A Cortland County teenager has earned a prestigious spot on the 2026–2027 New York State Dairy Ambassador team, making her only the second person from the county to achieve the honor in the past 12 years.

According to the American Dairy Association North East (ADA North East), Christiana Borst of Cortland County was selected as a 2026–2027 New York State Dairy Associate Ambassador during a ceremony held Saturday (February 21) at the Craftsman Inn in Fayetteville, New York. Borst joins Hannah Wieboldt of Orange County, who was named the New York State Dairy Ambassador, and Kierra Knobloch of Cattaraugus County, who was also selected as an Associate Ambassador.

As an Associate Ambassador, Borst will help promote New York’s dairy industry by attending public events and educating consumers on the nutritional benefits of milk and dairy products, sustainable farming practices, and the importance of dairy to the state’s economy. She will also receive a $1,500 scholarship as part of the honor.

Wieboldt, who previously served as Orange County Dairy Ambassador since spring 2025, takes on the top role as the 63rd dairy promoter selected to represent New York State’s dairy industry — a distinction that dates back to 1963. As the state’s lead ambassador, she will receive a $2,000 scholarship and an internship with ADA North East. Her appointment marks the end of the yearlong term of Olivia Shawley of Cattaraugus County.

As reported by CNY Central, New York State is one of the nation’s top dairy producers, with 2,800 licensed herds producing more than 16 billion pounds of milk each year. The state ranks fifth nationally in milk production and is the largest producer of yogurt and cottage cheese in the country, according to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

The Dairy Ambassador program, overseen by ADA North East, is designed to build communication, leadership, and professional skills in young people passionate about agriculture. Ambassadors take part in expert-led sessions covering public speaking, social media, team building, and leadership, and they participate in statewide promotions and events throughout their term.

Borst, Wieboldt, and Knobloch will begin carrying out their ambassador duties immediately, with their term running through 2027.