Minnesota Dairy Princess Edition

Dairy St r

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May 9, 2009

More than a crown and sash Mussman passionate about Princess Kay responsibilities

By Krista M. Sheehan Staff writer CLAREMONT, Minn. – Kristy Mussman admits that at the Princess Kay of the Milky Way coronation last August, some of her biggest concerns were related to tripping on stage, ripping her dress or having a heel break. But since the moment the crown was placed on her head, Mussman has realized her experiences and responsibilities as Princess Kay are more important than worrying about wardrobe malfunctions or being considered royalty.

“I want people to know it’s not just about wearing a crown and sash,” Mussman said about her role as 55th Princess Kay of the Milky Way. “It’s being an ambassador for what my family and I do everyday.”

For the past nine months, Mussman has not only shared the dairy farming story of her parents, Mike and Julie, but the stories of the nearly 5,000 dairy producers in Minnesota.

Mussman said her first appearances as Princess Kay during the Great Minnesota Get Together opened her eyes to what the year would be like.

“During the state fair... seeing the support from consumers made my heart swell …” Mussman said.

And the support has grown exponentially. Since Labor Day, Mussman has made over 30 appearances ranging from the Corn Growers Association banquet and the Farm Bureau convention to the Peanut Butter and Milk Festival and the Central Plains Dairy Expo. But her favorite events have been the classroom visits.

“I never know if I’ll get the

photo by Krista M. Sheehan

Since August, Kristy Mussman from Claremont, Minn., has been promoting the dairy industry in Minnesota as the 55th Princess Kay of the Milky Way. Mussman said the title is more than wearing a crown and sash; it’s about telling the story of the nearly 5,000 dairy producers in Minnesota, including her parents, Mike and Julie. squirrelly kids or the ones that ooh and awe over my crown,” Mussman said. “Either way, they’re all so interested in what I have to say and that’s the key area of the industry … because you start good habits at a young age.”

Mussman is looking forward to working with more youth and consumers of all ages through summer events, especially during dairy month.

“June is going to be a wonderful time for not only me, but dairy producers across the state to get our messages out,” she said. “It’s our opportunity to tell our stories because they’re one in a million.”

photo submitted

Over the past nine months of her reign, Mussman said her favorite events have been classroom visits. Because developing healthy habits starts at a young age, Mussman said teaching kids about the benefits of dairy products is important.

One message Mussman continues to convey to consumers is the nutritional value of dairy products.

“They (dairy products) are something we really can’t put a dollar value on,” Mussman said. “What we have to give to our consumers everyday – providing the food and fiber of our world – is huge. We have a great product and it’s one of nature’s most perfect foods.”

As Mussman teaches others about the dairy industry and its products, she said she is learning and strengthening skills of her own. From working with the media and making several keynote addresses, Mussman said she has improved her interviewing and speaking abilities. But she has learned the most from the people she has encountered.

“Anyone I’ve met throughout the year – the other 11 Princess Kay finalists, dairy producers, agriculture enthusiasts – has made this a life changing experience,” Mussman said.

“I’ve made relationships with people who have the same interests and I’ll always remember those people.”

She’s also thankful for being able to rely on a network of support.

“I’ve learned you can’t do everything by yourself,” Mussman said. “It takes the hard work of many in order for good things to come about. There are a lot of people who worked really hard with me.”

Her professors understand her Princess Kay time commitment and her sorority sisters have been there to lend a helping hand. But her family – parents, Mike and Julie, along with sisters, Missy and Kelsey – has been the biggest support.

“They’ve bent over backwards to help me out and come to my appearances,” Mussman Mussman continued on page 24

Introducing Your County Dairy Princesses For 2009...

Page 2 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 9, 2009

Becker County

Parents: Fritz and Brigitte Balsiger Town: Lake Park What is your current status?

I am currently a senior attending the University of Minnesota-Crookston where I am majoring in animal science with a pre-vet emphasis.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

Cathy Balsiger I live in the small town Dairy Star Sponsor: of Lake Park, Minn. I come from a dairy background with Nereson ChevroletCadillac-Jeep grandparents on both sides of my family owning dairy Detroit Lakes, MN www.nereson.com farms. Today, our current 1-800-422-3317 operation consists of 1,350 cows.

Ever since I was little, I have been running around the dairy helping out with either Mom milking or Dad feeding the cows. Today, I focus mainly on the health and production of the herd, while also taking care of my own small string of show stock, consisting mostly of Brown Swiss.

My future plans are to graduate from college and attend veterinary school where I plan on focusing on dairy management and reproduction.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess because I wanted to represent the dairy farmers in Becker County and Minnesota. My number one goal is to educate the public about dairy products and their nutritional benefits through parades, interviews, and public events.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

Main concerns that consumers have about dairy products are the quality and freshness of the product they are buying. I would address this issue, pointing out the fact that dairy farmers work hard every day to produce fresh, healthy and wholesome dairy products. Dairy farms, creameries and milk processing companies strive for pride and commitment to eminence for the product as high quality goods are offered and brought to the consumer.

Parents: Roger and Anita Schaefer Town: Lake Park What is your current status?

I am a sophomore at Bemidji State University majoring in secondary education in the field of mathematics.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

I live on a family dairy Renae Schaefer farm where we milk between Dairy Star Sponsor: 28 to 32 cows in a tie stanAdkins Equipment chion facility. I am responsible for the evening milking Detroit Lakes, MN 218-847-4587 and any other miscellaneous chores that need to be done.

I am involved in FFA ,where I am applying for my American Degree. I also work at the Recreation Center on the Bemidji State campus as a front desk personnel and employee trainer. I am also active within the community of Frazee where I help my father with the VFW, putting up the Avenue of Flags and also the annual pancake breakfast on Memorial Day. I am a member of the President’s Commission at Bemidji State University.

I plan on becoming a secondary math teacher in some small rural town in Minnesota, getting married and having a family.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess because I believe that being a dairy princess is a great way for me to show what the dairy industry has to offer to everyone, whether you are a farmer or a consumer. It is also a great way for me to educate others about the dairy industry and the benefits dairy has on your health whether young or old.

Becker County continued

My main goal as a dairy princess is to educate people on the pride that dairy farmers have in raising their livestock and wholesome, nutritious dairy products for everyone to enjoy.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

One of the main concerns I think consumers have is the hormones used in dairy products. I would address this issue by telling them all the facts of the hormones and why some farmers use them, and let them know their products are safe for them.

Another concern for consumers is the prices of dairy products and why they are so high. I would explain to them why and let them know all the facts.

Parents: Roger and Anita Schaefer Town: Frazee What is your current status?

I am a robot operator and welder at BTD. Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

We milk 38 cows and crop farm.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one Rochelle Schaefer goal as a dairy princess?

Dairy Star Sponsor: I chose to run for dairy Adkins Equipment princess because all my sisters Detroit Lakes, MN have been dairy princesses.

218-847-4587 My goal is to get the word out about how dairy products are good for you.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

People don’t think they need dairy products in their diets. I would explain to these people how good dairy products are for you and why you need them.

Parents: Albin and Carol Warling Town: Audubon What is your current status?

I am student at Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Detroit Lakes.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

My family and I milk about 85 Holstein cows on our dairy farm. I enjoy taking care Alysha Warling of the baby calves the most.

Dairy Star Sponsor: In the future, I plan on Audubon Co-op helping out on the farm whenElevator & Feed Mill ever I can.

Audubon, MN Why did you choose to 218-439-6111 run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess because I want to promote the dairy industry. My main goal as a dairy princess is to teach kids the importance of eating 3-A-Day of dairy.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think the main concern consumers have about dairy products is they think they are fattening and not very healthy.

I would tell them that they actually are healthy and can help in a diet.

Benton County

Parents: Rob and Rose Beauchamp Town: Rice What is your current status?

I am 17 years old and a senior at Foley High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

We milk 92 Holstein cows and raise our own heifers and steers. We grow corn and wheat on 380 acres. I plan Kayla Beauchamp to attend St. Cloud State UniDairy Star Sponsor: versity in the fall and pursue a Arnold’s career in accounting.

Equipment, Inc. Why did you choose to Sauk Rapids, MN run for dairy princess, and 320-251-2585 what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to be a dairy princess to help people become more informed about the dairy industry.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think dairy consumers worry about the safety of milk and other dairy products due to fear of antibiotics and other substances in the products. I would assure them that dairy farmers take precautions to prevent contamination of their milk. Also, milk is tested before it is made into milk or other dairy products. We drink the milk and eat the products, so we want them to be safe.

Parents: Bill and Joan Brauen Town: Foley What is your current status?

I am currently a senior at Foley High School and will be graduating in May. I plan to attend Bethel University in the fall to pursue a degree in nursing.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

Sarah Brauen I have grown up on the Dairy Star Sponsor: farm. My family owns a Fluegges Ag 280-acre farm with 35 milkMora, MN ing cows from the Holstein, 320-679-2981 Brown Swiss, and Guernsey breeds. I have been involved with 4-H and FFA in my high school career, participating in showing cattle at the county and state fair. I plan to attend college to pursue a career in nursing before having a dairy farm of my own.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

Ever since I was little, I have always wanted to be a dairy princess. Now that I am older, I chose to run because of my dedication to the dairy industry. I am proud and honored to represent the dairy farmers of Benton County and I want to show the public my love for the farm. My No. 1 goal as a dairy princess is to educate the public about what goes on behind the scenes of dairy farming. I want the public to know what it takes to get milk and other dairy products from the cow to them.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I believe consumers are concerned about the safety of their products and the safety of animals. As a dairy princess, I would address these concerns by informing the public of the strict rules and guidelines farmers are held to. I would also encourage consumers to visit a local farm to witness the treatment of cattle. These are valid concerns that the public should be informed of.

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Benton County continued from previous page

Benton County continued

Parents: Mark and Pam Skroch Town: Rice What is your current status?

I am a senior at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School. I am involved with many band activities such as marching band, wind ensemble, jazz band and pep band. I am also involved in my community by playing my instrument at my church and being a religious Amy Skroch aide for kindergartners.

Dairy Star Sponsor: Tell us about yourself, Heims Milling Co. the farm you live and/or St. Cloud, MN work on, and your future 320-251-7033 plans.

