Face of Agriculture: Thank you, Wisconsin agriculture - Cowsmo

Face of Agriculture: Thank you, Wisconsin agriculture

As Wisconsin’s agriculture ambassador, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a spokesperson, educator and advocate for one of our most important communities, agriculturalists. Agriculture enriches our lives in so many ways. It’s the food we eat, clothes we wear, shelter over our heads and fuel that fills our tanks to get us from place to place.

As a member of a family that’s been actively involved in agriculture, and having served as Alice in Dairyland, I’m able to witness first-hand the benefits of a strong partnership with agriculture, communities, and local industries. Our agriculture community continues to be a leader, having ‘something special’ for everyone, from the farmers markets to the foreign markets! Using the knowledge gained from many exceptional farm visits, agribusiness tours, and community events to educate urban and rural audiences, I’ve shared my passion with consumers of all ages and backgrounds across our state and beyond on the food, fuel, and fiber which make up Wisconsin’s diverse $59 billion agriculture community.

There are so many people to thank for making this year possible. Thank you to the television, radio and print media for amplifying my message to support Wisconsin agriculture. I hope you have enjoyed reading my articles in Agri-View this past year and have learned a thing or two along the way. Thank you to everyone at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection for your expertise and guidance over the past year. It has been amazing to see the important work done in each division represented. Thank you to the previous 64 Alices for your years of service and commitment for making the program what it is today. Thank you to my family, friends and our state of Wisconsin for your kind words and constant support.

Thank you to all of the partners who support the Alice in Dairyland program and provide various tools to promote Wisconsin agriculture. Thank you Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board for the opportunity to visit nearly 300 classrooms to tell agriculture’s story to our future consumers, state leaders and teachers. Thank you Wisconsin Jewelers Association for providing the beautiful tiara and brooch which makes Alice in Dairyland more visible. I remind people that I am not a princess, but a farm girl, who appreciates the beautiful gemstones that are indigenous to our state. Thank you Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board for “Cornelius,” my Flex Fuel vehicle, which has been driven about 38,000 miles throughout the state to promote E85 as a renewable fuel source. Thank you Kettle Moraine Mink Breeders, including the Blanke, Wachter, Halbach, Pagel, and Steinhardt mink ranches, for the beautiful mink garment to educate the public about the best pelts and caring mink ranchers in the world. Thank you Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association for the opportunity to promote Wisconsin potatoes during Potato Lover’s Month in February, as well as, the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board for the chance to share sustainable soybean practices and products from this versatile crop grown across the state. With these tools, I spoke out and proudly represented our agricultural heritage and tradition to help others appreciate all that agriculture provides us each and every day.

I am often asked, “What’s your favorite thing about being ‘Alice?” It is the people I have met along this journey who have made this experience truly amazing. As I reflect on my year as ‘Alice’ I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to have met and shared the positive impact of agriculture with thousands of people at the hundreds of events I have attended all in one incredible year. It was my goal this year to not only share the knowledge and value, but also the spirit of agriculture with others, accompanied by a smile.

There are countless memories that I will cherish for a lifetime. I look forward to a lifelong career of promoting and giving back to this amazing agriculture community, where my roots run deep. I will forever be proud, honored and humbled to have served as your 65th Alice in Dairyland.

Yours always in agriculture,

Rochelle Ripp

Rochelle Ripp is the 65th Alice in Dairyland. As Wisconsin’s agriculture ambassador, she is striving to educate audiences across Wisconsin about the $59 billion economic impact and importance of our state’s diverse agriculture industry in our daily lives. Each year, Alice in Dairyland travels more than 40,000 miles throughout the state, promoting Wisconsin agriculture to various audiences. Keep up with 65th Alice in Dairyland, Rochelle Ripp through the following: Alice Travel Blog, www.wisconsinagconnection.com/alice; Facebook, Alice Dairyland; LinkedIn, Alice in Dairyland; Twitter, Alice_Dairyland; Alice in Dairyland Finals, www.aliceindairyland.com. To Schedule Alice for an upcoming event, contact the Alice in Dairyland Program at 608-224-5080 or by e-mail at [email protected].

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