Syracuse, N.Y. – (February 16, 2025) On Saturday, February 15, 2025, Olivia Shawley from Cattaraugus County was selected as the 2025-2026 New York State Dairy Ambassador during a ceremony at the Craftsman Inn in Fayetteville, N.Y. Shawley formerly served as the Cattaraugus County Dairy Ambassador since spring of 2024.
As New York State Dairy Ambassador, Shawley will serve as a spokesperson and advocate for dairy farmers by attending special events to engage with and educate consumers on the nutritional benefits of milk and dairy foods, how farmers care for their cows and their land in order to produce a sustainable product, and the importance of the dairy industry to the New York State economy. Shawley will also receive a $2,000 scholarship and an internship opportunity with American Dairy Association North East (ADANE).
Addison Brown from Onondaga County was named first Associate Ambassador, and Serenity Conklin from Chemung County was selected as second Associate Ambassador. They will receive a $1,500 scholarship and $1,000 scholarship, respectively. Both individuals will assist the New York State Dairy Ambassador with training, appearances, and other duties.
New York State Dairy Ambassadors were selected based on their communications skills and knowledge of the dairy industry. The Dairy Ambassador program aims to build critical professional skills and confidence of young individuals who are passionate about the dairy industry. Ambassadors will be involved in statewide promotions and events. Individuals will gain experience collaborating with a team, knowledge of ADANE promotion and marketing programs, and will participate in sessions led by experts in public speaking, social media, team building and leadership.
With about 3,000 licensed dairy herds and more than 16 billion pounds of milk produced annually, New York State is a leader in dairy production in the United States. The dairy industry is the largest agricultural commodity in the state, and according to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, New York ranks nationally as the fifth largest producer of milk and is also the largest producer of yogurt and cottage cheese.
Shawley is the 62nd dairy promoter selected to represent New York State’s dairy industry, a distinction that dates back to 1963. The appointment of Shawley marks the end of the yearlong term of Evelyn Kersmanc of Otsego County.
About American Dairy Association North East (ADANE)
American Dairy Association North East (ADANE) is the local affiliate of the National Dairy Council® and the regional consolidation of three promotion organizations including the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council, Inc., Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association and Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program. Committed to nutrition education and research-based communications, ADANE provides science-based nutrition information to, and in collaboration with, a variety of stakeholders committed to fostering a healthier nation, including health professionals, educators, school nutrition directors, academia, industry, consumers and media. Funded by dairy checkoff dollars from more than 8,300 dairy farm families in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and northern Virginia, ADANE works closely with Dairy Management Inc.™ to bring a fully integrated promotion program to the North East region. For more information, visit AmericanDairy.com.