I live on a farm about 10 minutes east of Rice. We milk 51 dairy cows and farm 438 acres. On the weekends, I feed cows in the morning and do other various chores on the farm. Whenever my dad needs help, I’m there. This fall, I plan on attending the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth for a degree in nursing or in the medical field.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess so I can proudly represent the dairy industry and help people become more knowledgeable about dairy. My main goal as a dairy princess is to raise the appreciation of dairy farmers. Many people don’t understand what it takes to have a carton of milk be on the shelf in the supermarket. Farming is a 24-7 job where people are underpaid and underappreciated.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

Some of the main concerns consumers have about dairy are that the product is not safe – that it has antibiotics in it.

In order to address this, I would tell the consumers about all the testing and care that the milk goes through before it can be made into a product. I would also tell them how milk is never touched by human hands from the cow to the store.

Parents: Brian and Bonnie Turnquist Town: Foley What is your current status?

I’m 18 and a senior at Foley High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

My family and I live on a 40-acre farm, milk only 10 cows now, but all together we have 24 head of cattle. My future plans are to go to college Carla Turnquist Dairy Star Sponsor: to become a day care provider Mike & Jill Eichler or registered nurse. I currently Dahlco Seed/ work at Subway, which is a Eichler Cattle fun place to work.

Oak Park, MN Why did you choose to 320-333-6521 run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I want to represent dairy farmers across Minnesota. I want to remind everyone that milk is an important daily part of a diet, and all the hard work dairy farmers put into it.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

If people think hormones are in products they are buying, I would tell them that the milk is tested before it is put out on store shelves.

Parents: Dave and Sandy Pietrzak Town: Foley What is your current status?

I am a senior at Foley High and will be graduating this year.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

I am the youngest of six girls and have lived and Katie Pietrzak helped on our farm my entire Dairy Star Sponsor: life. I mostly take care of the Gilman Co-op calves, but I also do anything Creamery from milking to feeding cows Gilman, MN oats and high moisture corn.

320-387-2770 I plan to attend college at Southwest Minnesota State University for journalism or physical therapy.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

Being a dairy princess is a tradition in my family. Most of my sisters were princesses. My goal as a dairy princess would be to let people know how much work running a dairy farm really is, make people more educated about dairy foods, and where products come from and the process they go through.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think that lately it has been the widening concern of whether organic foods/farming is better. Everyone I talk to seems concerned about if the dairy products they are purchasing are organic. I would address these concerns by telling them that organic farming and regular farming both have pros and cons and I would further explain my reasoning so they understand.

Parents: Brian and Bonnie Turnquist Town: Foley What is your current status?

I’m 18 years old and a senior at Foley High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

My family and I live on a 40-acre farm and milk 10-12 cows right now, plus young stock and some steers. I also Clara Turnquist work at Foley Nursing Center/ Dairy Star Sponsor: Heritage Center. My future Mike & Jill Eichler plans are to attend college for Dahlco Seed/ nursing.

Eichler Cattle Why did you choose to Oak Park, MN run for dairy princess, and 320-333-6521 what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

My reason for running for dairy princess is that I think there should be more kids and even adults who drink milk. I think they should offer milk for free when they buy a meal, and they should get the refills of milk for free. I know as a Foley student, I have to pay for extra milk if I want another one. I think that kids, for sure, and adults should be offered milk more often.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

They are concerned that their milk comes from a safe and clean source. When I say clean and safe source, I mean that not only the milkers (units) are clean, but the cows and the barn, too. The milk is safe because the milkers (units) have been rinsed, if washed with chemicals, and the cows have not had antibiotics before the milk is put into the tank.

It takes more than 21 pounds of whole milk to make one pound of butter.

Brown County

Parents: Ron and Penny Mohr Town: New Ulm What is your current status?

I am currently a freshman at South Dakota State University majoring in dairy production.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

My family owns and opVal Mohr erates about 320 acres of land Dairy Star Sponsor: and milks 45 Holsteins. After AMPI graduating from college with www.ampi.com my degree in dairy production, I plan to return home to the family farm. Eventually I would like to take over the dairy aspect of it and work towards my goal of breeding an exceptional herd of registered Holsteins.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

Being a dairy princess gives me the opportunity to share my passion for the dairy industry with others and also inform consumers about the importance of dairy in their diet.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

It is important for consumers to know that all dairy products are safe and wholesome.

Dairy farmers are committed to and take great pride in producing high quality milk. Also, all milk must comply with very stringent safety standards and is among the most highly regulated and safest foods on the shelf. It is because of this that consumers can feel assured that all dairy products are pure and nutritious.

Parents: David and MaDonna Sellner Town: Sleepy Eye What is your current status?

I am currently a senior at Sleepy Eye Public High School. I also work on my family’s dairy farm, Green Hills Dairy.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

My family and I work on Angela Sellner our dairy farm, Green Hills Dairy. We milk 60 Holstein Dairy Star Sponsor: cows, two Brown Swiss cows River Region Co-op of and operate 390 acres of land.

Sleepy Eye On the farm, I feed the young Sleepy Eye, MN calves and heifers. I also help 507-794-3001 with milking, bedding in the barns, and I make mating and breeding decisions. For myself, I am involved in 4-H, FFA, National Honor Society, MJHA, senior high band, senior high choir and school musicals. In addition, I enjoy judging and showing dairy cattle.

My future plans are to attend South Dakota State University in the fall and major in dairy production. My goal is to work in the A.I. and genetics field. From there, I want to work with registered Holstein cattle.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for a dairy princess because I am very proud to live and work on a dairy farm. My family and I love working with dairy cattle and providing a healthy, nutritious product.

As a dairy princess, I am able to share my knowledge and passion for the dairy industry with others.

My number one goal as a dairy princess is to promote and spread the message about dairy products and the dairy industry. I hope through my positive experiences on a dairy farm I can inform both children and adults about the importance of dairy products in their diet and also the work and dedication that go into producing dairy products.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

One of the main concerns that all consumers have is the quality of their dairy products. Many concerns arise from the

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Carver County continued

Carver County continued

welfare of dairy cattle to the nutritional benefits of dairy products. Consumers should feel safe about eating dairy products.

Dairy farmers strive to take care of their dairy cattle as well as producing a healthy product. In addition, the nutritional benefits of dairy products are numerous. Whether it be preventing osteoporosis or promoting weight loss, dairy products are good for everyone.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run again for dairy princess because I really enjoyed this last year being a princess and getting to promote my family’s business. I also liked getting the chance to inform many consumers about the dairy industry and the many benefits it provides them. My number one goal as a dairy princess is to keep educating consumers, especially children, about my family’s business and what we do. Children are the future and without them our industry will not survive into the next decade.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

One of the main concern consumers have about dairy products is the safety and quality of the products. To address this concern, I would tell them the dairy industry takes food safety very seriously. Throughout the years farmers and processors have worked closely with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the state regulatory officials to establish many safety regulations and practices. Some of them include the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, the Hazard Analysis and the Critical Control Point system. Before a product even reaches stores it goes through over fifteen different tests. If it fails any one of the tests, it is immediately discarded and never reaches the store shelves. So as a result American dairy products are among the safest and most highly regulated foods in the world.

Parents: Rich and Kim Hoen Town: Cologne What is your current status?

I am a senior at Waconia High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

My dad and his brother milk 80 cows on our farm right now and run about 800 acres of crop land. I do most Kelsey Hoen of my helping in the summer, Dairy Star Sponsor: unloading straw and occasion- Bongards’ Creameries ally doing morning chores Bongards, MN during summer break. Next 952-466-5521 fall I will be at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities attending the College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences. I hope to keep the family trade alive and further educate myself to the best of my ability.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

Being a dairy princess is something I have wanted to do since I was very little. I would admire the dairy princesses and wish I could wear the pretty crown and sash. My number one goal is to provide the children of our county a role model that I looked up to when I was little. I also want to help them learn more about dairy products and why they are so important to our health.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

Many dieters in America today still believe that consuming dairy products will do nothing to improve their waist line, but what they do not know is that they could be cutting out one of the most important food groups that keeps there bodies healthy and strong. Incorporating dairy into their diets with low fat or fat free dairy products provides the body with the calcium, protein, minerals and other essential nutrients it needs, while still keeping their calorie count low.

Carver County Parents: Rodney and Ann Boelke Town: Cologne What is your current status?

I am currently in my first year at the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minn. where I am pursuing a management major and a minor in accounting.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

Kindra Boelke Our farm is just outside Dairy Star Sponsor: of Cologne and we have a Prairie Farm Supply dairy farm with about 180 Belle Plaine, MN Holsteins. We like to keep 952-873-4234 busy between all the cows by riding four-wheelers on the field roads and helping dad outside. It’s a very nice place and you can always tell our farm because we have those nice, big Case IHs filling up our sheds.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I enjoyed this experience last year and I would love to learn more this year as well. I want people to see how farming is important to our community and if we take it away, it will be something very negative. Also, I want people to know that farming isn’t just a job, it’s a way of life.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

‘Are those products really the best quality?’

The products in the stores have gone through many processes, checks and tests to ensure that the product put on the table is the best quality. Also, farmers work very hard at the beginning stages to make sure their animals are producing good quality milk. Farmers also put a large amount of time into caring for their animals and making sure they are healthy and for receiving the best nutrition.

Parents: Tim and Patty Eiden Town: Chaska What is your current status?

I am currently a full time sophomore student at Winona State University pursuing a degree in nursing.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

Our family farm is located just outside Chaska.

Amy Eiden I have lived on our family Dairy Star Sponsor: dairy farm since I was born Waconia Farm Supply and have been helping out on Waconia, MN the farm since I was about six 952-442-2126 years old. We currently milk 54 Holstein cows in a swing eight unit parlor twice a day and farm about 160 acres. On the farm I help with milking, field work, feeding the calves and the cows. When I am not busy working on the farm, I enjoy working at the nursing home, baby sitting, playing sports, four wheeling, snowmobiling, or just having fun with my friends and family.

My future plans are to keep helping out on the family farm and finish pursuing my degree in nursing so I can become a registered nurse. I then plan on working in a hospital or clinic as a pediatric nurse.

Parents: Paul and Nellie Hennen Town: Cologne What is your current status?

I am a Carver County dairy princess and am currently in high school.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

I really enjoy living on a farm and helping out on the neighbor’s farm. I love to be Kimberly Hennen outside playing with my brothDairy Star Sponsor: ers and sisters or just reading Hastings Coop a book. I have always lived Creamery on a farm; my family used to Hastings, MN have a dairy farm, but now it 651-437-9414 is more of a hobby farm with steers. My dad works for my neighbor and I sometimes go to help him milk in the morning and at night. I really love it and hope to always live on a farm in the country.

