Midwest Dairy supports the next generation of dairy leaders through a variety of programs, scholarships, and internships that help pave the way for their continued success in the dairy industry. Opportunities such as the Dairy Ambassador and Dairy Princess programs help young dairy leaders develop their communication skills, network with industry professionals, and advocate for dairy farmers in their respective states.
In addition to participating in consumer engagement events, Dairy Ambassadors and Dairy Princesses had several opportunities to advance their professional development through in-person and virtual training sessions. Many attended the regional in-person Ambassador Gathering, where they networked with peers from across the region, sharpened their communication skills, and deepened their networking and professional development skills.
At the end of their respective programs, Dairy Ambassadors and Dairy Princesses are eligible for scholarships to support their continuing education goals.
Dairy Ambassadors
Illinois
Elsie Sizemore, Amanda Kistinger, and Shayden Hogg proudly served as Illinois’s 2025 Dairy Ambassadors, representing dairy farm families across the state and strengthening consumer trust in dairy. Collectively, the ambassadors reached thousands of consumers in 2025. They connected with 8,000 Chicago Wolves fans during the Illinois Farm Families hockey game, engaged 1,000 attendees at the Kilgus Farmstead Breakfast on the Farm, and engaged with 1,200 visitors across Marcoot Jersey Creamery’s Cheese Fest and Fall Fest events. In addition, Shayden Hogg brought dairy directly into classrooms, reaching over 400 students through educational visits. They also reached thousands of consumers by engaging with Illinois State Fair goers in the Cozy Cow Lounge in the Dairy Building.
Iowa
Annika Brynsaas, Elise Church, Haily Backer, Kerigan Alexander, and Allison Joos served as Iowa’s Dairy Ambassadors in 2025. Throughout the year, they attended a combination of events focused on reaching consumers and developing their leadership skills in the dairy industry. Ambassadors attended on-farm and community events, such as the Marshall County Dairy Day Camp and the Iowa Eats Festival in Waterloo, to engage with consumers and share dairy’s story. National Dairy Month was an exceptionally busy month as the Ambassadors traveled across the state, bringing education and enthusiasm to consumer events from Alton to Burlington, Iowa!
Minnesota
In 2025, Avery Rieland, Shelby Swanson, Brady Gille, Alexis Hoefs, and Allison Foss served as Minnesota Dairy Ambassadors, spending the year developing their leadership skills, interacting with consumers, and building trust in dairy. Their first events of the year were impactful conversations with attendees at the University of Minnesota men’s hockey games. Throughout the spring and summer, the Ambassadors engaged with consumers at a variety of events to help tell dairy’s story, including Goldy’s Run, Milk Run, and Breakfast on the Farm events throughout the state.
Nebraska
Nebraska was well represented by dairy ambassadors in 2025, including Jenna Albers, Clara Bates, Shaylee Heidtbrink, Joslyn Hochstein, Brianna Klabenes, Eliza Lange, Jenna Muntz, Ava Noecker, Emily (Rempel) Ostdiek, and Brylee Ross. In addition to professional development opportunities, Dairy Ambassadors attended key events, such as the Nebraska State Dairy Convention and the Nebraska State Fair Exhibitor Reception. Additionally, the ambassadors advocated for the dairy industry at a variety of consumer-focused events, such as festivals, the June Dairy Month Proclamation, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Husker and Campus Recreation partnership events, the UNL College of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources (CASNR) staff and student Ice Cream Appreciation, and by representing the program on Pure Nebraska. In total, the Nebraska Dairy Ambassadors took part in nearly 60 event activations and leadership opportunities in 2025.
South Dakota
South Dakota’s 2025 Dairy Ambassadors Anna Johnson, Olivia Bork, Saloni Chauhan, and Vaishali Poswal enjoyed a year filled with learning, connection, and dairy outreach. While Ambassadors attended a variety of events throughout the state, the year’s biggest impact came from their participation in dairy open houses and county fairs, where they spoke with visitors eager to learn more about the dairy industry. Ambassadors consistently described these conversations as inspiring and rewarding. They also quickly realized just how many people are unfamiliar or misinformed about how dairy cows are cared for and how dairy products are produced, which made their educational role feel even more meaningful. Helping event attendees and fairgoers build confidence and understanding about dairy made ambassadors feel they were making a genuine difference. Additionally, South Dakota Dairy Ambassadors attended the Central Plains Dairy Expo, gaining valuable insight into the wide range of dairy businesses across the Midwest while honing their networking skills.
Dairy Princesses
Iowa
The 71st Iowa Dairy Princess, Haley Ronnebaum, and Iowa Dairy Princess Alternate, Harley Baumler, were busy traveling across the state serving as goodwill ambassadors for Iowa’s dairy farmers. They attended several on-farm events and open houses, public events and festivals, library visits, TV and radio interviews, and more. Haley and Harley also played an integral part in the Iowa Dairy Princess June Event, which served as a dairy communications workshop and orientation for county and breed dairy princesses, drawing nearly 20 high school and college students passionate about dairy promotion. They concluded their reign at the end of the Iowa State Fair. Together, Haley and Harley traveled more than 6,000 miles, making over 75 appearances and reaching tens of thousands of consumers in person and on social media across the state.
On August 6, 2025, Kelsey Timp was crowned the 72nd Iowa Dairy Princess, and Alia Domeyer was crowned the Iowa Dairy Princess Alternate. Follow along with their journeys on Facebook and Instagram.
Minnesota
The 71st Princess Kay of the Milky Way, Rachel Visser, was busy traveling across the state of Minnesota, serving as the Goodwill Ambassador for Minnesota’s dairy farmers while building trust in dairy among consumers. Rachel is from Hutchinson, Minnesota, in McLeod County, and is the daughter of Barry and Shannon Visser, and attends the University of Minnesota. Rachel was crowned Princess Kay of the Milky Way on August 21, 2024, and during her yearlong reign, Rachel traveled over 8,000 miles, making 90 appearances, including at parades, community celebrations, industry meetings, county fairs, and visiting schools across the state. Her busiest month was June, when she attended farm events across the state to celebrate National Dairy Month.
On August 20, 2025, the 72nd Princess Kay of the Milky Way, Malorie Thorson, was crowned. Follow along with her adventures on Facebook and Instagram.