MOUNT OLIVE – University of Mount Olive senior Hannah Loftin has been selected as the 2024 National Brown Swiss Youth Ambassador.

This prestigious honor recognizes Loftin’s dedication to agriculture and her commitment to youth education.

Loftin, a double major in agriculture education and business from Troutman, NC, has been actively involved in agriculture since childhood through her work in 4-H and FFA.

Her selection as the National Brown Swiss Youth Ambassador is the culmination of years of dedication to the Brown Swiss breed and the broader agricultural community.

“Most of my spare time is spent on dairy cow shows, as I show all across the state, into Virginia, South Carolina, and nationally,” Loftin said.

The National Brown Swiss Youth Ambassador is a highly competitive role, with only one ambassador selected annually from across the United States.

As the ambassador, Loftin will represent the Brown Swiss breed at national shows and events, manage social media platforms to engage and educate youth, and lead fundraising efforts to support the National Brown Swiss Youth Association.

She will also travel to major national events, including the All-American Dairy Show in Harrisburg, PA, the World Dairy Expo in Madison, WI, the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, KY, and The Heart of America in Stillwater, Ok.

“I love traveling, and I am looking forward to that, but I am most looking forward to meeting new people, especially our Brown Swiss Juniors,” Loftin said. “I am beyond excited to have been selected for this role. This is a dream I’ve worked toward for many years, and it’s an incredible opportunity to combine my passion for dairy cattle, education, and youth development.”

Loftin’s journey toward becoming an ambassador began in March with a rigorous application process, followed by an in-person interview at the National Brown Swiss Convention in Green Bay, WI. Her leadership and passion for agriculture education shone through, impressing the judging panel and ultimately earning her the title.

Although Loftin did not grow up on a farm, she says, “I sure found my way there as fast as I could.” Both sets of her grandparents were farmers where cattle, layer chickens, hogs, and row crops were grown. “My grandparents are why most of the cows I own are either Brown Swiss or Ayrshire,” she said. Loftin and her dad have a small hobby farm, which is home to more than 15 show cows that she says are, “Spoiled rotten!”

Loftin’s interest in agriculture education as a career dates back to her middle school years when she participated in “Wake Up to Ag Day,” an annual event in Iredell County that teaches kindergarten students about the importance of agriculture. This formative experience, coupled with her involvement in 4-H and FFA, inspired her to pursue a career as an agriculture educator. “When I saw how little people knew about where their food comes from, I knew I wanted to teach agriculture and make a difference,” she said.

In addition to her ambassador duties, Loftin is an active leader at UMO, serving as a Teach Ag Ambassador and participating in the Animal Science Club and Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) events. She has earned numerous awards, including the American FFA Degree, NC 4-H Honor Club Membership, and the prestigious Charles “Trip” Bopp Memorial Award.

UMO faculty and staff have been instrumental in helping Loftin pursue her goals. “UMO has provided me with opportunities to grow and meet incredible people in the agriculture industry,” she said. “I feel well-prepared for my future, and I look forward to continuing to inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders.”

After graduating in May 2025, Loftin plans to teach agriculture at the middle school level and ultimately open an educational creamery. Her long-term vision is to create a space where students and families can learn about dairy farming, from cow to cream.

“UMO is preparing me for these goals by teaching me what I need to know in my courses, but also by presenting me with opportunities to do incredible things and to meet incredible people within my career pathway and in the agriculture industry as a whole,” Loftin said.

Loftin is the daughter of Neal and Tonya Loftin and sister to Brittany.