My plans for the future are to go to Hennepin Technical College for photography for two years and then get a fulltime job as a professional photographer. Eventually, I hope to live on a farm of my own.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

The main reason I am running for dairy princess is because I have always enjoyed living and working on a dairy farm. It really interests me to see how much farmers are making with the size of their farms. I thought by being a dairy princess I could learn more and help to promote the dairy industry.

My number one goal as a dairy princess is to widen my knowledge of the dairy industry and to help teach others more about it.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think a lot of consumers would be worried about unwanted and harmful substances being added to the products.

They might worry about rBST or antibiotics.

I would assure anyone who asked me about this that the milk is tested and inspected several times to make sure it is not contaminated. I would explain that each farmer must get samples of milk tested so if there is a problem with the milk, the place where it is coming from will be known and it will get taken care of. I would also tell them a bit about BST and how farmers have papers to sign saying they will not use it and that BST is not as popular as it used to be; not many farmers use it anymore.

Parents: Steve and Sandy Siegle Town: Cologne What is your current status?

I am currently a senior elementary education major at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

I live on a dairy farm with my mom, dad and brother, Maria Siegle Jon. We milk 50 cows.

Dairy Star Sponsor: In college, competitive speaking is how I spend a lot First Minnesota Bank of Mayer of my time, as I have been a Mayer, MN nationally recognized compet952-657-2500 itor on our nationally ranked speech and debate team for the past four years. I love teaching, volunteering at a local elementary school through a study buddies mentor program, representing my college in the Gustavus Ambassadors program, and coaching a local high school speech team.

After graduating at the end of May, I plan to work through the summer. In the fall, pending acceptance to a program at Minnesota State University, Mankato, I will be starting a teaching job in conjunction with taking some credits toward my Masters of Education degree.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

The dairy princess program has always been of interest to me, and I feel at this point in my career, I have the knowledge and passion to represent the industry well. I grew up on a farm my whole life and I know how much work it is to feed and take care of animals, milk them, and harvest crops in order to maintain the integrity of the dairy industry in Minnesota.

My main goal as a dairy princess is simple, but of utmost importance – education. If we as dairy princesses can educate even one person to restore and maintain the enthusiasm and dedication to the dairy industry, we can ensure the Carver County continued on next page

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future of an industry that is contributing to and shaping our future in a number of ways.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

One major concern is the health benefits of dairy products. Dairy products are healthy for you. The 3-A-Day program asserts that you should consume at least three servings of dairy per day to maintain proper nutrition, and these products can even aid in weight loss, contrary to beliefs just a few years ago. Another concern is that for some children, they don’t like milk or some milk products. This concern can be easily addressed by informing the consumers of all of the milk products available.

Chisago County continued

industry is to the economy and how healthy its products are.

It is important that this industry stays alive and well. I chose to run for dairy princess because I hope to help promote this industry. My number one goal as a dairy princess is to reach out to others and tell them more about the wholesome product we have to offer.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

Some concerns people have about dairy products are their nutrition. With everyone being so health conscious, people are looking for everything to be low fat and healthy.

One thing that many people don’t realize is that dairy products are about as healthy as they can get. Whether it be cheese, yogurt or milk, they all have many different healthy options while staying flavorful and appetizing.

Chisago County Clearwater County

Parents: John Sandberg, Scott and Jan Pearson Town: Taylors Falls What is your current status?

I am currently attending Le Cordon bleu College of Culinary Arts in Mendota Heights, Minn. I try to help with farm tasks when time permits.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

Elizabeth Sandberg I am 18 years old and I Dairy Star Sponsor: have grown up on my family’s AMPI fifth generation dairy farm in www.ampi.com Taylors Falls, Minn. I remember some of my jobs as a little squirt were to feed the calves and bed them. As I grew, so did my jobs. They now include driving tractor and helping to milk cows with my dad. My current plan is to graduate in November of 2009 with my AAS in patisserie and baking, and go into the wedding cake business.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to be a dairy princess because I believe that not only the dairy industry, but the ag industry as a whole is one of the most important, if not the most important, industries to promote. My number one goal is to educate people.

Not only do some people not understand farm life and what goes on on a farm, but some people don’t know where food comes from.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

A) I think that one of the top concerns is the treatment of animals on a farm. I would address these concerns by stressing to people that a dairy farmer’s well-being rides on his or her cows. If they were not well cared for, they would not produce well.

Parents: Dale and Ann Sandberg Town: Taylors Falls What is your current status?

I am a Chisago County dairy princess.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

I live on a 50-head dairy farm with my parents and my three other sisters. I am a senior at Chisago Lakes High Jennifer Sandberg School and I am planning on Dairy Star Sponsor: attending the University of Federated Coop, Wisconsin-River Falls next Osceola County Store fall for dairy science.

Osceola, WI Why did you choose to 800-294-7661 run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run to be a dairy princess because I am very proud of our family farm. I know how important the dairy

Parents: Steve and Julie Norman Town: Shevlin What is your current status?

I am a sophomore at Bemidji State University pursuing a degree in elementary education. I work part-time as a cashier at Galen’s SuperValu, and part-time on my parent’s dairy farm.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or Stacy Norman work on, and your future Dairy Star Sponsor: plans.

Clearwater Throughout high school, County ADA I was involved in many activiShevlin, MN ties including speech, knowl218-968-2322 edge bowl, tennis, yearbook editor, theatre, choir, and 4-H. I am an active member in both my community and my church, participating in community theatre, choral activities and playing my trumpet at local Veterans Day and Memorial Day services. I am an AWANAs leader and a vocation bible school teacher. My family has owned our second generation farm for 56 years, raising Holsteins, Milking Shorthorns and some Jerseys. I plan to get my degree in elementary education and remain an active supporter of the dairy industry.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

Becoming a dairy princess has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. It is an honor to promote this industry and the producers who are so passionate about their work. My number one goal is to educate consumers about the care that farmers put into making these products that are not only safe, but high in nutritional value and taste great.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think the main concern consumers face is the safety of the products they buy. I would assure consumers that dairy products are among the most regulated foods in America, being tested before arriving at the plants, as well as several times throughout processing.

The natural yellow color of butter comes mainly from the betacarotene found in the grass cows eat.

Cottonwood County

Parents: Chuck and Suzanne Fast Town: Mountain Lake What is your current status?

Currently, I am a freshman attending Minnesota State University Mankato, majoring in dietetics.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

I am a freshman in college and live on a 500-cow Chelsey Fast dairy farm. We are currentDairy Star Sponsor: ly milking 430 cows and Miller Sellner farm about 1,400 acres. Bingham Lake, MN Our farm is family owned Phone: 800-705-6608 and operated. My future 507-831-1106 plans are to finish college and work within the dairy industry.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for Cottonwood County Dairy Princess because I enjoy representing the dairy industry and would like to make a difference in the Cottonwood County dairy industry.

My number one goal as a dairy princess is to inform people about the dairy industry. I do not think people understand what dairy farmers go through.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think some main concerns of consumers are what sort of antibiotics are being used in the products they are consuming. I think another concern is why dairy product prices are so high.

I would address these concerns by explaining to the consumer what goes on with the dairy products they consume and what is being used in them to keep people safe. I would also explain why the cost is high and give the reasons.

Parents: Dean and Elizabeth Johnson Town: Heron Lake What is your current status?

I am currently a freshman at South Dakota State University majoring in dairy production.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

My family owns and operates an 80-cow dairy farm April Johnson and farms 320 acres of land.

Dairy Star Sponsor: On the farm my main respon- Peterson’s Feed Co sibility is milking, but I also Windom, MN help with caring for calves (507) 831-2516 and keeping dairy records.

Off the farm I have been involved in 4-H, FFA, band, choir, National Honor Society, and the SDSU Dairy Club. I enjoy showing, judging, participating in 4-H Dairy Project Bowl, and working with dairy cattle. In the future I would like to work in the dairy industry as an Extension Educator as a dairy specialist, as a herdsman at a dairy farm, or for an A.I. company.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I wanted to be a county dairy princess because I am passionate about the dairy industry and I wanted to inform consumers about the importance of dairy products and the dedication of the farmers who produce these products. Another reason why I wanted to be a dairy princess is because I enjoy educating people about agriculture and the dairy industry. I also knew that if I promoted dairy I could directly impact people’s health and well-being.

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Cottonwood County continued

Dakota County continued

Douglas County continued

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

Consumers today are concerned with the well being of the cows, the care of the environment, and the safety of the products. I would reassure the consumer by telling them dairy farmers are committed to caring for the environment while providing them with safe, wholesome dairy products.

Also I would tell them that the dairy industry takes food safety very seriously. On the farm, the milking equipment is cleaned and sanitized daily. After the milk leaves the farm it undergoes many tests and is pasteurized to ensure it is safe.

And finally I would tell the consumer that dairy farmers live and work on their farms so it is important they care for their land for future generations.

lege and have gained more knowledge about the industry.

My number one goal is to educate people about the industry and to make a positive impression for the industry.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

That the products are safe to consume. I would address them by saying that the dairy farmers know their products are a vital part of consumers’ diets, so they do everything they can to produce a wholesome product in a humane manner.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I am excited to be a dairy princess so I can share my love of the dairy industry with others. Even though living and growing up on a farm is hard work, I am always eager to share with others my farm and the animals when they come and visit. I like to educate them on the care the cows receive and the whole process of how the milk gets from the farm to the store.

My number one goal as a dairy princess is to share the health benefits of dairy products. Dairy foods are the number one source of calcium in our food supply, which is essential to promote bone health.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

One consumer concern is that dairy products are fattening or make you gain weight. When in fact dairy products can actually help you lose weight as part of a balanced healthy diet. Dairy products are high in protein, calcium and other nutrients that are necessary in our diet.

Another concern that consumers have is how safe is dairy product safety. There are strict safety regulations in place from the farm to the store, which ensure safe dairy products for everyone. Dairy farmers take pride in producing the safest most wholesome product they can and do everything they can to make that happen from cow comfort and health, cleanliness of facilities, testing to ensure safe milk supply and more.

Dakota County Parents: Al and Beth Bester Town: Hampton What is your current status?

