Indiana Dairy FarmHER Prepares for Indy 500 Milk Tradition

Ashley Stockwell discusses representing dairy farmers during one of motorsports’ most recognizable traditions.

HUDSON, INDIANA (RFD News) — One of motorsports’ most recognizable traditions returns this weekend as dairy farmers prepare for the annual Indianapolis 500 milk presentation.

The tradition dates back to 1936 and gives dairy farmers the opportunity to present milk to the winning driver following the race.

Dairy farmer Ashley Stockwell joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to discuss the experience and what the moment means both personally and professionally.

“It’s been a whirlwind of experience, a lot of emotions, high and low. Just humbled and blessed that I get to do this.”

During her conversation with RFD News, Stockwell discussed her third-generation dairy operation while also sharing what it means to take part in a tradition tied closely to her home state of Indiana.

“It’s a lot of behind-the-scenes training, we’ve got to get ready for all the things coming up. Other than that though, it’s just being able to tell our story,” She continued, “We’re a family just like you and everybody. We have a family farm that happens to produce dairy so we can feed the world.”

She also spoke about the preparation that goes into serving as a milk presenter and why the event represents more than just motorsports for dairy producers across the country.

Related Stories
The Midwest event will feature hundreds of horses and offer nationwide bidding access to participants
A young exhibitor bring years of work and family tradition to the annual event.
From barns to show rings, producers and students say that livestock events offer economic opportunity and life lessons. Let’s take a look at some shows across the southeast in Georgia, Virginia and Louisiana.
Held each year in Mercedes, the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show remains a cornerstone event for the region — blending education, competition, and community, even during challenging times for agriculture.
TYM North America unveiled two new Series 5 tractor models at the National Farm Machinery Show and announced an exciting new partnership for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Brad Anderson with AARP joined us to preview AARP Live and discuss the importance of disaster preparedness and family planning.
North Dakota FFA President Cole Anderson joins us to discuss the upcoming state convention, leadership lessons, and what FFA means to students across the state.
Fred Nichols with Huma joins us to discuss the 4 R’s of nutrient stewardship and how farmers are adapting best practices in today’s evolving ag economy.
USDA officials are increasing surveillance and sterile fly dispersal efforts as New World screwworm cases continue growing in Mexico near the Texas border.
Firefighters continue battling multiple wildfires across southwest Kansas as drought conditions fuel fire danger and raise concerns about additional cattle herd liquidation.
Dave Walton with the American Soybean Association joins us to discuss China’s new ag purchase commitments, E15 policy concerns, and spring planting conditions.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
SharkFarmer TV is the brainchild of Rob Sharkey, a 5th-generation farmer from Illinois. He shares the stories of incredible people in agriculture—both their successes and perhaps a few blunders along the way. You’ll see aerial footage of the field just as the drone crashes into a barn—and hear the story behind it all.
Experts from the University of Nebraska Medical Center discuss health and how it impacts farmers, ranchers, and rural Americans on this special LIVE call-in show.
Discover the untold stories of farm families across the United States as they face tough decisions, adapt in unexpected ways, and fight to secure a future — for the next generation to carry on the farm. This unscripted documentary-style TV show follows the lives of ambitious farmers from diverse backgrounds across the US, highlighting the challenges, triumphs, and unique stories of these farmers as they navigate the world of agriculture.
“Positively Paula,” is a nationally-syndicated lifestyle/food show that invites viewers to share a moment with their friend: Paula Deen, who we know and love.
“Small Town, Big Deal” follows hosts Rodney Miller and Jann Carl across the country as they scour rural America for the best stories of faith, hope, patriotism, and good common sense that our small towns and farming communities have to offer.