The Michigan Dairy Ambassador program gives youth the opportunity to network with others, develop leadership skills and learn how to communicate their passion for dairy. The goal of the program is to equip each ambassador with the communication skills and tools necessary to represent the dairy community and industry in a positive way. Ambassadors participate in trainings and represent the dairy industry at promotional and outreach events throughout the year.
Madison Halfman
Hometown: St. Johns, Michigan
Growing up on her family’s dairy farm instilled a sense of pride for the industry that she’s excited to share with others. Madison Halfman, daughter of Mike and Laura Halfman, works on her family’s farm T&H Dairy Farm in Fowler, Michigan. There, she has gained practical hands-on experience of what it takes to run a dairy farm and as a 2020 Dairy Ambassador is gaining the skills it takes to share the lifestyle with consumers. Madison has plans to attend Michigan State University to pursue a Crop and Soil Science degree before returning to her family’s farm.
Anna Moser
Hometown: Dansville, Michigan
As an incoming senior at Dansville High School, Anna Moser takes advantage of any and all opportunities to grow herself and her leadership abilities. She is actively involved in 4-H, FFA and the Michigan Junior Holstein Association, holding leadership positions in each organization. After graduating from high school next spring, Anna, the daughter of Stan and Laura Moser, has plans to attend Michigan State University with the goal of learning more about agricultural business and marketing. She wants to remain active in the dairy industry and continue promoting dairy products.
Adalee Thelen
Hometown: St. Johns, Michigan
Adalee Thelen is a senior at Fowler High School this year where she is involved in the National Honor Society and plays volleyball and softball. Adalee, the daughter of Jeff and Patti Thelen, grew up on her family’s dairy farm in Saint Johns, Michigan, caring for calves and sick cows. Her dairy background led her to taking a job at a neighboring farm along with pursuing other opportunities to gain dairy industry knowledge through groups like 4-H and FFA. In the future, Adalee plans on attending Michigan State University to receive an animal science or agribusiness management degree.
Abby Vandyk
Hometown: Kalamazoo, Michigan
A graduate of Heritage Christian Academy, Abby Vandyk is the daughter of Sara Vandyk and a 2020 Dairy Ambassador. This fall, Abby is attending Michigan State University with the goal of receiving her dairy management certificate before pursuing a degree in agriculture business management. Abby is very involved in 4-H where she shows a variety of animals at her county fair and takes advantage of many leadership opportunities. She works at Vlietstra Dairy Farm as general farm labor, gaining a variety of hands-on practical dairy knowledge.
Katelynn Webster
Hometown: Barryton, Michigan
Katelynn Webster loves everything about dairy cows and the environment around them. As a 2020 Dairy Ambassador, she is passionate about sharing with consumers how farmers love and take great care of their animals. She was inspired to share the dairy story because of industry member’s passion for what they do to nourish the world every day. Katelynn is currently entering eleventh grade at Chippewa Hills
High School where she is active on the school’s track team. Outside of school, she works on a dairy farm gaining practical knowledge about the industry that she’s looking forward to applying in her future career.
Elyse Zimmerlee
Hometown: Bellevue, Michigan
Entering her fourth year at Michigan State University, Elyse Zimmerlee has competed on the 2019 MSU Agriculture Technology Dairy Judging Team, helped coach FFA teams and worked at Wing Acres Dairy. She takes mentorship seriously and is hoping to one day be an agriculture educator to help grow the next generation of dairy advocates. What she enjoys most is fostering passion for the dairy industry in others. Elyse, the daughter of Deanna and Todd Waterman, is eager to network with others and speak directly to consumers about the dairy industry.