I am currently a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-River Fall, majoring in agricultural education and minoring in animal science.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

I live on my family’s 50cow dairy farm in Hampton. I Jessica Bester work there on the weekends Dairy Star Sponsor: when I can get home and I will be working there a lot Werner Implement Vermillion, MN this summer once the school 651-437-4435 year is done. My future plans right now are to get a degree and hopefully be able to teach agriculture. I also, would like to get my master’s degree to possibly do some Extension work.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess because the dairy industry is a huge part of my life and I would like to give back to all those dairy farmers who have worked hard to make this a great industry. Also, my goal is to just get out there and teach everyone what I know about the dairy industry.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I feel the consumers are concerned about what is put into making the milk. For example, the BST and other products that are given to the cows. I would address this issue by sharing; not all farmers give their cattle this and show that the cows are given only products that can be given without affecting the milk.

I feel some consumers just have the lack of education for what exactly goes into the milk and the milk production process. So I hope to address these issues and help more people understand what truly goes on.

Parents: Paul and Pat Trapp Town: Hastings What is your current status?

I am a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, where I am majoring in ag business and am a member of the softball team.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

I live on a dairy farm Jenny Trapp where we just raise our heifDairy Star Sponsor: ers. I work on River City Duane Fowler Dairy, where our milking River Country cows are housed.

Cooperative Right now, I am not sure Hastings, MN of what occupation I would 651-437-3527 like to go into, but something in agriculture.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I was a dairy princess last year, too, and I had a lot of fun doing it. I ran again because now I’ve had a year in col-

Dodge County Parents: Darren and Rachel Durst Town: West Concord What is your current status?

I am currently a senior at Kasson-Mantorville High School. I am 17 years old.

I am currently employed at Durst Bros. Dairy.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

I live on a small hobby Kayla Durst farm. I have two horses. I Dairy Star Sponsor: enjoy being and working Dodge Vet Clinic outdoors. The farm I work at West Concord & milks 1,400 Holstein cows, Dodge Center, MN three times a day. The farm 507-374-2125 runs approximately 3,000 acres of corn, alfalfa and canning crops. I plan to attend Rochester Community and Technical College in the fall, majoring is equine science.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess because growing up on a farm, I saw many kids who thought agriculture was not important to their everyday lives. My main goal is to promote the dairy industry within the community and to help kids understand where their food comes from.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think the main concerns consumers have about dairy products are the safety of the products that they buy. I would let people know that the products they buy are safe.

Douglas County Parents: Leonard and Jodi Hintzen Town: Carlos What is your current status?

I am a senior at Jefferson High School in Alexandria; I will be graduating in June.

This fall I plan to attend the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities majoring in animal science/pre veterinary medicine.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or Meg Hintzen work on, and your future Dairy Star Sponsor: plans.

Osakis Creamery I live on a fourth generaAssociation tion dairy farm in Belle River Osakis, MN Township, where we milk 38 320-859-2146 Holstein cows. We also raise our own replacement heifers and feeder steers. My farm duties include feeding the heifers, dry cows and calves. I also clean the cow barn and the calf barns. During the summer I help out with picking up hay, hooking up machinery and mowing lawn. In school I am active in band, choir, Pop Group/Carolers, theater and tennis. I actively participate in Douglas County 4-H as a county 4-H ambassador youth leader and club member. At the county fair I show dairy, beef and swine, along with building exhibits.

Parents: Robert and Roxanne Massmann Town: Osakis What is your current status?

I am a senior at Osakis High School and am currently a Douglas County Dairy Princess.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

I live on a dairy farm near Osakis with my family. I plan Samantha on attending college for speMassmann cial education and photograDairy Star Sponsor: phy.

Osakis Creamery Why did you choose to Association run for dairy princess, and Osakis, MN what is your number one 320-859-2146 goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess because I wanted to promote the dairy industry in my community. My goal is to be a role model to others and to promote the dairy industry by sharing my experience with it.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

A) I feel that many people are uninformed about all the nutrients and health benefits of dairy products. I would spread the information through the community and provide resources to learn more.

Parents: Ben and Jean Wagner Town: Brandon What is your current status?

I am a Freshman at the University of MinnesotaCrookston, with a major in ag business and communications.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

I live on a 38-cow organic Anna Wagner farm with Holsteins and some Dairy Star Sponsor: crossbreds. I’ve been very acOrganic Valley tive in 4-H, including being LaFarge, WI a state ambassador and being 888-809-9297 in state arts-in. In college I’m in cheerleading, Ag-Arma, Golden Eagle Dairy Club, choir, and campus ministry.

I’m also very involved in showing rabbits. My future plans include to obtain my bachelor of science in ag business and

Douglas County continued communications, and work in marketing in the dairy industry.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

Growing up, I’d always look up to the dairy princesses, and always knew I’d be one. I decided to run because I love the dairy industry and enjoy educating people about it whenever possible. My goal this year is to get my county more involved in doing school visits.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I believe the main concern among consumers is the safety of dairy products. Consumers want to ensure that they are getting a healthy, wholesome product. We can address this by telling them that dairy products have strict regulations and are among the safest food products available.

Faribault County

Parents: Mark and Mary Woitas Town: Minnesota Lake What is your current status?

I am a senior at Maple River High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

I’m very active in several organizations and groups including 4-H, FFA, Serteen, band, National Honor Society, cross country, track, speech Rita Mae Woitas Dairy Star Sponsor: and knowledge bowl. I enjoy Bucky’s Sales & Service being outdoors, rain or shine.

Frost, MN The farm my family and 800-788-6484 I live on is relatively small, but I’ve learned my biggest lessons from it. Currently, we are milking about 50 cows, primarily red and white Holsteins.

I will be attending Northern Michigan University this upcoming fall where I will be studying business and English.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

Why not run for dairy princess? By representing a county, I am exposing myself to people and events that can help shape my overall character. I would like to make a difference. Advocating chocolate milk’s benefits is my goal.

Chocolate milk it truly the ultimate sports drink.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I believe two of the biggest concerns for consumers are safety and cost. Safety is a concern in every aspect of life.

Specifically in the food industry, safety is a key concern.

Also, in this rough economic time, cost is floating on everyone’s mind. In some cases, the cheaper alternative may be chosen when pushing the cart at the grocery store in order to save a few pennies. As an industry, we need to instill the importance of dairy products in a daily diet and the benefits they offer to the youth, elderly and sports athletes.

Fillmore County Parents: Jerry and Diane Drinkall Town: Lanesboro What is your current status?

I am 18 years old and a senior at Lanesboro high School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

I am involved in 4-H, FFA, band, choir, SADD, and church youth group. My Stephanie Drinkall parent’s farm is 240 acres.

Dairy Star Sponsor: They raise corn, alfalfa and Plainview Milk oats. The dairy herd consists Products of Jerseys and Holsteins (all Plainview, MN registered). They also raise 507-534-3872 Black Angus beef. I plan on attending Crossroads College in Rochester, Minn., for youth and family ministry.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

To promote the dairy industry to the public. To inform our school age children and young adults, as well as all other adults that our products are wholesome, nutritious and taste great. Also, with so many choices, it is easy to get your three servings of dairy every day.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

The general public thinks dairy products are all loaded with fat. I would tell consumers that milk and milk products, including low-fat and non-fat are essential for a wellbalanced diet, good bone health and for successful weight loss programs.

Parents: Jeff and Carolyn Freese Town: Lanesboro What is your current status?

Currently, I am a senior attending Lanesboro High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

I am 17 years old, and I am involved with a variety of extra curricular activities Yvonne Freese including FFA (president two Dairy Star Sponsor: years), FCCLA (secretary), AMPI knowledge bowl, SADD, www.ampi.com school play, band (section leader), choir (president three years), church youth group, church choir, the Lanesboro Community Theatre, and Over the Back Fence Radio Show. I am also involved in the Fillmore County 4-H as an ambassador and as Fillmore County 4-H Federation reporter. I live and work on my family’s 65-head, 300-acre dairy farm. I have two younger brothers and two younger sisters. We are the first generation dairy farm started by my parents. On our dairy farm, we raise all of our livestock and crops. I plan to attend Northern State University in Aberdeen, S. D., pursuing a career in music education with an emphasis in vocal performance.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I believe that as a person involved in the dairy industry, I have a responsibility in promoting the dairy industry.

People are so far removed and misinformed in this age, that I feel obligated to convey the wealth that the dairy industry gives to Minnesota. The dairy industry not only has an economic value, but also produces dairy products that are valuable to our health and well-being. I feel that the public needs to hear this from me because I was raised on a farm and I have firsthand knowledge of dairy farming.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I believe that people are concerned about the nutritional benefits, safety of the animals, and the environmental impact of the dairy industry on the world. I would address these concerns by explaining the basic truths about dairy products. First, they are one of the most safe and tested products in the food industry. Secondly, dairy products are

Dairy Star • Saturday, May 9, 2009 • Page 7

Fillmore County continued

one of the most nutritional and healthy products in the market. Lastly, dairy farmers are environmental stewards and take excellent care of their animals.

Freeborn County

Parents: Matt and Sharon Wangen Town: Albert Lea What is your current status?

I am Freeborn County dairy princess.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

I live on my father’s farm of 40 head of Holstein cattle.

Next fall, I plan on going to the University of Minnesota Mary Wangen to study pre-medicine and Dairy Star Sponsor: Spanish. One of my goals in life is to promote healthy and Thermo King Sales & Service active lifestyles to everyone Albert Lea, MN around me.

507-377-1631 Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess because, as a dairy farmer’s daughter, the dairy industry has always been close to my heart. I am passionate about letting people know the crucial health benefits of dairy products and making them aware of how well our animals are cared for and treated.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I believe there are two main concerns consumers have about dairy products. One concern is the health benefits.

Many people feel dairy products are unhealthy and fattening. The other concern consumers have is that the animals are mistreated in the process of making dairy products. I would address these concerns by informing them of the many health benefits of dairy products, in detail. I would also work to make known the fact that our animals are cared for, as it is necessary to treat them well so they will produce profitable products.

Goodhue County

Parents: Mike and Hettie Carlson Town: Welch What is your current status?

I am a senior at Goodhue High School and am currently serving as a Goodhue County Dairy Princess and Miss Congeniality.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

I live on a 70-cow Reg- Amanda Carlson istered Holstein dairy farm in Dairy Star Sponsor: Welch. I am involved in 4-H, AMPI FFA, Minnesota Junior Holwww.ampi.com stein Association, and Family Career Community Leaders of America.

