The Dairy Ambassador program is an educational and leadership opportunity for high school and college students passionate about the dairy industry. This program allows individuals to connect with consumers and share dairy’s story while networking with their peers and industry professionals. In 2023, Midwest Dairy had 26 dairy ambassadors from Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Those selected as Dairy Ambassadors spend one year representing dairy farmers in their states. At the end of their year, they are eligible to apply for a scholarship to compensate for their hard work and time. To kick off the year and help the chosen ambassadors prepare for conversations with consumers, Midwest Dairy offered a virtual ENGAGE training facilitated by the Center for Food Integrity. This training emphasized making connections based on shared values. It also gave the ambassadors tips and techniques to have meaningful conversations with consumers to help build trust in dairy foods and dairy farming. Additionally, the ENGAGE training provided an opportunity for the dairy ambassadors to meet and network with ambassadors from other states. After that, and with continued help from Midwest Dairy staff throughout the year, this great group of young dairy leaders was ready to conquer the year ahead.
Throughout 2023, the Midwest Dairy Ambassadors promoted the dairy community and supported Midwest Dairy’s mission to give consumers an excellent dairy experience at various industry and consumer events. Keep reading to learn more!
Illinois
The Illinois Dairy Ambassadors participated in numerous events, including promoting the Illinois dairy industry at the Jr. Holstein Spring Thing, Marcoot’s Cheese Fest, Kilgus Farmstead Breakfast, and the Illinois State Fair. They also posted over 24 times on social media to reach consumers online with fun facts about the dairy industry. A highlight of the year was when the Dairy Ambassadors connected directly with their peers at the University of Illinois Men’s Basketball game in early March, where the Fighting Illini defeated the Michigan Wolverines.
Iowa
The Iowa Dairy Ambassadors attended numerous events across the state, connecting consumers to dairy. Some highlights included attending an Iowa Wolves basketball game and the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance field day, several open houses celebrating June as National Dairy Month, county fairs, the Iowa State Fair, and more. In addition to attending events, ambassadors were active on social media by sharing recipes, celebrating dairy holidays, and showcasing life on the farm with followers.
Minnesota
Minnesota’s three ambassadors positively contributed to Midwest Dairy’s mission of bringing dairy to life for a better world! One of the year’s key highlights was partnering with Cub Foods during National Dairy Month. Ambassadors utilized their communication skills and provided key video messages focused on animal care, sustainability, and nutrition, which Cub Foods later used through digital marketing channels. Other activities included working with the Minnesota Vikings and connecting with consumers at the Minnesota State Fair.
Nebraska
The Nebraska Dairy Ambassadors took part in 60 events and leadership opportunities and were committed to promoting dairy through several photos posted on Facebook. Some of the events ambassadors served at as dairy advocates included the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Agriculture Sciences and Natural Resources Appreciation Event, Cream of the Crop Dairy Show, Omaha Baseball Village Booth during the College World Series, Nebraska State Fair, Ag Literacy Festivals, and many more.
North Dakota
The North Dakota Ambassadors participated in over ten events, reaching nearly 4,500 consumers of all ages. Two large events they attended were the Red River Valley Fair and the North Dakota State Fair. Other events included elementary classroom visits, the North Dakota State University Ag Day, Fargo Living Ag Classroom, and helping at the LegenDAIRY Event at Van Bedaf Dairy. Dairy messages were shared on their social media, and a Facebook Live event from the North Dakota State Fair was also featured.
South Dakota
Four dairy ambassadors of South Dakota helped build trust in dairy by participating in 44 events and leadership opportunities. Some events attended include the Central Plains Dairy Expo Midwest Dairy exhibit, Dairy Fest farm open house, National Dairy Month farm open houses, Young Leaders in Agriculture Conference, the Sioux Empire Fair, and the South Dakota State Fair. The group also created 22 social media posts and videos to be shared throughout the year.
Besides in-person events, dairy ambassadors also connected with consumers online. There is a huge opportunity to engage with a large audience online, and to help them prepare for this task; Midwest Dairy offered a social media tips and tricks webinar to help elevate the dairy ambassadors’ social media presence. You can view and follow along with different dairy ambassadors by following the Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, and South Dakota pages.
For more information about the Midwest Dairy Ambassador program, please click here or reach out to your Midwest Dairy Farmer Relations Manager.