2026 dairy ambassadors named

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Five students at Purdue University have been selected to serve as Indiana’s newest dairy ambassadors, representing the industry at community events and outreach efforts throughout the year.

The students, chosen through a competitive application process, will advocate for dairy farming, dairy nutrition and modern agricultural practices while completing monthly assignments as part of the program.

Ambassadors often appear at fairs, school programs and industry events across the state.

The 2026 dairy ambassadors are:

• Cord Akey, Waterloo, freshman in agriculture engineering.

• Madilyn Elliott, Greencastle, sophomore in animal sciences.

• Macey Lambrecht, Bedford, freshman in agribusiness.

• Aleah Rexing, Fort Branch, freshman in agriculture sales and marketing.

• Mylie Rexing, Fort Branch, junior in agribusiness.

According to American Dairy Association Indiana, the students were selected based on their abilities to communicate with the public about the dairy industry and to serve as knowledgeable advocates for agriculture.

Now in its ninth year, the Dairy Ambassador Program awards each participant a $2,500 scholarship, distributed in installments over the course of their year in service.

The program replaced the Dairy Princess program in 2017, expanding participation opportunities and allowing more students, including men, to take part in promoting Indiana’s dairy community.