For Michelle Stangler, a freelance agricultural journalist and contributor to AgNews Daily, the opportunity to serve as Wisconsin’s agricultural ambassador through the Alice in Dairyland program is more than a title—it’s a calling.
“This role is so important because Alice tells stories from so many different perspectives,” Stangler said. “She is that connector between the consumer and the farmer.”
Stangler is one of six finalists for the 77th Alice in Dairyland, a full-time public relations position contracted through the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture. The winner will be announced May 17.
“Alice in Dairyland is one of the state’s longest job interviews,” she said with a laugh. “Since mid-March, we’ve had weekly assignments that dive deep into Wisconsin’s agriculture industry—from learning about the Corn Promotion Board to specialty crops like ginseng.”
The role is a one-year, salaried contract that includes representing Wisconsin agriculture at public events, media interviews, school visits, and farm tours. The 78th Alice will begin her duties July 7.
Stangler, who previously interned with several NAFB members across Missouri and Wisconsin and also worked in Idaho and Europe, said the experience has only strengthened her desire to serve the state she loves.
“I have a deep passion for our state’s farmers and processors,” she said. “All those experiences helped me learn more about storytelling—but also showed me just how much I love Wisconsin agriculture.”
In addition to her journalism work, Stangler applied to Alice in Dairyland because the role blends advocacy, education and creativity.
“I want to love what I do every day, and this is a role that would get me excited to wake up in the morning,” she said. “You’re not only promoting agriculture—you’re doing it with your own voice and ideas, whether that’s through social media or public speaking.”
Applicants for the role must be women with strong communication skills and a background in agriculture or public relations. For Stangler, who contributes regularly to agricultural media and covers farm stories across the Midwest, the fit felt natural.
“My advice to others is just to be yourself,” she said. “At the end of the day, it’s a job interview—and if this is where I’m meant to serve, I’d be truly honored.”
