The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection invites individuals with a passion for promoting agriculture to apply for the position of 78th Alice in Dairyland. Applications are due Jan. 31.
As one of the most widely recognized marketing communications professionals in Wisconsin agriculture, Alice in Dairyland travels extensively. She promotes Wisconsin’s agricultural industry and its impact on the state economy. In this highly visible and fast-paced position, Alice in Dairyland serves as a full-time spokesperson. She cultivates relationships with television, radio, and print media outlets throughout the state. Alice also writes and delivers speeches at events and uses social media to tell the stories of Wisconsin agriculture.
Additional duties include developing and executing marketing plans, delivering classroom presentations, and networking with industry professionals. Alice must also learn and retain information about the diversity of Wisconsin agriculture and tailor that information for both urban and rural audiences.
“The Alice in Dairyland program may have started as a beauty pageant following World War II, but the role is now about so much more than wearing a tiara,” says 77th Alice in Dairyland Halei Heinzel. “It’s about being a voice for Wisconsin’s agriculture, sharing the stories of our agriculturalists, and inspiring the next generation to continue the legacy.”
Application Details
Alice in Dairyland applicants should have an interest in Wisconsin agriculture, public speaking experience, and at least three years of experience, education, or training in communications, marketing, education, or public relations. Applicants must also be female, Wisconsin residents, and at least 21 years old.
This one-year, full-time contractual position starts July 7, 2025. The chosen candidate will travel solo extensively throughout the state and have weekly in-person office time at DATCP’s Madison office. The annual salary for Alice in Dairyland is $45,000. It includes holidays, vacation, sick leave, and a vehicle while on official business. Reimbursement is provided for an individual health insurance premium of up to $450 a month and professional travel expenses.
To apply, provide a cover letter, completed application form, resume, and contact information for three professional references to DATCPAlice@wisconsin.gov by 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 31. Application materials are available on the Alice in Dairyland website: https://www.aliceindairyland.com/
Qualified applicants will participate in a preliminary interview on Feb. 22 at DATCP’s Madison office or via Microsoft Teams. The resulting Top Candidates will be required to attend a two-day program briefing and press announcement March 7-8, and the three-day final interview process May 15-17 in Crawford County.
