Celebrating National Dairy Month in Madison with Alice in Dairyland
Alice in Dairyland Ashley Hagenow is a 24-year-old from Poynette. | Photo via Alice in Dairyland
It’s National Dairy Month, and we take dairy pretty seriously. (Did you knowthat Wisconsin is home to nearly a quarter of the nation’s dairy farms?)
The state of Wisconsin started the Alice in Dairyland program in 1934 to promote Wisconsin’s diverse agriculture industry.
Ashley Hagenow is the 76th Alice in Dairyland. Hagenow grew up in Poynette and participated in 4-H and FFA before graduating from the University of Minnesota. We talked to Hagenow about her role, coming celebrations, and, well, dairy.
Why did you want to be Alice in Dairyland? AH: There is great value in storytelling on behalf of Wisconsin’s farmers and processors and sharing more about where our food comes from. It is an honor to share those stories every day as Wisconsin’s official agricultural ambassador.
What’s the best thing about being Alice? AH: The ability to connect with audiences of all ages. I love how younger audience members look up to Alice and want to learn more about agriculture. In the same breath, I love connecting with older audience members to hear their stories about growing up on one of Wisconsin’s family-owned farms or their experiences in agriculture throughout their lifetime.
What are some interesting dairy facts our readers might not know? AH: Wisconsin’s dairy industry contributes $45.6 billion annually to our state’s economy, which is more than the combined total of Florida citrus and Idaho potatoes.
How much milk do Wisconsin’s cows produce? AH: Every month, Wisconsin dairy cows produce 2.6 billion pounds of milk.
That must make for a lot of cheese... AH: We produce approximately 25% of the world’s supply of specialty cheese, and our cheese production is double that of any other state in the country.
Click the button below for the full conversation and to learn about coming National Dairy Month events.
Do-it-Yourself Homesteading Fair | Friday, June 7 | 2-5 p.m. | Lakeview Library, 2845 N. Sherman Ave., Madison | Free | Come for demonstrations and information about gardening, chicken keeping, and more.
Saturday, June 8
Ice Age Animals Talk | Saturday, June 8 | 9:30-11 a.m. | Pope Farm Conservancy, 7440 W. Old Sauk Rd., Middleton | Free | The director of the UW Geology Museum will give a family-friendly talk on the variety of creatures that inhabited this area 15,000 years ago.
608 Day Celebration | Saturday, June 8 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Hilldale, 702 N. Midvale Blvd., Madison | Cost of purchase | Head to the mall for special sidewalk and in-store sales in celebration of 608 Day.
Middleton Wisconsin Pride | Saturday, June 8 | 12-4 p.m. | Stone Horse Green, 7550 Hubbard Ave., Middleton | Free | Middleton’s first-ever Pride festival will include food and craft vendors, games, and live music for all ages.
Sunday, June 9
The Fae and Fantasy Bazaar | Sunday, June 9 | 1 p.m. | Crucible, 3116 Commercial Ave., Madison | $5 | Don your elf ears and fairy wings, and enjoy a fair with artists, vendors, live music, and more.
Monday, June 10
Chamber Golf Classic | Monday, June 10 | 10:15 a.m.-7 p.m. | $50-$600 | The Oaks Golf Course, 4740 Pierceville Rd., Cottage Grove | Hit the links and support the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce.
Match your mini-me this Father’s Day. | Photos provided by Harlestons
Parents, is there anything cuter than matching your mini?
Harlestons is now offering matching polos and swimwear for dads and sons to share the same swag — just in time for Father’s Day. (Nope, it’s not too late to order his gift.)
Two former Badgers volleyball players are heading to the 2024 Paris Olympics: Lauren Carlini and Dana Rettke. They’re the two most decorated Badgers in Wisconsin volleyball history, and will join 10 other athletes on the 2024 Women’s National Indoor Volleyball Team.
Number
$90,000. That’s how much Brat Fest raised this year for local charities. Despite bad weather shutting down the festival’s first day, more than 100 charities and 2,500 volunteers donated over 8,400 hours to the event. (WKOW)
Traffic
The City is in the process of painting future Bus Rapid Transit lanes red. The painted lanes are currently intermittent because crews have yet to finish work, but when completed the lanes will also contain the words “BUS ONLY.” (Wisconsin State Journal)
Kids
Overture Center announced the schedule for this summer’s “Kids in the Rotunda,” a series of six free family-friendly performances are designed to give kids opportunities for laughter and learning. The first show will be Friday, June 21 with singers and storytellers Tom Pease and Stuart Stotts.
Health
A new crisis stabilization facility is open in Madison. One of five across the state, it offers support to those who can’t stay in their community safely, but don’t need hospitalization. Tellurian Behavioral Health will serve Madison by referrals through the Dane County mental health hotline. (WMTV)
Environment
Alex Booker is this year’s Naturalist-in-Residence for the Madison Public Library. A Madison native, the theme of his residency is “Find Your Way Back to Nature.” Booker will lead several programs including walks, flower arranging, and sound baths.
Drink
Thirsty? Milwaukee’s iconic Pabst Blue Ribbon is celebrating its 180th anniversary by selling 180-packs of beer. The special pack, selling for $95, is available at select grocery and liquor stores nationwide. (Food & Wine)
Pets
Bowl goals for dogs = Premium proteins. Vibrant veggies. Tantalizing textures. Be the dog parent who keeps mealtime exciting with 50% off Nom Nom’s pre-portioned, freshly-made meals.*
History
🎂 Celebrating a birthday the Wright way
Celebrating Frank Lloyd Wright’s birthday in Madison
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Gilmore House was designed for a UW-Madison law professor. | Photo by 608today
Frank Lloyd Wright’s birthday is tomorrow. Arguably one of the greatest American architects, he spent his adolescence in Madison (attending UW-Madison) and in nearby Spring Green during the height of his career.
To see some of his work, you don’t have to go far:
Robert M. Lamp House, 22 N. Butler St. Built in 1903 for Wright’s childhood friend, this house was made of cream-colored brick, which he also used on his own home and studio in Oak Park, Illinois.
Eugene A. Gilmore House, 120 Ely Place An embodiment of the Prairie School style of architecture, the house features horizontal lines, natural materials, and cantilevers.
First Unitarian Meeting House, 900 University Bay Dr. Wright identified as Unitarian throughout his life. He designed this unique church for Madison in 1951.
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