Each year at ADAI, five students are selected ranging from high school seniors to college undergraduates to serve as Indiana Dairy Ambassadors for a one-year term. These students use their abilities to communicate with the general public about dairy farming, dairy nutrition, and modern agricultural practices. Traveling around the state, they develop public speaking and leadership skills to become leaders in the dairy community. Our Dairy Ambassadors have been hard at work this summer promoting milk, cheese, yogurt and more at many events across the state. They continue their responsibilities on campus this school year, sharing their dairy stories with fellow students and their communities. Get to know our Dairy Ambassadors below!
Kirsten Lambert, Ancilla College
Kirsten is a graduate of Laporte High School and will attend Ancilla College this fall where she will major in Animal Sciences. This summer, she celebrates her tenth year in 4-H and has kept busy with numerous projects, including sheep, swine, goats, dairy cows, dairy steers, dairy feeder calves, and so much more! Kirsten recently completed the Indiana 4-H Dairy Youth Academy, where she gained extensive knowledge in hands-on leadership, professional skills, and grew her passion for the dairy community. She also served her school and community as a member of the National Honor Society and the Work Ethic Program, while volunteering at a local nursing home. Kirsten has enjoyed working at Ru-Barb Holsteins and caring for the calves, a responsibility she takes very seriously. Her attention to calves that need extra care demonstrates the importance she places on animal care and comfort. Kirsten is excited to share the positive contributions of dairy with the public and be a part of the continuous improvement in the industry.
Megan Lambrecht, Indiana State University
Megan was raised inside the city limits of Bedford, Indiana, but spent most of her time working with her dairy cattle on her grandparents’, the late Jerry and Brenda Lambrecht, farm in eastern Lawrence County. She enjoyed 10 years of 4-H projects, showing both Guernsey and Brown Swiss dairy cattle. Her favorite volunteer activity during 4-H was Lawrence County Ag Day where she taught over 500 3rd graders each year about dairy cattle and the process of milk from farm to table. As the second oldest of the four Lambrecht sisters, she excelled in sports and won many track & field titles, including placing fourth in the state in Shot Put in 2018. Megan graduated from Bedford North High School and continued her education at Indiana State University, majoring in Biology with Medical Laboratory Science Specialization and minoring in Chemistry and Forensic Investigations. This student athlete stays busy in the Honors College and on the track and field team where she throws the shot put, hammer, and weight. Megan loves teaching her community about the dairy industry and is excited to share her dairy story!
Peyton Newman, Purdue University
Peyton’s interest in dairy farming started with her family’s long and celebrated history in the dairy community. Four generations of strong work ethic and dedication to raising high-quality herds influenced her to show dairy cattle for 10 years in 4-H, as well as open shows across the Midwest. As soon as she was able, Peyton began Mini 4-H with a starter calf gifted to her by her aunt. Through her aunt’s mentorship, she developed a deep understanding and respect for the work that she and others in the dairy community do to teach the next generation of dairy farmers. Peyton judged dairy in high school and continues to be involved as a member of the Indiana Junior Holstein Association and the Purdue Dairy Club. Her enthusiasm to pursue education and a career in Animal Science Production stems from her family’s successes in the livestock industry and her love of animals and their well-being. As a Dairy Ambassador, Peyton hopes to harness her passion and family’s legacy to share dairy farming with others.
Luke Peters, Purdue University
Even as a kid, Luke realized that few things that can compare to the joy of growing up on a farm. Whether it was feeding pigs or chasing chickens around, there was always something exciting to do. However, there was never anything better than playing with the jersey cows. After purchasing his first dairy heifer at the ripe age of 10, Luke dove into dairy, completing 10 years of dairy 4-H projects and participating in the Indiana Dairy Youth Academy. At school, Luke enjoyed meeting new people and giving back through many volunteer projects and club organizations. But his love of the farm remained a major force in his life, driving him to be involved in FFA and develop his skills in Ag Mechanics. This led him to major in Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University. Luke looks forward to continuing his community service as a Dairy Ambassador and sharing his passion for the farm with others.
Isabelle Wellman, Purdue University
Isabelle grew up on her family farm that is over 105 years old in Northeast Indiana. Her passion for agriculture started with her grandpa, Karl Hockemeyer, as he was a board member of Milk Promotion Services of Indiana and a board member of Allen Dairy. Joining him for chores in the milking parlor made her admire the dairy community, especially the delicious dairy foods they produce! Isabelle returns to Purdue this fall to major in Agricultural Sales and Marketing and minoring in Animal Science. She still enjoys playing sports like volleyball, basketball, softball, and track. In the summer, you can find her at the county fair and livestock competitions reliving her days as a 10-year 4-H member. She competed in dairy beef, dairy, fine arts, gardening, and sewing wearables, but admits the livestock projects were her favorite. She keeps the numerous life lessons she learned in 4-H with her as she serves in multiple roles at Purdue, including Dairy Club Campus Promotions and Springfest Chair. She also dedicates her time to the Dairy Livestock Judging Team and Sigma Alpha, a professional sorority for women pursuing careers in agriculture.
