Six Vie to Become 77th Alice in Dairyland

The 76th Alice in Dairyland (Ashley Haegenow) poses with Northern Sky’s cast from Cheeseheads! Submitted.

With help from current Alice in Dairyland Ashley Hagenow, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has announced the six top candidates for the Alice in Dairyland title.

Over the next two months, they will participate in a rigorous interview process that will showcase the communications and public relations skills needed to become the 77th Alice in Dairyland on May 4 in Door County. 

The candidates are Cierra Essock of Fox Lake; Halei Heinzel of Oconomowoc; Katrina Hoesly of Denmark; Michaela King of Big Bend; Kiley Pagel of Kewaunee; and Lauren Siemers from Kiel.

Pagel will graduate in May from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She leads marketing and has multiple administrative and support roles for her family’s businesses.

Hoesly is a student at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls pursuing a bachelor of science degree in agricultural marketing communications and agricultural business. She has held multiple campus leadership positions and internships including National FFA, and World Dairy Expo.

Essock is the agricultural educator and FFA advisor at Hustisford Junior and Senior High School.

Heinzel is a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison studying life sciences communication. 

King, a public relations manager with Filament/broadhead, has been an editorial intern for Hay & Forage Grower and El Independiente magazines, and an online marketing manager at Hoard’s Dairyman. 

Siemers will graduate in May from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with a degree in marketing, served as 2019 Wisconsin Holstein Association Princess, and was honored in 2023 as a National Distinguished Junior Member Finalist by Holstein Association USA.