Indiana dairy farmer Ashley Stockwell will hand the traditional bottle of milk to the winning driver at the Indianapolis 500, according to a May 21 announcement. Stockwell, who manages Stockwell Farms in Hudson, Indiana, said representing nearly 700 Indiana dairy farm families is humbling and that being a female representative is especially meaningful for her family and their farm.
The presentation of milk in victory lane has been an Indy 500 tradition since 1936. Brooke Williams, director of communications for American Dairy Association Indiana, said the tradition began when three-time winner Louis Meyer requested buttermilk after his victory. “One in every 1,000 people in the U.S. tune in to watch the Indy 500 on Memorial weekend,” Williams said.
In recent years, the race organization created a program selecting one rookie and one veteran Indiana dairy farmer each year to represent their industry during race festivities. Jenni Browning, CEO of American Dairy Association Indiana, said: “Part of what makes the Indy 500 so special is that they hold these traditions very close. They love the milk, and they love the dairy farmer.” Browning also explained that serving as a milk presenter involves multiple years of public appearances and media interviews tied to promoting agriculture.
Stockwell joined her husband’s third-generation dairy operation seventeen years ago after growing up on a row crop farm. She described her excitement about being chosen as this year’s rookie presenter: “When I got the phone call, I actually laughed…I thought it would be such a great opportunity to represent.” On race day she participates in early morning interviews before moving around Speedway events with other presenters while keeping tight security on ice-cold bottles prepared for drivers’ preferences.
This year’s event highlights women in agriculture. “People say there are more and more women in agriculture now…But I also think there are more women telling their story,” Stockwell said. She added: “My goal is to be a voice for others and encourage women to tell their story too.”
Browning reflected on how handing over milk has grown into something symbolic: “The milk represents human achievement and celebration,” she said. The moment connects millions of racing fans with farming families behind one of motorsport’s most recognized traditions.
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