Planning for the 73rd Alice in Dairyland Finals is proceeding in collaboration of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and Walworth County.
Set to be hosted in a virtual format June 19-20, the Mid-West Farm Report met each of the top candidates after they were announced in March and will feature each leading up to the finale.
Kaitlin Konder of Glenwood City said she had a love for the diverse world of agriculture from day one.
“I’m the fifth generation to grow up on my family’s dairy farm where we milk 45 Holsteins,” Konder said. “I’ve had many different opportunities through 4-H and FFA to grow my leadership, speaking and public relations skills.”
She has several experiences serving public roles as a former Wisconsin State FFA Vice President and previous St. Croix County Fairest of the Fair.
“Being able to tell my story and help others understand agriculture and bridge that gap between producers and consumers is very important,” Konder said. “That’s why I took the chance to run for Alice in Dairyland.”
Konder graduated in December from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls with a degree in agricultural business with a finance emphasis. She continues her career search while milking for a 56-cow dairy and helping on the home farm. Additionally, she continues volunteering with the FFA Alumni and Fairest program.
She was hopeful for the chance to continue her work while walking in the shoes of Alice.
“Educate consumers that producers are really for us, and they are really becoming more sustainable,” Konder said. “From mink pelts to different producers and cheese and cranberries, our Wisconsin agriculture industry is so diverse.”
One aspect of the multi-faceted application process she looked forward to was learning how to complete more comprehensive television and radio interviews to best convey a message.
Keep an eye on the Midwest Farm Report as we continue to feature each of the 73rd Alice in Dairyland Top Candidates.
–Kaitlyn Riley
Leave a Reply