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Wisconsin’s six “Alice” finalists selected

The field of applicants for Wisconsin’s 2017 Alice in Dairyland has been narrowed down to six.

More than 20 applied for the state’s one-year public relations position representing all of Wisconsin’s agriculture.

The current Alice, Ann O’Leary of Evansville, will crown her successor May 13th in Green Bay.

 

Here is the information about the six Alice in Dairyland finalists from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection.

Candidates for the 70th Alice in Dairyland:

Abrielle Backhaus, Kewaskum, was raised on Kettle Aire Acres dairy farm with her parents and two brothers. Washington County 4-H and FFA offered her many opportunities for communication and travel. She also took on many leadership roles within each organization. In 2016, with a journalism degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in hand, a background in the agriculture industry and a strong passion to share industry knowledge through publication, she joined the Agri-View newspaper staff as an assistant editor. In her free time she enjoys hiking, baking, crafting and spending time with family.

“Every day we learn something new, especially in the constantly evolving agriculture industry. As an ambassador for Wisconsin’s agriculture, my goal is to share the stories of those who work daily to make the $88.3 billion agriculture industry so strong. I want to educate and encourage consumers to know the diverse faces of its producers and agriculturists, and that the Wisconsin agriculture industry continues to evolve and strive for healthy and happy future generations.”

Jenna Crayton, Oak Creek, grew up on the last family-owned and operated dairy farm in Milwaukee County. Along with dairy cattle, her family also owns a flock of commercial-type show lambs. She was heavily involved in the Racine County 4-H program, where she served as a junior member, 4-H Ambassador, and sheep leader for the Tucker 4-H Club.  Along with 4-H, she also served as the 2013 Racine County Fairest of the Fair, and 2010 Racine County Farm Bureau Ambassador. Crayton’s passion for agriculture led her to attend the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where in May, 2015 she obtained a bachelor of arts in communication with a double emphasis in interpersonal organizations and public relations, while minoring in business administration. Currently, she is continuing her education at Texas Tech University, where she is an agricultural communications master’s student and a Texas Tech University student housing graduate assistant for Residence Education and Academic Programs. In her spare time, she enjoys being the vice president of the Texas Tech University Agricultural Education and Communications Graduate Organization, crafting, and spending time with family.

“As Alice in Dairyland, my goal will be to educate the public about Wisconsin’s diverse $88.3 billion agriculture industry through its rich history and stories. Through education I hope to bridge the gap between Wisconsin’s producers and consumers to promote agricultural understanding and advocacy.”

Alexis Dunnum, Westby, was raised on her family’s fourth generation, organic beef and crops farm in Wisconsin’s Driftless Region.  Growing up, she was an active member of the Nerison 4-H Club and the Westby FFA.  Dunnum showed beef steers, swine, and poultry each year at her county fair and served as the 2014 Vernon County Fairest of the Fair. She is currently a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, double-majoring in life science communications and Scandinavian studies and will receive a certificate in environmental studies. In the spring of 2016, Dunnum studied at the University of Southeast Norway and traveled the country independently to interview farmers about sustainable agriculture.  Upon her return to the U.S., Dunnum continues to spend her time as a member of Collegiate FFA, the Association of Women in Agriculture, and playing trumpet in the UW Marching Band.

“Wisconsin’s agricultural industry has supported generations of family farmers and has become an integral part of our state’s identity, as well as my own.  As the 70th Alice in Dairyland, I will exemplify what Wisconsin agriculture has taught me and educate people about our agricultural heritage and the opportunities that await the industry in the future.”

Crystal Siemers-Peterman, Cleveland, found her passion for Wisconsin’s diverse agricultural industry on her family’s registered Holstein dairy farm.  She was actively involved in the Manitowoc County Junior Holstein Association, Wisconsin Junior Holstein Association, and Manitowoc County 4-H. Through these organizations, she represented Wisconsin at national competitions in both dairy quiz bowl and dairy judging. She will graduate this coming May from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with a major in agricultural and food business management and a minor in marketing. Previously, she interned at Sassy Cow Creamery, FLM+ Advertising Agency, and Land O’Lakes Inc. On campus she is involved in the National Agri-marketing Association, National Grocers Association, and Gopher Dairy Club.

“As Alice in Dairyland, I will promote positive messages about Wisconsin’s agricultural products to both rural and urban audiences. I will use my various experiences, education, and outgoing personality to deliver consistent messages about Wisconsin’s agriculture industry to diverse audiences.”

Kaitlyn Riley, Gays Mills, is a multimedia journalist with WQOW News 18 in Eau Claire. Riley returns home to her family’s dairy farm on weekends, where her parents milk 70 registered Jerseys. After graduating with honors from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2014 with a degree in strategic communications and broadcast journalism, Riley served as the 48th Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs. Her passion for the fair industry and agritourism came from years of showing cattle at the local, state and national levels. During her collegiate career, she was involved in the Association of Women in Agriculture and Badger Dairy Club. Riley continues to promote agriculture and youth involvement as an active member of the Crawford County Dairy Promotion Committee and the Northern Wisconsin State Fair Fairest of the Fair Committee.

“As Alice in Dairyland, I hope to become a student and a teacher. I want to learn from the many faces of Wisconsin’s diverse $88.3 billion agriculture industry and share their stories with urban and rural audiences. No matter how many generations people may be removed from the farm, my goal is to inspire all to return to their agricultural roots and have a better understanding of food, fuel and fiber production in Wisconsin.”

Kelly Wilfert, Two Rivers, grew up on a 700-acre farm producing fresh market fruit and vegetables, cash grain, and processing carrots. Wilfert was heavily involved with her family’s farm, as well as active in both 4-H and FFA. She will complete her bachelor’s degree in life sciences communication and agricultural economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in May. During her college experience, she served as a Wisconsin State FFA Officer, worked as the American Farm Bureau’s Public Policy intern, and finished in the top four for the American Farm Bureau’s Collegiate Discussion Meet. She also volunteers for the Wisconsin Agricultural Education Center’s Exhibit Development Committee. Wilfert hopes to continue to spread the positive message of Wisconsin agriculture as Alice in Dairyland.

“My lifelong goal is to help bridge the gap between producers and consumers in Wisconsin agriculture. Every job in Wisconsin agriculture supports 1.46 jobs elsewhere in the state, bringing us all together around the dinner table. Coming from within the agricultural community, it would be an honor to serve as Wisconsin’s agricultural ambassador and share the immense impact of our industry with people of all ages and backgrounds.”