Meet the Hard-Working 2026 Southeast Dairy Ambassadors
Kassidy Gantos from Gibsonville, NC: Running Creek Academy and NCSU Agrisciences Academy High School
Favorite dairy product: Yogurt and Cheese!!
I’m Kassidy Gantos from North Carolina. I’m currently a high school senior, and I plan to attend Virginia Tech to pursue a career in large-animal embryology. I love all things dairy, judging, showing, and fitting. I’m excited for the opportunity to work alongside fellow ambassadors across the Southeast and with The Dairy Alliance. I can’t wait to spend this year traveling, promoting, and sharing my love for all things dairy!
Jaylee Bennett from Millen, GA: Jenkins County High School
Favorite dairy product: Butter
I’m Jaylee Bennett from Georgia. I am a junior at Jenkins County High School and a member of my school’s FFA officer team. I also own 20 registered Jerseys, and I am the 3rd generation of my family involved in the dairy industry. I enjoy showing my animals at shows and fairs across the southeast. One of my favorite parts of showing is teaching others about where milk comes from and what other products come from our cattle.
Pace Nelson from Buford, GA: Berry College
Favorite dairy product: Chocolate Milk
I’m Pace Nelson from Georgia. I am an animal science production student at Berry College, and I am passionate about the science and sustainability behind dairy production. I love connecting data and animal health to make decisions that improve cow well-being and productivity. I value the contribution dairies make in feeding communities. I hope to help educate people on the healthy and sustainable food that bridges the gap between producers and consumers.
Callie Collette from Chuckey, TN: Walters State Community College
Favorite dairy product: Ice Cream
I’m Callie Collette from Tennessee. From an early age, I have been actively involved in agriculture, showing dairy cattle and learning firsthand the responsibility, discipline, and pride that come with caring for livestock. In 2023, I was honored to be named the Tennessee Jersey Princess, an experience that allowed me to advocate for the Jersey breed and promote the dairy industry to the public. I am committed to continuing my family’s agricultural legacy while supporting the future of dairy farming through education, leadership, and stewardship. I am currently a college freshman majoring in animal science, hoping to pursue a career in animal nutrition.
Samantha Price from Warner Robins, GA: Houston County High School
Favorite dairy product: Frozen yogurt
I'm Sam Price from Georgia. I am a senior at Houston County High School, where I raise all the calves on our school farm, keeping track of all the babies and monitoring all the other calves on the farm. I also help manage the breeding program, and I get to work with vets quite often and learn the ins and outs of proper vet care. I have always wanted to be a veterinarian, and I plan to pursue this in college, specializing in large animals.
Emma Davidson from Oakland, KY: Western Kentucky University
Favorite dairy product: Ice cream
I’m Emma Davidson from Kentucky. I am a junior at Western Kentucky University, majoring in Agriculture with a concentration in Animal Science. I have been working at the WKU dairy for 3.5 years. I am the president of the Block and Bridle club, a part of the Block and Bridle Dairy show string, and a member of Sigma Alpha Sorority. I thoroughly enjoy every part of the dairy industry and what it has to offer.
Lily Bailey from Lancaster, SC: Andrew Jackson High School
Favorite dairy product: Ice Cream
I’m Lily Bailey from South Carolina. I’m involved in 4-H and FFA and am an active participant in the 4-H Dairy Heifer Project. The moment I walked into a show ring for the first time, I knew I had found where I belonged. I learned to milk cows a couple years ago and now have my own dairy cattle. I’m so thankful that I have finally found my passion for the dairy industry!
Grace DeBusk from Riceville, TN: South College
Favorite dairy product: Ice Cream
I'm Grace DeBusk from Tennessee. I grew up on a small family farm where we raised dairy heifers, beef cattle, and sheep. I show all species of livestock through 4-H, but most importantly, dairy. My love for dairy cattle started when I was in 2nd grade, and I had my first Jersey heifer to show. During my time in 4-H, I have had countless opportunities to advocate for agriculture, especially dairy, through farm city days and festivals. I look forward to advocating for the dairy industry this year with The Dairy Alliance!
Anslee Boyd from Starkville, MS: Mississippi State University
Favorite dairy product: Chocolate milk
I am Anslee Boyd from Mississippi. I am a master’s student at Mississippi State University with a strong interest in agricultural policy and regulatory affairs. Through my academic and professional experiences, I have developed a passion for connecting research, on-farm realities, and policy outcomes. After graduating in May 2027, I hope to pursue a career in agricultural policy, advocating for practical, producer-focused solutions that support a strong and competitive dairy industry.
Ayla Janney from Broadway, VA: Virginia Tech
I’m Ayla Janney from Virginia. I am a sophomore at Virginia Tech, majoring in Dairy Science and Animal & Poultry Science. I grew up on a dairy farm, and I show Holsteins and am involved in dairy judging at the state and national levels. I want to give back and support the industry that has given me so many opportunities, and I am excited to advocate for the Southeast and my home state of Virginia.
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