E313 The Business of Believing: How Sarah Hagenow is Rewriting the Alice in Dairyland Playbook

Forget everything you know about feel-good farm PR. Sarah Hagenow, Wisconsin's 78th Alice in Dairyland, is revolutionizing agricultural advocacy with data-driven approaches. This isn't your grandmother's agricultural ambassador story—this is about turning sustainability metrics into profit margins and transforming show ring evaluation skills into market positioning advantages.

Join us as we dive deep into Sarah's remarkable journey from a 13-year-old working with a broken-legged heifer named "Sassy" to becoming half of the first sister pair to hold the Alice in Dairyland title.

Key Topics & Timestamps

Opening & Introduction

* Sarah's data-driven advocacy approach

* Component premium increases for Wisconsin dairies

* Preview of the transformative Sassy story

The Sassy Story: Foundation of Trust

* 2016 pivotal moment at City Slickers Farm

* Mike Hellenbrand's influence and mentorship

* From middle-of-the-pack heifer to championship breeding

* Business principles in agricultural entrepreneurship

Family Foundation: Vita Plus Heritage

* Bob Hagenow's feed nutrition expertise

* Scientific precision in agricultural discussions

* Data-driven communication style development

The Analytical Training Ground

* University of Minnesota dairy cattle judging team

* Observation → Analysis → Decision → Articulation process

* Translation to agricultural advocacy skills

Global Intelligence: The German Experience

* January 2024 study abroad program

* Saerbeck renewable energy park insights

* "Diplomatic intelligence" development

* Context-specific solutions philosophy

Supply Chain Mastery

* Viking Dairy Company internship

* Understanding "the middle of the supply chain"

* Animal Agriculture Alliance transformation

* Strategic stakeholder engagement

Communication Strategy in Action

* Wisconsin State Fair consumer interactions

* Empathy-first approach to difficult questions

* Systematic framework for contentious issues

Modernizing the Legacy

* Digital ambassador strategy

* "Hagenow flair" brand differentiation

* Sister pair complementary strengths

Youth Engagement & Talent Pipeline

* Business-minded approach to workforce development

* 353,900 agricultural jobs in Wisconsin

* Strategic mentorship programs

Full Circle: From Barn to Boardroom

* July 7, 2025 tenure beginning

* Challenge to progressive dairy producers

* The business of believing in agriculture

See full article here -https://www.thebullvine.com/youth-profiles/the-business-of-believing-how-sarah-hagenow-is-rewriting-the-alice-in-dairyland-playbook/