meta Family Legacy Continues: Sarah Hagenow Makes History As 78th Alice in Dairyland | The Bullvine

Family Legacy Continues: Sarah Hagenow Makes History As 78th Alice in Dairyland

Wisconsin’s dairy legacy grows as Sarah Hagenow becomes first sister to follow sibling into Alice in Dairyland role.

Sarah Hagenow, Alice in Dairyland, Wisconsin agriculture, agricultural ambassador, DATCP

Sarah Hagenow of Poynette, Wisconsin, has been selected as the 78th Alice in Dairyland, creating history as she follows in her sister’s footsteps to become part of the first sibling duo to hold this prestigious agricultural ambassador position. The announcement came during a ceremony held in Crawford County on Saturday, May 17, 2025, marking a significant moment for Wisconsin’s farming community and the Hagenow family.

MAKING AGRICULTURAL HISTORY

In a groundbreaking development for Wisconsin’s premier agricultural ambassador program, Sarah Hagenow becomes the first sister pair to wear the Alice crown. Her sister, Ashley Hagenow, previously served as the 76th Alice in Dairyland, establishing a unique family legacy within the 78-year-old tradition.

“It’s just so meaningful to me to be a part of not only the Alice legacy, but to join a new sisterhood with my sister. It’s just so cool,” Sarah Hagenow said upon her selection. “I will say we have very similar tendencies but simultaneously bring so many unique things to different things. So, I’m excited to showcase how my skills and capabilities will help the Alice program and showcase a little bit of that Hagenow flair!”

Sarah’s selection represents a personal achievement and highlights the continuing agricultural traditions within Wisconsin families, where the passion for promoting the state’s agricultural industry often runs generations deep.

FROM FARM ROOTS TO AGRICULTURAL AMBASSADOR

Sarah Hagenow brings a robust agricultural background and educational foundation to her new role. Currently completing her senior year at the University of Minnesota, she will graduate with a degree in farming and food business management and a minor in international agriculture.

Hagenow’s agricultural journey began early, with active participation in 4-H and FFA during her youth, experiences that fostered her deep connection to Wisconsin’s farming community. This foundation led her to further involvement in college through the Gopher Dairy Club, Agricultural Business Club, Agricultural Mentor Program, and the dairy cattle judging team.

Her professional preparation includes valuable internship experiences with Heatherstone Enterprises, Viking Dairy Company, the Minnesota State Senate, and the Animal Agriculture Alliance. These diverse experiences have equipped Hagenow with a comprehensive understanding of agricultural operations and policy matters.

In her own words from her candidate profile, Hagenow reflects on her lifelong love of new adventures: “As a 78th Alice in Dairyland Top Candidate, I’ve learned this journey is thrilling, full of discovery, and always rewarding. Just as those early lake days held so much promise for fun, so does the chance to learn about Wisconsin’s diverse and abundant agricultural industry.”

A RIGOROUS SELECTION PROCESS

Hagenow’s journey to becoming Alice involved navigating a comprehensive and competitive selection process. She was one of six finalists announced by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) in early March. The other top candidates included Allison Foster, Michelle Stangler, Mikayla Flyte, Natalie Roe, and Olivia Lulich.

The application process began in January 2025, requiring candidates to submit a cover letter, a completed application form, a resume, and references. Applicants must demonstrate an interest in Wisconsin agriculture and at least three years of experience in communications, marketing, education, public relations, and public speaking. Additionally, candidates must be female, Wisconsin residents, and at least 21 years old.

All candidates underwent extensive preparation, including media and speaking training, earning a DATCP marketing and communications certificate. The final selection weekend, held May 15-17 in Crawford County, featured agribusiness tours, media interviews, impromptu question-and-answer sessions, candidate presentations, and culminated in the announcement of Hagenow as the 78th Alice at the Prairie du Chien Performing Arts Center.

THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As the 78th Alice in Dairyland, Hagenow will undertake a demanding and highly visible role as Wisconsin’s agricultural ambassador. She will officially begin her one-year, full-time contractual position on July 7, 2025, succeeding the current Alice, Halei Heinzel of Oconomowoc.

The position involves extensive travel—approximately 50,000 miles annually across Wisconsin—conducting hundreds of radio and television interviews, giving presentations and speeches, visiting schools, and attending numerous industry events. For perspective, the 76th Alice completed 310 radio and television interviews, 163 classroom visits, 218 events, 52 print articles, and over 1,000 social media posts during her term.

“Serving as the 78th Alice in Dairyland is a dream come true,” said Hagenow. “I can’t wait to start visiting communities all across the state, learning more about the diverse people and places that make Wisconsin the agricultural powerhouse it is, and giving voice to their stories of dedication and inspiration.”

PROGRAM SUPPORT AND SIGNIFICANCE

The Alice in Dairyland program represents Wisconsin’s substantial investment in agricultural promotion. The position includes an annual salary of $45,000 plus benefits such as holiday, vacation, and sick leave, use of a vehicle for official business, reimbursement for professional travel expenses, and a health insurance premium allowance.

The program is supported by several partner organizations, including Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, Kettle Moraine Mink Breeders Association, Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board, Goodman’s Jewelers, Wisconsin Potato Industry Board, Ginseng Board of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Beef Council, and the Dairy Innovation Hub.

Alice in Dairyland serves as a crucial communications link between Wisconsin’s diverse agricultural industries and the public, highlighting agriculture’s $104.8 billion economic impact on the state’s economy.

LOOKING AHEAD

As Sarah Hagenow prepares to begin her term in July, she faces the exciting challenge of representing Wisconsin’s diverse agricultural landscape. With deep roots in the state’s farm community and a fresh perspective from her education and experiences, Hagenow is well-positioned to continue the program’s 78-year tradition of connecting consumers with the farmers and producers who feed and clothe America.

The historic aspect of following her sister into this role adds a layer of significance to her tenure, potentially bringing new attention to the Alice in Dairyland program and its important mission of agricultural education and promotion.

For those interested in following Sarah Hagenow’s journey as the 78th Alice in Dairyland, the program maintains an active presence on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram, with additional information available at aliceindairyland.com.

Executive Summary:

Sarah Hagenow, a senior at the University of Minnesota, has been named Wisconsin’s 78th Alice in Dairyland, marking the first time siblings (following her sister Ashley, the 76th Alice) have held this iconic agricultural ambassador role. With a background in agricultural business management and international agriculture, Hagenow brings hands-on experience from 4-H, FFA, and internships with Heatherstone Enterprises and the Animal Agriculture Alliance. The full-time, state-funded position demands extensive travel (50,000+ miles annually), media engagement, and education to promote Wisconsin’s $104.8 billion agricultural industry. Supported by partners like Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and the Dairy Innovation Hub, Hagenow’s term begins July 7, 2025, succeeding Halei Heinzel. Her appointment underscores the enduring legacy of family involvement in Wisconsin’s agricultural advocacy.

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