The state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has selected Halei Heinzel of Oconomowoc as the 77th Alice in Dairyland.
In this position, Heinzel will work for the contract year as a full-time communications professional for DATCP. She’ll be educating the public about the importance of agriculture in Wisconsin.
Several partner organizations support the Alice in Dairyland program: Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, Kettle Moraine Mink Breeders Association, Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board, Goodman’s Jewelers, Wisconsin Potato Industry Board, Ginseng Board of Wisconsin, and Wisconsin Beef Council.
Heinzel will graduate in May 2024 from UW-Madison with a degree in Life Sciences Communication. Before starting at UW-Madison, Heinzel was active in her high school’s FFA chapter. She graduated from the Farm and Industry Short Course program with certificates in Agribusiness Management and Dairy Farm Management.
While on campus, Heinzel engaged with the Babcock House Student Cooperative, Science Communication Club, and UW Polo Club. She also serves on the Wisconsin Agriculture and Life Sciences Alumni Association board. Heinzel has held internships with FISC, Professional Dairy Producers, and worked with the Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Promotion Board.
“I am so excited and honored to be spending the next year serving as the 77th Alice in Dairyland, the official ambassador of Wisconsin’s diverse and abundant agriculture industry,” said Heinzel. “I am looking forward to connecting Wisconsinites with agriculture, sharing the impact of this vibrant industry both in local communities and across the state, and sharing the stories of the hardworking individuals who dedicate their lives to agriculture every day.”
The judges selected Heinzel at the 77th Alice in Dairyland Finals hosted by Door County this weekend. She will begin her term as the 77th Alice in Dairyland on July 8. She succeeds the 76th Alice in Dairyland, Ashley Hagenow of Poynette, who will continue her current term until the transition in July.
