Across Illinois and Iowa, a new generation of dairy advocates is stepping up to share the story of dairy farming with energy, passion, and purpose. From county fairs and farm breakfasts to library visits and creamery festivals, Dairy Ambassadors and Princesses are connecting with consumers one conversation, one cow hat, and one trivia game at a time.
Illinois
In Illinois, three dedicated Dairy Ambassadors — Shayden Hogg, Elsie Sizemore, and Amanda Kistinger — have been developing their leadership skills while promoting trust in dairy.
Shayden and Elsie kicked off their summer at the Ambassador Gathering in Ames, Iowa, where they connected with peers from across the region, toured the ISU dairy farm, and participated in interactive leadership workshops. Soon after, Amanda and Shayden engaged with families at the Marcoot Jersey Creamery Cheese Fest in Greenville, IL, leading trivia games, helping kids craft cow hats, and handing out dairy-themed giveaways. Elsie and Amanda continued the fun at the Kilgus Farmstead Breakfast in Fairbury, IL, where they shared dairy knowledge and passed out promo items. Meanwhile, Shayden and Haley Bode, Midwest Dairy’s Illinois Farmer Relations Intern, represented Illinois at the National Holstein Convention in St. Louis, MO, where they connected with farmers and learned about dairy innovation. To close out the month, Amanda represented the dairy community at Friestad Dairy’s open house during LaSalle County’s “A Day in the Country” tour.
Next, the Illinois Ambassadors will welcome visitors to the Illinois State Fair in the Dairy Building. Be sure to stop by and meet these future dairy leaders in person!
Iowa
In Iowa, Dairy Princesses and Ambassadors spent National Dairy Month promoting dairy across the state in creative and engaging ways. From butter-making and cow-milking demonstrations to trivia games and radio interviews, they connected with Iowans of all ages.
Highlights included appearances at:
- Jones County Ag Breakfast (Monticello)
- Boyden and Alton Public Library visits
- WIDA Open House at Skyline Dairy (Granville)
- Jefferson St. Farmers Market (Burlington)
- National Milking Shorthorn Convention (Manchester)
- John Deere Dairy Month Event (Waterloo)
- KWWL TV Interview (Waterloo), and many more.
Their outreach celebrated the goodness of dairy while building public understanding and trust in modern farming practices.
Whether it’s a library story time or a state fair booth, these young dairy advocates are making a powerful impact across the Midwest. Their efforts create memorable moments for families, strengthening the connection between consumers and farmers, and ensuring a strong future for dairy. To learn more about the Dairy Ambassador and Princess programs or to request an appearance, please visit MidwestDairy.com.