Besides working on the family farm, I am also a waitress, a hostess, and a receptionist at three establishments. After high school, I plan to major in marketing with an emphasis in agriculture and a minor in dairy science at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

A) I chose to run as dairy princess because I want everyone to love and have as much faith in the dairy industry as I do. As dairy princess, I hope to help consumers understand more about the industry in order for them to gain respect for it.

What do you think are the main concerns consum-

Page 8 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 9, 2009

Goodhue County continued from previous page ers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

Most consumers I converse with seem to worry about the animals’ and environment’s well being. In order to calm their fears, I would patiently explain how well-cared for the animals and environment really are. If possible, I would take the concerned consumer(s) on a tour of a well-managed farm and explain how this particular farm nurtures the animals and environment.

Parents: Dave and Kathy Huneke Town: Zumbrota What is your current status?

I am a senior in high school and I currently hold the position of Goodhue County Dairy Princess attendant.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

I have three siblings. I live on a 150-cow dairy with Tiffany Huneke 80 acres and we rent 130 acres.

Dairy Star Sponsor: Our farm is unique because we sell all of our calves and Brad Huneke Hoof Trimming we buy replacements back.

Zumbrota, MN I plan on attending Win507-421-8334 ona State University next year for human resources or something related.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run because last year in art class I overheard an argument between two guys where one was convinced that the term “cow” applied to males and females. I set the record straight and added the word bull to his vocabulary.

My goal as a dairy princess is to use my experience on the farm to inform the public about the dairy industry. Even in rural Zumbrota, misconceptions still exist, so I would like to change that.

Parents: Joel and Sarah Pettit Town: Zumbrota What is your current status?

A) I currently attend Zumbrota-Mazeppa High School and plan to attend Gustavus Adolphus College. I am currently a dairy princess attendant.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

Madison Pettit I live and work on my Dairy Star Sponsor: parents dairy farm, In-the-Blu GB Feed & Supply registered Holsteins. We milk Bellchester, MN 100 cows, and farm about 250 651-923-4425 acres. I plan to get my degree, meet a really nice (rich) guy, settle down with my family and get a really nice job.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I have always wanted to be a dairy princess, ever since I attended my first dairy princess coronation as a little girl.

My number one goal as a dairy princess is to reach out to as many people as I can to tell them what the dairy industry is all about, and the importance of including dairy in the every day diets.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think the current concern consumers have about dairy products is whether or not they are healthy. A lot of people assume all dairy products are high in calories and fat content. Consumers need more exposure to advertising campaigns such as 3-A-Day and Got Milk?, as they effectively educate people of the benefits of healthy dairy products, and that they are actually effective in aiding weight loss.

Houston County

Isanti County

Parents: Richard and Linda Johnson Town: La Crescent What is your current status?

I am currently a senior in high school. I will be attending UW-River Falls this fall to major in agricultural marketing and communications.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

I live with my family on our fourth generation family Labecca Johnson Dairy Star Sponsor: farm were we milk 120 Jersey Plainview Milk and Holstein cows. My fuProducts ture plans include running for Plainview, MN Minnesota State FFA Office, 507-534-3872 graduating from UW-River Falls with a degree in agricultural marketing and communications.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess because I have a passion and love for promoting the product that my family produces. I enjoy sharing the nutrition values of dairy products and educating others about the dairy industry and what we do everyday to provide the consumer with a wholesome, safe and nutritious product.

One of my goals as a dairy princess is to inform the public what dairy farmers across Minnesota do everyday. I want to inform the public that farmers are good stewards of the land, they care for their cows and they provide the world with a product that is essential in our daily diets.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

One thing that I think is a concern to the consumer about dairy products is the safety of our product. This is a concern that impacts each and everyone that consumes dairy products. As a dairy princess my job is to inform them that milk is one of nature’s most perfect foods.

Parents: Jim and Joan Gunnink Town: Princeton What is your current status?

I am currently attending Saint Cloud State University and in a couple years will graduate with my Bachelor of Science in nursing. I am also an Isanti County senior dairy princess.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future Carol Gross plans.

Dairy Star Sponsor: Sadly we recently got out East Central Dairy of the milking business and Supply are now raising dairy heifers.

Mora, MN It was a bit of an adjustment, 320-679-1029 but as long as we’re still involved in some part of the dairy industry, I’m happy.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I wanted to teach people about who we are and what we do. Most of the public doesn’t understand the commitment and pride that goes into our work every day. I also wanted to learn about more aspects of the dairy industry. I find it all fascinating and look forward to getting out and meeting all types of people. My number one goal as a dairy princess is to have fun with everything I do; there is no point in doing anything unless you enjoy it.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

The biggest concerns that people have about dairy products are the safety and nutritional value. The easiest way to alleviate these concerns is to let them know that we serve our friends and families the same products that they serve to their families.

Parents: Stan and Bev Meyer Town: Caledonia What is your current status?

I am a senior at Caledonia High School. I work part time at Merchants Bank and I am very active with helping out on the farm.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

I am 18 years old. I live Kellie Meyer on a dairy farm with my famDairy Star Sponsor: ily. I milk cows in the mornLange Consulting LLC ings and nights and also help (ANC) with other odd jobs on the Bob Lange farm.

Caledonia, MN Our farm is located a 507-450-6610 couple miles out of Eitzen where we milk approximately 110 cows.

My future plans are to still be helping out on the farm with my parents as much as I can. This fall I have plans to attend NICC in Calmar, Iowa, for the office tech-medical program.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess because I wanted to have the opportunity to promote my local community and the dairy industry. My number one goal as a dairy princess is to set a good example for the industry and to gain people’s interest in the dairy field and help support those farmers out there.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

The main concerns that consumers have about dairy products are having safe and healthy dairy products. I would address these concerns by first making sure my own farm does this and try to promote a healthy product through the ADA.

Kandiyohi County

Parents: Jim and Sue Schueler Town: Raymond What is your current status?

I will graduate in May with a two-year ag business degree and farm operation and management degree with an emphasis in dairy and agronomy. My future plans are to transfer for ag education and animal science.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or Emily Schueler work on, and your future Dairy Star Sponsor: plans.

D&D Ag Supply & I grew up on our dairy Construction and have seen it evolve from Pennock, MN milking 21 cows and raising 320-599-4466 steers to milking 55 cows on average and increasing our herd’s production one year at a time.

In high school I participated in FFA horse judging, public speaking, general livestock, ag sales and participated in many other events. I was also the reporter and president in my last two years of high school.

Now as a member of PAS (Post Secondary Agriculture Student), I have been involved in public speaking, career progress, employment interview and a board member for two years. I am currently helping my parents on the farm and also helping another dairy farmer.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I have been the Kandiyohi County Dairy Princess for three years and I am proud to serve the farmers of Kandiyohi County. My number one goal is to inform the public of the significance of dairy products and what dairy can provide for them.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

One main concern is that milk is fattening. According Kandiyohi County continued on next page

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Marshall County continued

to research, having a high-dairy diet, as opposed to having a low-calcium/low-dairy diet, actually will increase your ability to control calorie intake and help lose more weight, faster. You also need to remember that the total amount of calories has to equal the amount of exercise or actives you do throughout the day. Having a higher calcium intake will help in burning more fat.

How it was produced, and where it came from.

Production is a really big deal for many people. People like to be able to know how things were made, so they know what is all in it. Once you know how it’s made and where it came from people are not so afraid to buy and consume it.

To address this is to show people that dairy farmers are very concerned about consumers and are making the best decisions for everyone.

especially with the baby calves, milking, and haying season.

I hope to graduate with a master’s degree in occupational therapy and stay an advocate for dairy my whole life as I am learning how important getting the nutrients found in dairy products are for your whole body health.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run because I love traveling and meeting new people while promoting awesome products that I feel everyone should have the chance to learn more about. My main goal as dairy princess is education, especially where dairy products come from, the work it takes to produce them, and what they can do for your body and health.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

Right now I think the main concerns are the affordability of dairy products for the average family, especially milk. With people being more concerned about how they manage their finances, I would encourage consumers to not cut dairy out of their diets to save money as it is so important for health.

Instead, consumers should look for other ways to save, such as buying items on sale, using coupons, or buying things that you know you eat a lot of – like cheese or yogurt – in bulk.

Parents: Larry and Jean Urban Town: New London What is your current status?

I am currently living in Willmar and working. I am trying to save enough money so I don’t have to work my first semester at Southwest State in Marshall this fall.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

Bethany Urban My family milks about Dairy Star Sponsor: 55 cows on a farm outside of D&D Ag Supply & New London. I am very proud Construction of my farm and family. In the Pennock, MN future, I plan on becoming a 320-599-4466 zoologist. I love animals so I want to dedicate my life studying them.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to be a dairy princess because I love my farm.

I am helping not only my family but all other dairy farmers of Kandiyohi County by being their voice to the public. My number one goal is to communicate more with the public.

I want to tell them what my family does and how much we care for our neighbors, our land, future generations, and our cows.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I get many questions from consumers about antibiotics in dairy products. I tell them that they have nothing to be concerned about because all dairy products that they buy are antibiotic-free. At our farm, if a milking cow is on any antibiotics, we dump her milk out so it doesn’t have a chance of getting to the public. Also, at the dairy plant they test our milk and if any of it has antibiotics in it, the milk will get thrown out. We take many precautions because we want our consumers to have safe and healthy dairy products to enjoy.

Le Sueur County Parents: Robert and Carol Holicky Town: Le Center What is your current status?

I am a senior attending LeCenter High School. I am 18 years old.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

I work at James and Donna Hoefs’ dairy farm.

I help with setting up in the Anna Holicky parlor, milking the cows, and Dairy Star Sponsor: clean up. My future plans are Hoefs’ Dairy to go to college for massage New Prague, MN therapy or photography, maybe both. I haven’t determined yet which it will be.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess for many reasons.

Dairy is a very important part in everyone’s life, and I want to be able to show other people just how important dairy really is. Also I thought it would be fun to be a dairy princess, plus to be able to meet a lot of new people who care about dairy like I do.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

Parents: Dale Krekelberg and Patty Krekelberg Town: Le Sueur What is your current status?

I am currently a senior at Le Sueur-Henderson High School in Le Sueur and I will be graduating on May 31. I work as a lifeguard, waitress, and on the farm.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

Throughout high school, Emily Krekelberg Dairy Star Sponsor: I have been involved in tenDale and Patty nis, hockey, track, knowledge Krekelberg bowl, speech, band, choir, stuLe Sueur, MN dent council, National Honor Society, church, and 4-H. My favorite activity is 4-H, in which I am very involved with the dairy project as youth leader, superintendent, and dairy bowl team captain. I also really like showing dairy cattle.

