Passion is defined as a strong liking or desire of devotion to an activity, object or concept.
It is the most passionate people who truly strive to make a career doing what they love and achieving their dream job.
Amy Manske is passionate about agriculture. Her love for the farm defines who she is and who she wants to be in the future.
Her passion and determination to share her knowledge of the agriculture industry as made her one of six finalists for the 65th Alice in Dairyland.
“Being chosen as a finalist is such an honor,” Manske said. “Getting this far is an accomplishment and means a great deal to me.”
Alice in Dairyland is a full-time public relations employee of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and serves a one year contract term.
Manske’s passion for agriculture began at a very young age. She grew up on her family’s 60-cow dairy farm in New London where feeding calves, walking cows up from the pasture was part of her daily routine.
She was also involved in the Sandy Knoll 4-H club and FFA.
“These programs and my upbringing helped me understand that agriculture is a crucial part of Wisconsin,” Manske said. “I continue to learn more about Wisconsin’s $59 billion industry when I can, but I spend more time sharing what I know.”
One of her fondest memories as a FFA member was helping with Food for America, a program where fourth grade students take a field trip to a local farm.
“Our job was to give tours to the kids, explain how equipment worked, and what a day in the life of a farmer was like.”
In 2007, Manske was a Cow Expert at the Wisconsin State Fair where she educated people about the industry.
“What I learned through this experience is that many people covet what I know about agriculture.”
She fondly remembered talking to a woman about “brown” cows for an hour, and explaining to several kids that their milk does not just come from the grocery store, but from a cow.
Manske graduated from New London High School in 2008 and has attended the University of Wisconsin Green Bay. She will graduate on May 12 with a degree in Communication with an emphasis in journalism and public relations. She will also have a minor in business.
She has the desire to work with agriculture businesses in public relations.
“The idea of promoting and communicating something to the public that you are passionate for is a really cool job,” Manske said. “My passion is agriculture and public relations; what better than the Alice in Dairyland position.”
Manske looks forward to competing for the 65th Alice in Dairyland position.
“Alice is something I have grown up with,” Manske said. “My mom and I have followed the program for years. We have always respected the job and believe it’s extremely important to help get the word out about agriculture. It has always been something I have dreamed of being a part of.”
Manske will compete in the Alice in Dairyland finals May 17-19. During those three days, finalists will complete an individual interview, writing exercise, media interviews, an impromptu question and answer session, an agribusiness tour talk and a finale speech.
The 65th Alice in Dairyland will begin her duties on June 4.
If chosen for the position, Manske has ideas of what she would do.
“I would like to emphasize fun facts about agriculture to people, especially kids, to help them relate to the diverse industries Wisconsin has to offer,” Manske said. “I also want to make sure we are hitting both rural and urban communities, because bridging the gap is crucial in getting everyone on the same page.”
Manske’s goal is to get the public excited about the agriculture industry as she is.
“I would love to get people excited about being educated in agriculture,” Manske said. “I learned to never take my agriculture background for granted and telling one person something about agriculture might lead to them telling 10 more, so you should never underestimate the power of talking to one person. The Alice in Dairyland position is what I would consider my dream job.”