The 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 is May 25. Milk has been given to the winner of each 500-mile since 1936, when driver Louis Meyer asked for buttermilk after his third-time 500 victory.

The American Dairy Association of Indiana (ADAI)’s Rookie + Veteran Farmer Program has sponsored the post-race drink of milk since 2005 with designated “Milk Persons” conveying the “Winners Drink Milk” tradition. A milk selection committee accepts nominations of other dairy farmers from any of the state’s 700 Indiana dairy farms.  An Indiana “Rookie” is selected each year. That person spends the first year in training and delivers bottles of milk to the winning team owner and chief mechanic. The following year, the Rookie becomes the official Milk Person and is given the honor of handing a bottle of ice-cold milk (fat-free, 2 percent or whole) to the winning driver of the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

For the second time since the program was established, two women dairy farmers will present milk in the Indy 500 Victory Circle. Coincidentally, the two dairy farms are only 12 miles apart – representing Steuben and Noble counties. Both dairies are comprised of a majority of Holsteins, along with Red and White Holsteins and Jerseys. Their milk is processed through Dairy Farmers of America (DFA). The dairy farmers represent their colleagues’ hard and dedicated work to bring this nutritious drink to so many. 

The 2025 Rookie Milk Person is Ashley (Thieme) Stockwell, originally from Adams County, Ind., raised on a five-generation grain farm.  Ashley, with her husband, Kyle, and their four children Konner (10), twins Kyra and Karter (8), and Kooper (7), run Stockwell Farms in Hudson, Ind., which is a third-generation dairy farm.

Ashley handles the farm finances, works off the farm, and stays busy with running the four kids around to all their activities. Stockwell Farms milks on average 750 cows three times a day using a double-eight parallel parlor. “Dairy farming is 24/7, but I’m thankful that we’re able to produce the nutritious dairy products that we are able to make and raise my family on a dairy farm as well,” Stockwell said.

“There is so much emotion and history with the Indy 500 and dairy,” she said. “I am excited to be a part of it and just looking forward to embrace the moments. I wish the best to all 33 drivers.”

This year’s Milk Person is Abbie (Hicks) Herr, of Herr Dairy Farm, Kendallville, Ind. Abbie works together with her husband, Steve, and their two daughters, Alexis (12) and Sadie (10), who are now the fifth generation, on their dairy farm. Abbie grew up on a smaller-scale dairy farm in South Whitley, Ind.  Steve’s family continues to be a large part of their operation.

Herr Dairy Farm milks on average 400 cows, using eight robotic milking systems. The farm is calving about 35 a month, which is Abbie’s main responsibility. Herr commented, “I love the babies the most and enjoy watching the family lineage from having raised their moms. The girls alternate naming the calves (and sometimes fight over it). They help with chores every day by my side.”

Herr is a genuine ambassador for the ADAI. She loves the dairy life and takes pleasure in educating the public. Herr provides hands-on tours at the farm, along with virtual tours via Facebook and posts on Instagram.

“I always like to say that milk is in my blood,” she said. “I love being a dairy farmer. It’s something I’ve always been passionate about. It’s my hobby, but it’s also my way of life.”

Her two home-schooled daughters have the same sentiment and think it is very cool what their mom has accomplished. They are both looking forward to attending their first Indy 500, especially watching mom present the milk.

“I have been honored the past several years representing Indiana dairy farmers, telling our farm story, and teaching others where food comes from,” Herr said. “I believe dairy farming and racing have a lot in common – hard work, dedication, and determination – it takes a crew.”

Her parting words were, “Grab that gallon of milk and toast with the winning driver on race day!”