Meet the Candidates - Sarah Hagenow: Finding Opportunity in Agricultural Adventures

I remember summer days as a kid when a special treat was traveling to Lake Wisconsin for an afternoon in the sun. I can still feel that anticipation of being able to swim, enjoy a picnic, and – the best part – head to the Merrimac Ferry for ice cream made right in Wisconsin! The idea of visiting a new location for the afternoon filled me with such joy. 

As I grew older, that same love of traveling to new experiences stayed with me, this time with added expectation. Traveling to my first dairy judging contest brought thrill for the competition, and my first day giving “real” verbal reasons was a growth opportunity. Traversing to the Wisconsin State Fair to show my dairy cattle brought the chance to vye for a coveted purple ribbon, reconnect with friends, and make lasting memories with my Columbia County crew. However, that chance came with a few questions. Would I make friends early on? Would my cows behave? How could I possibly keep my white pants clean for three days?

Fast forward to college, that desire for adventure in new places led me to study abroad. I had never traveled internationally before my agricultural visit to Denmark, so I had a lesson on turning nerves into enthusiasm when facing new things. The potential to form friendships, immerse myself in a different culture, and see iconic sights helped me put my trust in the unknown.

Just as Alice in Dairyland journeys to places that hold both excitement and unfamiliarity, my many travels helped me realize that not knowing the future creates room for unforgettable moments. Alice is a master of facing new experiences head on. Her ability to dive into new possibilities is something I admire and am inspired by.

As a 78th Alice in Dairyland Top Candidate, I’ve learned this journey is thrilling, full of discovery, and always rewarding. Just as those early lake days held so much promise for fun, so too does the chance to learn about Wisconsin’s diverse and abundant agricultural industry, from cherries to Christmas trees to award-winning cheese. Above all, Wisconsin agriculture holds the greatest promise for the future and offers lasting adventures across our state. 

Just as I anticipated those travels in my youth, I’m incredibly humbled to navigate this new trek in agriculture and look forward to what lies ahead!