The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) made the decision to cancel the search for a 74th Alice in Dairyland. The 73rd Alice in Dairyland, Julia Nunes was set to pass the crown at the end of the selection process in Dane County this coming May.
“Alice in Dairyland is a long-standing Wisconsin tradition. Even during the unexpected challenges of COVID-19, Alice has reminded us all of the diversity and strength of Wisconsin agriculture,” said DATCP Secretary-designee Randy Romanski. “While 2020 may be behind us, the pandemic is not. Cancelling the 74th Alice in Dairyland finals is an unfortunate but necessary step to help protect the health and safety of our staff and the public we serve. We look forward to resuming the annual Alice selection process in 2022.”
“We greatly appreciate the extensive efforts of Walworth County, whose host committee has remained flexible throughout this process. We look forward to showcasing Walworth County at a future Alice in Dairyland finals,” added Krista Knigge, Administrator of DATCP’s Division of Agricultural Development, which houses the Alice in Dairyland program. “We also thank our partners at Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board, the Mid-West Jewelers Association, and the Kettle Moraine Mink Breeders Association for their steadfast commitment to the Alice program and their support of these unprecedented changes.”
Cancelling the search for a new Alice means that Julia Nunes of Chippewa Falls will keep her title as Alice in Dairyland until July 15, 2022. She will officially become the 74th Alice in May 2021.
