ADA North East Names 2025-2026 New York State Dairy Ambassadors
The American Dairy Association North East (ADANE) is dedicated to promoting dairy through building trust, educating communities, and ensuring that future generations understand the vital role dairy farmers play in our daily lives. Through initiatives in schools, health programs, and consumer education, ADANE works to make dairy more accessible while celebrating the farmers behind it. One of its most prestigious efforts is the New York State Dairy Ambassador Program, a tradition that has been shaping young dairy advocates since 1963.
L to R: Addison Brown (Onondaga County), Olivia Shawley (Cattaraugus County) and Serenity Conklin (Chemung County).
Each year, a select group of ambassadors is chosen based on their communication skills, passion for dairy, and knowledge of the industry. The dairy ambassadors take on the responsibility of educating the public at community events, in classrooms, and through social media outreach. They help people understand how dairy farmers care for their cows, their land, and how they produce milk and dairy products that New York State depends on. As part of their role, ambassadors receive training in leadership, public speaking, team-building, and social media. This training equips them with the confidence and skills to be strong advocates for the industry.
For the 2025-2026 term, Olivia Shawley of Cattaraugus County was named New York State Dairy Ambassador, and Addison Brown of Onondaga County and Serenity Conklin of Chemung County were named First and Second Associate Ambassadors, respectively. In addition to being selected as the New York State Dairy Ambassadors, these young leaders have earned scholarships and internship opportunities. Over the next year, they’ll be out in the community, engaging with consumers, and promoting the importance of dairy in a way that is real, relatable, and inspiring.
The Dairy Ambassador Program strives to promote the dairy industry while empowering young leaders to advocate for an industry they are passionate about. The ambassadors have the opportunity to learn about advocacy as they gain firsthand experience connecting with communities, educating the next generation, and carrying forward the legacy of dairy farming in New York. The New York dairy industry is built on hard work, tradition, and resilience, and these young advocates are committed to sharing that story with consumers.
By supporting programs like the Dairy Ambassador Program, ADANE continues to invest in the next generation of dairy leaders. If you want to see what these ambassadors are up to or learn more about the American Dairy Association, please visit AmericanDairy.com.