota, attends South Dakota State University, studying for a PhD in dairy manufacturing
- Noelani Molina De la Rosa of Davis, California, attends South Dakota State University, double majoring in dairy production and dairy manufacturing
The Dairy Ambassador program also provides students with leadership opportunities to connect with consumers and share their dairy story while networking with their peers and industry professionals. Additionally, each ambassador will receive up to a $1,000 scholarship at the end of their one-year term.