Wisconsin Ag Connection - Rochelle Ripp Selected as 65th Alice in Dairyland

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Rochelle Ripp Selected as 65th Alice in Dairyland
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 05/21/2012

Second time's a charm for Rochelle Ripp. The Lodi native has been crowned as Wisconsin's 65th Alice in Dairyland Saturday night at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville during a finale program hosted by Grant County.

Ripp, who was a 2009 graduate of UW-Platteville and an Alice finalist in 2010, is an associate marketing executive for the Madison-based Filament Marketing, where she utilizes strategic marketing and innovative communications to promote agricultural products, services and initiatives.

"It is truly an honor to be selected as Alice in Dairyland at UW-Platteville, where my Pioneer spirit was able to grow and thrive," Rochelle said just moments after being crowned. "I look forward to the opportunity to be an ambassador for our state's $59 billion agriculture industry while showcasing Wisconsin's farmers and agriculture at its finest."

Raised on her family's Columbia County dairy and cash crop farm, Rochelle currently chairs the Dane County Farm Bureau's Ag Promotions Committee and volunteers with Cows on the Concourse, the Lodi Agricultural Fair and coaches volleyball.

Other finalists in the running during the competition were Ann Marie Ames, Janesville; Danielle Hammer, Beaver Dam; Sarah Holm, Elk Mound; and Amy Manske, Green Bay. Southern Wisconsin Farm Broadcaster Bob Middendorf of WGLR Radio served as master of ceremonies, along with Former 'Alice' Liz Henry.

Meanwhile, Out-Going Alice, Katie Wirkus of Athens, said serving as the state's ag ambassador during the past year has been a dream 20 years in the making.

"During this wonderful year, the people I met have been the biggest impression on me," Katie said in her retirement speech. "Whether it was a fourth grade student, an international visitor, a fair-goer or a nursing home resident, I will always remember sharing the good news about Wisconsin's many diverse agricultural products. We have so much to be proud of."

She also announced that she was able to visit hundreds of schools to spread the message that agriculture is not only a part of the state's history, but also has a bright future for those who want to play a part in feeding the world.

And before giving up her title, Wirkus presented the '2012 Friend of Alice Award' to Bob Middendorf. Next fall, Katie will return to Edgar High School, her childhood alma matter, where she has accepted a position as a middle school math teacher.

Also in the crowd on Saturday were 23 former Alices, including 83-year-old Margaret (McGuire) Blott, who served as the very first Alice in Dairyland back in 1948-49. She is also a native of Grant County.

Rochelle officially begins her duties as Alice in early June. Until then, Wirkus will continue to make appearances at various events as her successor goes through a brief training process.

Grant County has a rich agricultural heritage, with over 6,400 of its residents employed in a field related to the industry. Over 83-percent of the county's land is farmer-owned and managed. And the UW-Platteville is home of one of the largest agricultural schools in the Midwest.

Next year, the Alice in Dairyland finals will be held in Calumet County on May 8-10, 2013.

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