2024 Award Winner: Doris Mold
Doris Mold was recognized by the group for her exceptional leadership and involvement in Minnesota’s dairy industry.
Throughout her career, Mold has been an influential advocate for the dairy community and helped educate millions about agriculture, primarily through the iconic Moo Booth at Minnesota’s State Fair. The fair’s nearly two million annual attendance in 12 days makes it the highest daily attended fair of any in the country.
Mold founded the Moo Booth in 1991 after recognizing the need for a greater focus on agricultural education.
“Most people don’t have a farm to visit or a farmer in their family, but they’re curious about where their food comes from and want to be connected to agriculture,” Mold said. “I recognized this from the visitors we had at the Milking Parlor during the fair, and I knew there was a need for more ag education, which led to the creation of the Moo Booth.”
The Moo Booth has grown and transformed over time into a dynamic educational experience and a prominent attraction at the state fair.
Mold is passionate about educating the public and sharing her knowledge through the booth.
It gets people talking and thinking about where their food comes from and helps create an understanding and appreciation for farming and the whole farm-to-consumer food chain, she says.
Since founding the Moo Booth, Mold has reached hundreds of thousands of people at the fair and millions indirectly through media appearances.
Mold’s passion for agriculture education extends to her involvement in other organizations and ag-related activities. As a state-winning Dairy Quiz Bowl coach, long-time 4-H leader and FFA volunteer, she’s had the opportunity to serve as a mentor to many.
“Watching young people, I’ve had the chance to work with over the years continue to progress and find success in agriculture is extremely rewarding for me,” she said. “It’s important to me to support them on their journeys. I had mentors at a young age, and now it’s an honor to be that for others.”
In addition to her work at the Moo Booth and mentoring young people, Mold is dedicated to supporting other women in the agricultural community. She co-founded the Women’s Agricultural Leadership Conference, which celebrated its 26th event this year. She is also actively involved in the Cultivating Resiliency for Women in Agriculture program, which focuses on coping with stress.
“Minnesota Milk is proud to honor Doris with this award for her outstanding achievements and dedication to the agricultural community,” Garrett Luthens, the association’s board president, said. “We thank her for her educational efforts that have had an incredible impact on the dairy community.”