My family owns a 100-acre farm outside of Le Sueur where we milk about 50 head and raise several heifers and calves. My plans for the future are to attend the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and pursue my Bachelor of Science degree in animal science with an emphasis in dairy production and industry.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess because I am so proud and excited to be a Minnesota dairy farmer. I am very passionate about cows and the dairy industry and just want to share it with the world!

As a dairy princess, my number one goal is to educate the public at large. Many people not from rural communities don’t understand the importance of the dairy industry and how much work goes into getting milk and other dairy products from the farm to the consumer.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I know many consumers today are concerned with how safe the food they and their families are eating truly is. I would address such concerns by explaining that all farms that produce milk used for consumer goods must follow certain guidelines and achieve specific levels of cleanliness.

Marshall County Parents: Gary and Laurie Polansky Town: Gatzke What is your current status?

I am currently the Marshall County Dairy Princess and a student at the University of North Dakota majoring in occupational therapy.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

I am 18 years old and grew up on a 150-head dairy farm (milking about 45) in the northwest corner of the state that my parents started when I was two years old.

I love working on the farm,

Rebecca Polansky Dairy Star Sponsor: Good-Vue Ayr Farms Goodridge, MN 218-378-4380

McLeod County

Parents: Tim and Ann Nix Town: Plato What is your current status?

I am a senior at Winsted Holy Trinity High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

I live with my family on a farm, on which we milk 50 registered Milking Shorthorns. I am planning to attend Southwest Minnesota State– Elizabeth Nix Marshall Dairy Star Sponsor: Why did you choose to AMPI run for dairy princess, and www.ampi.com what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I ran for dairy princess so I can educate children and adults about where their dairy products in the store come from.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

The main concern consumers have is about chemicals we supposedly put in the cows and milk. I would show them that this isn’t true, and I would tell them that if any chemicals are found in the milk, the milk is disposed of properly.

Parents: Charlie and Peggy Wilkens Town: Plato What is your current status?

Currently I am a senior at Iowa State University receiving my bachelor’s degree in dairy science. I will be graduating in the spring of 2010 then I plan on working in the dairy industry.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

Amber Wilkens I am 22 years old.My famDairy Star Sponsor: ily used to milk in a 25-head tie Roger & Peggy stall barn until 1996. Currently Engelmann I am working on Engelmann’s Engelmann Dairy dairy farm in Plato, Minn. My duties are checking for calves every hour, vaccinating calves and cows, temping fresh cows, along with checking their overall performance. Once I graduate in 2010 from Iowa State University, my plans are to work in the field for a semen company performing artificial insemination.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and

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what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for McLeod County dairy princess because I love to represent the dairy farmers of McLeod County. As a princess, I get to educate the less educated about the dairy industry through 3-A-Day products and telling the community who the people are behind the products.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

One key concern that many dairy producers are asked about is milk labeling (organic versus rBST free milk versus regular milk). Organic milk is no different from original two percent milk except in the way the cows are raised.

However, there are not just concerns between organic dairy farms, non-organic dairy farms there are concerns between BST treated cow, and non-rBST treated cows as well.

Cows that are treated with rBST are no different from cows that are not treated with BST, for it is a natural hormone that is present in all cows’ even organic cows. This would be one way to educate consumers about organic, rBST free milk and original milk. But, whatever milk the consumer chooses to drink is their own choice as long as they are consuming three servings of dairy products each day.

Parents: David and Becky Sprengeler Town: Plato What is your current status?

Currently, I am a freshman student at the University of Wiscinsin-Madison where I am majoring in dairy science.

I am involved with throughout the UW campus, such as Badger Dairy Club, the Association of Women in Agriculture, the Professional Sorority of Sigma Alpha (“Sisters in Agricul- Kristin Sprengeler ture”), as well as intramural Dairy Star Sponsor: athletic teams in basketball and Lange Dairy & Electric volleyball.

Glencoe, MN Tell us about yourself, 320-864-5575 the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

I am a 19-year-old student at the University of WisconsinMadison studying dairy science. I grew up on an 80-cow registered Brown Swiss dairy farm, along with my 16-yearold brother (Kyle) and 21-year-old sister (Ashley). We milk our cows in a 1970 double-six herringbone parlor and house them in a freestall. All family members on the farm are pretty flexible when it comes to performing chores, but for the majority of the time I feed the young heifers and baby.

I have been involved in 4-H. Not only do I exhibit cattle n the local level of competition but also have shown my animals at the Minnesota State 4-H show for seven years and open class shows for 12 years. 2008 was the first year I felt what it was like to be a showman at an international show – World Dairy Expo – where I placed second within the fall yearling junior show and took home Reserve National Bell-ringer honors. I plan to become involved with the dairy cattle judging team, and I also plan to graduate from UWMadison with a degree in dairy science by 2012.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

Dairy farmers are considered to be a minority in today’s country and few individuals have the opportunity to grow up on a dairy farm. To my understanding, the way I interact with the public has an effect on the opinions of consumers.

As for goals as a dairy princess, there are two major goals I have in mind. One goal being to connect to a more diverse crowd and trigger them to be more interested in what the dairy industry represents and the importance of it. Secondly, I aim to continue to develop my public speaking skills as I interact with various groups of consumers and producers.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I feel I have interacted with a surprising number of people who have no relation to any type of agricultural background or experience which are concerned with the treatment of animals. I feel these people’s concerns are legitimate and realize they have only been exposed to negative images through media portrayals. The best way to counteract the portrayals of “mistreated and dirty animals” is to allow them to have firsthand experiences with dairy animals.

I have introduced many people to their first real meeting with a very large farm animal. As they touch, and sometimes feed my cattle, I explain to them how we care for the animals on my farm and allow them to ask any sort of questions they may have.

also enjoy watching movies, shopping, and hanging out with friends. The farm I work on is my parents’. We raise black and white and red and white Holsteins. We milk about 62 Holsteins and run about 340-400 acres of land. My future plans are to finish up my degree in accounting within the next few years, and then I would like to find a full-time job at a business in the Twin Cities to work as an accountant.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess because I enjoy living on a dairy farm and I like being a voice when it comes to promoting the dairy industry. My number one goal is to inform children where all their dairy products come from and to educate the public about the health benefits you receive from consuming dairy products.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

Some main concerns consumers may have about dairy products could be whether or not dairy products are good for you and whether or not to buy rBST-free products. I would let them know that dairy farmers stand behind their products 100 percent. They eat and drink the same dairy products everyone else does. We dairy farmers promote our products because they are wholesome and nutritious.

Parents: Loren and Laura Olson Town: Hutchinson What is your current status?

I am currently 18 years old and a freshman at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities majoring in animal science.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

I was born and raised in Hutchinson, where my family Elizabeth Olson and I call Raylore Farm home.

Dairy Star Sponsor: Together we milk 45 Holstein First District cows and raise nearly all of our Association replacements.

Litchfield, MN Throughout my entire life 320-693-3236 I have been involved in the dairy industry both on and off the farm. Whether it was exhibiting in the McLeod County 4-H dairy show, running the Hutchinson FFA Chapter meetings as president, or attending countless National Holstein Conventions, I always have and will love being involved with the dairy industry. In the future I plan to obtain my DVM or Ph. D. and become a large animal veterinarian or a dairy science professor. I also would like to live on a small farm with Holstein heifers, raise a family, and coach a basketball team along the way.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

A) I chose to run for dairy princess because it would truly be an honor to represent a product I firmly believe in and “The People Behind the Product” that produce it. I have seen the countless benefits dairy products offer and I have seen the amazing people that work for the dairy industry on and off the farm. These aspects make representing the dairy industry a labor of love.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about the dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think the main concern consumers have is where their food is coming from and how it is being produced. Consumers want to know dairy farmers, what their farms are like, how milk is produced and more specifically, how cows are treated in the process.

First, I would point out that dairy farmers take pride in their profession. Secondly, I would reassure them that dairy farmers are first and foremost caretakers of their animals and their land, and then businessmen. Why else would we still have dairy farmers with $10 milk and today’s costs? Farmers know that a comfortable cow is a cash cow, therefore providing a healthy environment will result in high quality milk that not only helps the farmer but also the consumer.

Parents: Dennis and Janice Konerza Town: Silver Lake What is your current status?

I am currently a student at Ridgewater College in Hutchinson, where I am taking general classes. I plan on transferring to Mankato State University for a degree in accounting. I am currently employed at the Burns Manor Nursing Home in Hutchinson, where I work as a certified nursing assistant.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

A) I like to spend time with my family playing games ranging from kickball, all the way to hide and go seek in the barn late at night with the lights off. I

Cheryl Konerza Dairy Star Sponsor: AMPI www.ampi.com

Meeker County

Parents: Joseph and Karen Becker Town: Eden Valley, Minn.

What is your current status?

I am a student at South Dakota State University majoring in dairy production.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. A) My parents own and operate Becker Dairy Inc., with my dad’s brother and his wife. The farm Jessica Becker has 650 milking cows. When I Dairy Star Sponsor: make it home from college, I Centra-Sota take care of the youngest liveCooperative stock. I work with as many as Watkins, MN 100 calves up to eight weeks of 320-764-9635 age, feeding twice a day. While attending SDSU I am on the Track and Field team, competing in the 400-meter hurdles.

I am also in the Dairy Club and Collegiate 4-H. After school, I want to work on a farm, mainly with the young stock, and eventually working my way up to owning and managing my own farm.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess because I had been an ambassador for my county for a number of years, and I watched all three of my older sisters go through the princess program. When the time came for me to be a princess, I jumped on the opportunity. I enjoy being a part of the dairy industry and supporting it. My goal as a princess is to promote the industry in a positive manner, and to get more people to become consumers of dairy products.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I believe that people think that they aren’t getting a quality product when they choose dairy. Consumers don’t understand that dairy products are among the safest foods available. The truth is that consumers are getting a quality, safe, nutritious, and wholesome product. I would address those concerns by going out to the general public as a dairy industry representative and promoting how great dairy is as a food and as an industry.

Meeker County continued

Parents: Steve and Deb Heuer Town: Litchfield What is your current status?

