The countdown continues until the 73rd Alice in Dairyland Finals will be virtually held in collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and Walworth County June 19-20.
The Mid-West Farm Report sat down to talk with the candidates after they were announced in March and will feature each leading up to the finale.
Julia Nunes was raised on her family’s registered Holstein dairy farm in Tilden just north of Chippewa Falls.
“Alice in Dairyland was a role model for me when I was growing up,” Nunes said. “As Alice, I will explore Wisconsin’s agriculture and share my discoveries and knowledge gained with consumers and producers throughout the state.”
She actively worked on the farm feeding calves and learning about the latest technology in the industry.
Participating in organizations such as 4-H and the Wisconsin Junior Holstein Association shaped her voice for sharing that passion with classmates and community members.
“My experience communicating my personal farm to others helped me understand how to communicate clearly to people who don’t have an agriculture background,” Nunes said.
Nunes studied at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities where she was involved in Gopher Dairy Club and Lambda Delta Phi Sorority. In 2017, she shared her knowledge of agriculture and the dairy industry while serving as the Northern Wisconsin State Fair’s Fairest of the Fair. Nunes interned at Redhead Creamery, where she sharpened her love of cheese.
In May 2019, Nunes graduated with bachelor’s degrees in Agricultural Communication & Marketing, and Animal Science, with minors in Agricultural & Food Business Management, and Horticulture. Upon graduation, she accepted a position with Kinni Hemp Company in River Falls.
“It was a huge learning experience for me with hemp being a new product,” Nunes said. “I think that’s great for me with this Alice in Dairyland Experience that I have the hemp background.”
Nunes hoped to use the Alice in Dairyland application process to learn about other key industries for Wisconsin such as cranberries and ginseng.
“I’m excited to learn more about Wisconsin commodities and the history of these commodities that make up Wisconsin’s economy,” Nunes said.
Keep an eye on the Midwest Farm Report as we continue to feature each of the 73rd Alice in Dairyland Top Candidates.
–Kaitlyn Riley
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