Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
A Purdue University student from Lawrence County will spend 2026 serving as an Indiana Dairy Ambassador for the American Dairy Association Indiana Inc.
Macey Lambrecht was one of five students selected. Ambassadors receive a $2,500 scholarship and spend the year educating others about the dairy industry.
According to the American Dairy Association Indiana, Indiana is home to almost 700 dairy farms that take care of more than 189,000 dairy cows. The average farm has 200 cows and over 97% of dairy farms in Indiana are family owned.
A fourth-generation farmer, raising dairy cattle is in Lambrecht’s DNA. Growing up on her family’s farm, she began helping her parents and older sisters care for calves at a young age. In high school at Bedford North Lawrence, she was active in FFA, serving as chapter president.
Lambrecht spoke with Southern Indiana Business Report about her new role as a dairy ambassador.
Why did you want to be a dairy ambassador?
I wanted to be a dairy ambassador because sharing the dairy story has always been important to me. I was born into the dairy industry as a fourth-generation dairy farmer, but my passion truly comes from educating others. Through events like Lawrence County Ag Day and on-farm agritourism, I’ve seen firsthand how little many people know about where their food comes from. Being a dairy ambassador allows me to bridge that gap and help people better understand and appreciate the dairy industry.
What will your role be as an ambassador?
My role as an ambassador is to educate, advocate, and connect with consumers. I want to share accurate information about dairy farming, animal care, and dairy products in a way that is approachable and engaging, especially for youth and families who may not have an agricultural background.
Your family has been dairy farmers in Lawrence County going back generations so, I guess you could say it’s in your DNA. What was it like growing up surrounded by your family’s involvement and history with dairy cattle and how did that influence you?
Dairy has been part of my life since birth. My great-grandparents purchased a farm and a Guernsey heifer in 1959, and my family has been raising and showing dairy cattle ever since. As the youngest of four sisters, I grew up attending dairy shows and helping care for calves almost as soon as I could walk. That history instilled a deep respect for the industry and showed me the commitment and passion it takes to be involved in dairy farming.
Do you remember when you thought to yourself, ‘I want to do this’?
A major turning point for me was Lawrence County Ag Day. Presenting at that event is a tradition in my family, and six years ago I finally had the opportunity to present myself. Bringing my cow Grace to teach hundreds of third-graders about dairy made me realize how much I love educating others and advocating for agriculture.
At your family’s home, how involved are you with the dairy operation?
I am actively involved, especially during agritourism events where I help prepare animals and interact with visitors. I also grew up caring for and showing dairy cattle through 4-H, which taught me responsibility and hands-on animal care.
You’re still very young, but have you seen changes in the industry?
Yes, even at a young age I’ve noticed changes in how much emphasis is placed on consumer education and transparency. There is a growing need for producers to share their story, which has reinforced my desire to be involved in outreach.
As someone who is familiar with what it takes to operate a dairy farm, what is something you would like consumers to know? Maybe something the public isn’t aware of when they grab that gallon of milk or cottage cheese at the store.
I want consumers to know that dairy farming involves a tremendous amount of care, time, and dedication. Dairy farmers are deeply committed to their animals and producing safe, nutritious food.
What are you studying at Purdue and what is your future career plan or goal?
I am studying Agribusiness at Purdue University. After graduation, I plan to earn a teaching license, become an agriculture teacher, and hopefully serve as an FFA advisor while remaining involved in the dairy industry. I attended Bedford North Lawrence High School where I was very active in FFA. I served as chapter president and competed in numerous contests while earning my Hoosier Degree. I have been involved in 4-H throughout my youth, showing dairy cattle, dairy beef steers, and registered Pygmy goats. Now that I have aged out of 4-H, I am serving as an Indiana 4-H judge and volunteer.