Inside ADANE’s Dairy Ambassador Program: Meet the Young Voices of New York Dairy

Each year, the New York State Dairy Ambassador Program brings together a new team of young leaders ready to share the story of dairy. Managed by the American Dairy Association North East (ADANE), the program gives students with a passion for agriculture the chance to become advocates for New York dairy farmers and the communities they serve.

More than a scholarship or title, the program is a year-long opportunity to learn, grow, and represent the future of the dairy industry. Through statewide events and promotions, 2025 Dairy Ambassadors connect directly with consumers and help them understand where their food comes from and the care that goes into every glass of milk.

The Program Builds Future Advocates

The New York State Dairy Ambassador Program was created to help youth in agriculture gain communication, leadership, and public speaking experience while representing one of the state’s most important industries. Participants are selected for their knowledge, professionalism, and enthusiasm for dairy advocacy, serving as spokespeople who engage the public on everything from cow care and sustainability to the nutritional benefits of milk.

Under ADANE’s guidance, ambassadors receive hands-on training in media relations, social media, and community outreach. They also earn scholarships for their educational goals so that they can continue their journey in agriculture and beyond. For students who share a love of agriculture, programs like this show how passion for farming can become a platform for leadership and change.

Meet the 2025 Dairy Ambassadors

This year’s team represents three New York counties, each bringing unique experience and heart to their role.

Olivia Shawley of Cattaraugus County was named the 2025–2026 New York State Dairy Ambassador. A longtime participant in her county’s dairy promotion program, While growing up, Olivia helped out on her grandparents’ dairy farm. She’s active in FFA, 4-H, and the Cornell Junior Dairy Leader program, where she’s developed her skills in public speaking and dairy judging. Olivia plans to continue her commitment to education and advocacy by pursuing a degree in Agriculture and Dairy Science. 

Addison Brown, the First Associate Dairy Ambassador, comes from Onondaga County. She has been part of the dairy promotion program for a decade, serving as the 2024–2025 Onondaga County Dairy Ambassador. Addison loves showing dairy cattle, participating in Dairy Judging and Dairy Bowl, and currently serves on the New York Junior Holstein Executive Committee as Dairy Bowl Chair. Her energy and dedication reflect the values that make New York’s dairy community so strong.

Serenity Conklin of Chemung County rounds out the team as the Second Associate Dairy Ambassador. As a lifelong 4-H member, Serenity grew up on a small hobby farm that inspired her love for animals and agriculture. She has represented Chemung County as Dairy Ambassador and is currently pursuing a degree in Agricultural Communications, continuing to build her voice as an advocate for farmers and the future of agriculture.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

New York’s dairy industry is built on a proud history and programs like the New York State Dairy Ambassador Program ensure that legacy continues. With more than 3,000 dairy herds producing over 16 billion pounds of milk each year, dairy remains the state’s largest agricultural commodity and a defining part of its identity and economy.

Through their work, the 2025 Dairy Ambassadors are helping to protect and promote that heritage. They bring empathy to every conversation, creativity to every event, and a fresh perspective to the future of farming. Their stories show what’s possible when passion meets purpose and when young people in agriculture use their voices to make an impact.

Together with the American Dairy Association North East, these ambassadors represent more than farms or products. They represent community, care, and the bright future of the dairy industry in New York.

Watch our spotlight video on ADANE’s Dairy Ambassador Program here:  https://youtu.be/IDPuixRxdoM