I am currently attending Ridgewater Community College in Hutchinson. I am planning to continue my education to obtain my bachelor’s degree in accounting and become a certified public accountant.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

Danielle Heuer I still live at home while Dairy Star Sponsor: attending college. Our family Schlauderaff farm is about five miles south Implement Co. of Litchfield. My parents milk Litchfield, MN around 30 black and white 320-693-7277 Holsteins, with a few red and white Holsteins. Recently, my parents have put me in charge of feeding grain to the younger heifers.

I hope, once I obtain my degree, I can continue to work on the farm and continue the success we’ve had.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princes for one reason and one reason only: to promote the dairy industry. I want to share with the public that dairy farmers have a passion for producing wholesome, nutritious milk – that delicious, refreshing beverage packed with calcium and eight other essential nutrients provides excellent health benefits for everyone.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

Since the general public is becoming increasingly aware of the care of animals in many aspects of production, I feel that this is a concern that needs to be addressed. I would explain the process of milk production, and explain that the cows are well cared for. They receive regular medical care, checkups and vaccinations.

Dairy farmers depend on healthy cows in order to produce pure, wholesome milk. If the cows aren’t happy, no one’s happy.

Parents: Jim and Lisa Turck Town: Litchfield

What is your current status? I am currently a senior at Litchfield High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

I am actively involved in National Honor Society, Student Council, FFA and teach the Sunday School kindergarten class at my church. On my family’s dairy farm, we milk Jennifer Turck 55 head in a tie-stall barn. I Dairy Star Sponsor: help milk on the weekends Valley Dairy and in the summer everyday. I Supply, Inc. also feed calves, help bale and Eden Valley, MN stack straw and hay, and help 320-453-6695 do fieldwork.

In fall of 2009, I will be attending Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn. There, I plan to major in biology and take pre-veterinary courses. After four years at Gustavus, I’ll go on to veterinary school.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

Being a dairy ambassador for four years has been a great experience and has made me realize how immensely important and fun promoting the dairy industry is. As a dairy princess, my goal is to help the younger generations understand where their milk comes from and how significant the dairy industry is.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

One of the main concerns consumers have about dairy products is that if the product is about product quality. To address this concern, I would write an article in my school’s newspaper, or contact the local newspaper to do a story on the local dairy farmers. In the article that I would submit in my school’s newspaper, I would inform the reader that dairy farmers are experts at what they do because they do it for a living and it is in their best interest to produce a high quality product for consumers.

Morrison County Parents: Leif and Suzi Johnson Town: Upsala

What is your current status?

I am a senior at Upsala Area Schools. I am enrolled at Augsburg College for this fall.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I have discovered my passion to serve the less fortunate after going on two mission Nikki Johnson trips to Kingston, Jamaica. I Dairy Star Sponsor: hope to become a physician’s assistant and serve as a mis- Elm Dale Creamery & Locker sionary PA someday.

Elmdale, MN My dad milks with his 320-573-2607 brother and also raises heifers at his farm. I mostly help on Arnzen Construction/ St. Rosa Lumber the farm in the summer during 888-276-1751 the busy times in the fields, but I also help in the winter with other chores.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

Ever since I was little, I admired the dairy princesses in our county and at the state fair. I knew it would be a good experience and an honor to represent the dairy farmers in my area. My goal is to educate consumers about all the hard work that goes into producing dairy products and all of the benefits that come with consuming them.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think many consumers are concerned that dairy products are too fatty. Research has proven that this is not true. In fact, many dieticians recommend including at least three glasses of milk every day into their diet plan as a way to keep off weight and build up strong bones.

Parents: John and Bonnie Fruechte Town: Swanville

What is your current status?

I am currently a senior at Swanville High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I am very active in many school and community activities. Some of the organizations I belong to include 4-H, St. Tracy Fruechte Peter’s Youth Group, student Dairy Star Sponsor: council and National Honor Swanville Co-op Society.

I live on a 460-acre farm Creamery/Produce Swanville, MN on which we milk about 50 320-547-2455 dairy cows, feed out steers and also raise chickens and donkeys.

Upon graduating from high school, I plan to attend Minnesota State University-Moorhead to obtain a degree in elementary education with a minor in coaching.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I ran for dairy princess so I would be able to promote what my family does, to promote the dairy industry. As a dairy princess, I hope to inform people about the dairy industry and to promote dairy products to a wide variety of consumers.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I feel a main concern consumers have about dairy products is that they are high in fat. I would address these concerns by explaining how healthy dairy products really are and that studies have been done to show dairy products in a balanced diet help to promote weight loss.

Also, some consumers may be concerned about antibiotics in milk. When in all actuality, milk has to undergo a series of tests before it reaches the food chain, which assures consumers of a safe, clean product.

Dairy Star • Saturday, May 9, 2009 • Page 11

Morrison County continued

Parents: Kenny and Cindy Welle Town: Little Falls What is your current status?

I am a senior at the Little Falls Community High School. I have also been employed at Quiznos Subs for two years.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I am the youngest of four children. I live on the family Jenna Welle dairy farm northeast of Little Dairy Star Sponsor: Falls. On the farm, we milk 55 Sunrise Ag Cooperative head of Holstein cows, raise Buckman, MN our replacement heifers and 800-307-5346 feed out our steers. We own 240 acres and rent another 120 acres. On our land, we raise corn and alfalfa.

My plans for next year is to attend the University of Minnesota-Duluth where I plan to pursue a degree in business.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I have always thought it would be a fun experience, and it has been a strong tradition in my family. My number one goal is to help promote the dairy industry and inform everyone about the importance of dairy products.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I believe one major concern of consumers is they wish for their dairy products to be free of antibiotics. I would address this concern by informing them that all milk is tested for antibiotics before it leaves the farm.

Parents: Gregg and Valora Stangl Town: Pierz What is your current status?

I am a senior at Pierz Healy High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I currently work at The Pioneer Restaurant as a waitress I have a dog named Roxy; she is a Black Lab. I like fishing, wakeboarding, running, Tracie Stangl scrapbooking and quilting.

Dairy Star Sponsor: I live with my parents on Athman Dairy Inc. a dairy farm six miles south of Pierz, MN Pierz. We milk 60 cows twice 320-468-2494 a day. My plan is to attend the Model College of Hair Design in St. Cloud this fall. After I graduate from college, I plan to work and one day hope to buy my own place to start a salon.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess because I thought it would be fun to meet new people and serve ice cream to anyone who wanted some. I also ran because I watched both of my sisters compete for dairy princess. They did not win, but I thought I could. My number one goal as a dairy princess is to inform people of the nutrients dairy products have.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think consumers’ main concern is that dairy products are high in fat. I would tell them that they make a lot more low fat dairy products. Also, I would like them to know that the nutrition is more important. Dairy products help to keep you full.

Morrison County continued on next page

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Mower County continued

Parents: Roger and Diane Roerick Town: Upsala What is your current status?

I live in and go to school in Upsala. I am involved in volleyball, basketball, FFA, 4-H, Big Brother Big Sisters and drama. I am 18 years old.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

On our family farm, I milk cows with my dad in the mornKaitlyn Roerick ing and evening. I also clean Dairy Star Sponsor: the barns and bed the stalls.

Centra-Sota Some of my most important Upsala, MN work is monitoring the herd’s 320-573-2186 health and detecting heat.

We milk 75 cows and farm 287 acres. I love to work outside and be with my family.

This fall I am planning to attend Central Lakes College in Brainerd to pursue a career in nursing.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

It sounded like a lot of fun and a great way to represent the industry. As a Morrison County Dairy Princess, I want to set a good example and represent the great farmers in our county. They are good people and deserve a lot of recognition. I want to share with people how farmers are very important in our society because of all the wholesome products they produce.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think one of consumers’ main concerns is about the safety of our products. If I ever hear someone questioning such a thing, I will reassure them that dairy products are very safe. I will tell them about all of the precautions we take to keep our animals as healthy and clean as we can. Sometimes I think our parlor is cleaner than our house. Producing wholesome products is our number one concern.

Parents: Don and Renita Irvin Town: Rose Creek What is your current status?

I am currently a senior at Southland High School in Adams.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I work part-time on my aunt and uncle’s farm, caring for their calves. When needed, I also help with the Danielle Irvin milking of their 50 head of Dairy Star Sponsor: Holstein cows. I will attend Meyerhofer Bagging the University of WisconsinKevin Meyerhofer Lacrosse next autumn with a Stacyville, IA major in biology. After col507-259-5863 lege, I plan to pursue a career in either renewable energy or environmental chemistry.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess because I enjoy working on a farm and I want to give back to the dairy industry by supporting farmers and promoting dairy products. My number one goal as a dairy princess is to be an advocate for farmers to ensure continuing economic growth.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think one of the main concerns consumers have is the safety of dairy products especially in light of recent media coverage of rBST, a synthetic protein hormone used to increase cows’ milk production. Consumers need not to be wary of consuming dairy products, however, because the dairy industry takes food safety very seriously. Farmers and processors work closely with the FDA and follow regulations such as the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance and the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point System.

Mower County

Parents: Duane Hill and Jean Blaser Town: Adams What is your current status?

I am currently in high school and will be graduating on May 31.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I am a senior at Southland High School. I currently work at Hy-Vee (Austin). I am planning on going to NIACC for Jessica Hill physical therapy assistant. My Dairy Star Sponsor: dad lives on a farm and also Wingert Sales and work for Triple H Farms. Our Service farm currently is horses, cats, Plainview, MN dogs, and some bull Holstein 507-534-4386 calves. We used to milk cows, but sold them all except one, which I rode in the Adams Dairy Days parade two years ago, but she died shortly after.

My dad now works on Triple H Farms, whom of which he helps out milking and other farm related duties.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

A) I chose to run hoping I would win so that for the first time in Adams, the Hill family would go down in history with having all three Hill girls win. Also because I got asked to. My number one goal is having everyone know milking isn’t just a job, it’s also telling people that the dairy industry is important to us and our state to help keep us healthy and strong, also keeps our economy growing strong.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

Main concerns consumers have is that they are not getting enough dairy products that they should be consuming.

I would address these concerns by telling them how they could enjoy a wide variety of dairy products and because of strict safety regulations, consumers can be confident that the milk and other dairy foods they buy, are safe and have high quality.

Murray County Parents: Joe and Shaunda Weidert Town: Iona What is your current status?

