People

Junior, University of Wisconsin – River Falls
Intern with the Red & White Dairy Cattle Assocation
Based in Clinton, Wisconsin

Background
Q. In what area are you pursuing a degree?
I’m majoring in Dairy Science with a double emphasis, a science and management emphasis. I also graduated from University Wisconsin-Marathon County with an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences in 2009.

Senior, Penn State University
Intern with AgChoice Farm Credit
Based in the Cumberland Valley Branch located in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

Background
Q. In what area are you pursuing a degree?
I'm studying animal sciences with a minor in agribusiness management.

Q. What is your agricultural background?
I grew up on a small family dairy farm and currently own about 18 Brown Swiss with my younger sister that we show at state, local and national shows.

Junior, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
ABS Global Dairy Product Management and Research Intern
Based in DeForest, Wisconsin

Background
Q. In what area you pursuing a degree?
I'm studying animal science – dairy production.

Q. What is your agricultural background?
I was born and raised on a 158 acres Guernsey farm called Up the Creek Farm in Lester Prairie, Minnesota. Along with my parents, David and Donna Anderson, and older brother, Kevin, we are currently milking 40 registered Guernsey Cows and growing corn, soybeans and alfalfa.

When Caitlin Kasper tried her hand at showing Jerseys in the 10th grade, little did she know it would ignite a passion for promotion that would lead to a whirlwind of activities.

Caitlin grew up on a dairy farm south of Owatonna, Minnesota, and she entered the showring, as well as participating in dairy judging and dairy bowl, at the urging of her siblings.

This article was #18 in PDmag's Top 25 most-well read articles in 2010.

Summary: In 2003, Darin Dykstra of Dykstra Dairy moved two-thirds of his family’s dairy cows from Chino, California, to a new dairy in Maurice, Iowa. His now 3,000-cow facility is located just a few miles from the headquarters of his processor – Wells’ Dairy. With the help of great employees, the Midwest Dairy Association, his wife, his church and Blue Bunny ice cream, he is able to keep his dairy ever-ready to give dairy tours.

Because this article was so popular, we asked Darin Dkystra a follow-up question:

Each May six finalists are put to the test in one of the country’s most rigorous job interviews to see if they have what it takes to become the next Alice in Dairyland.

As a full-time public relations professional employed by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), Alice works with the media, speaks with rural and urban audiences and teaches students about all aspects of Wisconsin agriculture, which is a $59.16 billion industry.

So what does it take to become Alice?