I am a Murray County Dairy Princess.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I have three younger siblings, Josh, Jerod, and Courteney. I am a part of the third generation of our family dairy farm that my grandparents, Stephanie Weidert Jerome and Mary Weidert Dairy Star Sponsor: own. At our house, we have Blue Hilltop Inc. around 250 replacement heifLake Wilson, MN ers, and at the dairy we milk 800-821-7092 around 400, so in total I think we have 850 (including dry cows). I graduated from Murray County Central in 2008 and I am currently a freshman at MSUM. My major is in graphic communication.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I can’t really remember when I decided to run for dairy princess. I can remember a dairy princess coming to my class when I was little and knowing that I could do that when I was older. I guess my goal as a dairy princess is to visit the local schools and talk about the dairy industry.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think the biggest concern consumers have is the amount of fat and cholesterol in dairy products. The dairy industry has gone a long way in the past few years including low fat milk, cheese, yogurt, and everyone’s favorite, ice cream. Plus, the benefits of dairy products outweigh any concerns that you could have. Milk has been shown to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, hypertension, and colon cancer. It has also been shown to reduce the risk of kidney stones and tooth decay. I want to inform people that drinking milk and consuming dairy products are good for you.

Nicollet County

Parents: Peter & Karri Anderson Town: St. Peter What is your current status?

I am currently a college freshman at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls majoring in crop science. I am a student work at BioDiagnostices where I work in the Standard Seed Testing lab. This summer I will be doing an internship with Bayer Crop Science in Le Sueur, Minn.

Kelsey Anderson Tell us about yourself, Dairy Star Sponsor: the farm you live on and Nicollet County Bank your future plans.

St. Peter, MN I was raised on a seed 507-931-3310 farm where I have been active in field work including rock picking, rowging, detasseling corn, walking beans, and other tasks in the spring and fall.

For the last five years, I have been employed at Annexstad Dairy Farm doing calf chores and milking cows. Since I have been at college, my duties at the dairy farm have decreased and right now I am helping to keep 4-H calves in line. I help with choosing calves and other tasks, including clipping, fitting, paperwork and making sure vaccines are given in a timely manner.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

This year I decided to run for dairy princess so I can make an impact with the knowledge that I have gained in just a few years. I want to share what I have learned, and about the impact and changes working on a dairy farm has made on my life. I would really like to tell people that dairy products are healthy, wholesome and important to our daily lives.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

One big concern is the topic of rBST. This has become an issue I would like consumers to become better educated about. Since the day I started I have treated every cow and heifer on the farm as if she were royalty. If we don’t treat them right, they don’t do their job to the best of their ability and therefore profit is lost.

Parents: Steve and Deb Sjostrom Town: Lafayette What is your current status?

I am currently a freshman at the University of Minnesota in the Carlson School of Business. I am planning on majoring in entrepreneurship and possibly a minor in international business.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on and your future Megan Sjostrom plans.

Dairy Star Sponsor: I am 19 years old and en- Bongards’ Creameries joy college life. I am involved Bongards, MN in 4-H. I live on a Holstein 952-466-5521 dairy farm near Lafayette in Nicollet County. We milk about 100 dairy cows and also raise steers. We farm about 900 acres. I love working with the calves and helping my brother show his cows.

My future plans are to major in business and be able to bring management advice back to my farm and hopefully get hired by a business that deals with agriculture.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess.

I chose to run for dairy princess because I feel it is important to me and my family to promote the dairy industry.

I also feel it is our job to inspire others to consume dairy products as it benefits them in many ways.

My goal as a dairy princess is to connect with younger children to get their 3-A-Day. I will be doing school appearances, library visits and other promotional events, which I feel are the best way to connect with kids.

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Dairy Star • Saturday, May 9, 2009 • Page 13

Nicollet County continued from previous page

Nicollet County continued

Olmsted County continued

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I actually did a school project on this subject at the university because many of my classmates did not understand the differences between organic products and also the differences between the milk cartons that say they are rBST free. I feel many consumers are uneducated what each of them are and how different their meanings are.

as a dairy princess?

I decided to run for dairy princess so I could promote the dairy industry and share my passion for the industry with people in the community. My number one goal is to educate people about the industry.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think the main concern consumers have about dairy products is the safety of them. I always tell people that farmers work very hard to ensure the products they produce are safe for consumers.

Parents: Ken and Nancy Walvatne Town: Rochester What is your current status?

I am a student doing postsecondary at Rochester Community and Technical College.

I also work on a dairy farm.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I work at Terra McCree Holstein Farm, for Kevin Connelly. I also help out at Hart Farm. My future plans are to Kris Walvatne go to RCTC for two years and Dairy Star Sponsor: receive an associate in equine St. Joseph Equipment science, riding and training Chatfield, MN program. I want to then go to an 507-867-4870 agriculture school and then try Rochester, MN to go into an agricultural field.

507-288-3402 Why did you choose to Lewiston, MN run for dairy princess, and 507-523-2114 what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess because I am interested in dairy and agriculture. I am new to the dairy industry, having only been around a farm for three years. I have enjoyed meeting new people and gaining new experiences. I ran for dairy princess because I want to be able to share that with others. My number one goal is to be able to encourage others in 3-A-Day dairy and show people how a farm works and how we take care of our animals.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think the main concern consumers have about dairy products are whether they have bacteria that can hurt humans.

I would address this concern by telling them that dairy products are one of the most tested food products. Any milk found contaminated is immediately destroyed, so it never reaches consumer market.

Parents: Paul and Cindy Swenson Town: Nicollet What is your current status? I am currently a high school senior at Nicollet Public School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I am 17 years old and a full-time student athlete. I am very active in my school as president of the National Honor Society, the senior class, the Nicollet FFA Chapter, and Ashley Swenson Dairy Star Sponsor: concert choir. Along with that, Jerry Seitzer I play volleyball, softball, and Pioneer Seeds was student manager for the St. Peter, MN boy’s basketball team. I’m 507-317-5507 also active in my community through 4-H and church youth group. In terms of the dairy industry, I am the current Historian of the Minnesota Junior Holstein Association, and a member of the Minnesota Junior Brown Swiss Association. I live and work on a 200 cow, registered Holstein dairy operation. Our family, along with one full-time and several part-time employees, are currently milking 185 cows. Besides raising and milking cattle, we also farm approximately 620 acres of corn, soybeans, and alfalfa as cash crop and also feed. This fall I plan to attend the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities and major in pre-veterinary medicine.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

Starting when I was in kindergarten and for the next five years, my mom was the Nicollet County Dairy Princess Coordinator. This meant I was lucky enough to watch many dairy princesses come before me; they were my role models. By talking to more and more dairy farmers, I saw how passionate they were about the work they did. That’s when I realized how lucky I would be to represent these people and help promote the products they cared so much about, regardless of the negative propaganda. I chose to run for dairy princess because I want to be a positive voice for the dairy industry and stand up for the dairy farmers.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I believe consumers are concerned about rBST use in dairy cattle. I would help consumers understand by providing facts such as rBST is a naturally occurring hormone in dairy cattle. If consumers were still concerned, I would remind them that all dairy products found in stores are FDA approved. Another concern is the ethical treatment of dairy cattle. I would help consumers to understand that each animal is a farmer’s means of income. If we abuse or neglect our animals, we are only hurting ourselves.

Parents: Brian and Brenda Brandt Town: Le Sueur What is your current status?

I am a senior at Sibley East High School. Next year I plan to attend the University of Minnesota.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I am involved with 4-H and FFA. I am also a member of National Honor Society. On Kelsey Brandt the farm I live on, we custom Dairy Star Sponsor: raise heifer calves for nearby Nicollet County ADA dairies. My future plans are to 507-354-1829 be an agriculture teacher.

“We are the people Why did you choose to behind the product.” run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal

Olmsted County Parents: Dan and Darcy Siem Town: Rochester What is your current status?

I am a senior, going to Plainview/Elgin/Millville High School. I graduate on May 29. I am working on my family’s dairy farm feeding calves and doing whatever else is asked of me.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

Danielle Siem I’m 18, and in the Dresser Dairy Star Sponsor: Valley 4-H club. I live on our Farm Country Coop dairy farm where we milk 150 Plainview, MN Holstein and Holstein cross 888-534-2531 dairy cattle. I feed the calves and do whatever else needs to be done. My future plans are either go and study animal science, equine science, or become a mechanic and work on the farm.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess because I want to help represent and promote the dairy industry. My goal is to inform people about how a dairy farm operates and the importance of dairy products.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

The main concerns I think are Mad Cow disease and rBST. I will address these concerns by telling people about what they are and how they affect us.

Parents: Kevin and Wendy Tesmer Town: Elgin What is your current status?

I am a senior at Plainview-Elgin-Millville High School in Plainview.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I am currently president of my 4-H group and Haverhill Boosters. We have a stanchion barn that holds 40 milkLindsey Renee ing cows. We have a small Tesmer herd of 150 animals.

Dairy Star Sponsor: Why did you choose to Beck Implement run for dairy princess, and Elgin, MN what is your number one 507-876-2122 goal as a dairy princess?

I want to show people, especially kids, the importance of dairy animals and dairy products. I want to show people that dairy farmers go through a lot of work to keep the animals healthy.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

Most consumers are concerned with the fact of dairy products having added hormones. I would tell them that the hormones are natural.

Parents: Edward and Sherri Twohey Town: Stewartville What is your current status?

I am 18 years old and a senior at Stewartville High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

I am very active, I have been involved in band, FFA, 4-H, softball, basketball, Theresa Twohey BPA, and NHS. I live on a Dairy Star Sponsor: 200-cow dairy farm with my All American Co-op family. We milk Holsteins; Stewartville, MN about two-thirds of our herd is 888-354-4058 registered.

I have worked on the farm all of my life. My main duties require me to either be milking or taking care of the newborn calves. I am planning to attend the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities next year to major in ag education.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess because it has been a goal of mine since I was little and I saw all of the princesses working at the county fair. I also like to educate the public and be a positive supporter for the dairy industry.

One of my goals is to inform the younger generations about the dairy industry, because they are the future.

So hopefully when they grow up they will teach their kids about the dairy industry, and that way the public might become better informed.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think one of the main concerns consumers have about the dairy products is whether they are healthy or not. Consumers today want to make sure that the product they are eating is healthy for them and that it will benefit them. I would tell them that dairy products are very healthy and beneficial to the consumer. Calcium is very important to our bodies and one of the easiest ways to get that calcium is to eat or drink dairy products. Not to mention all the other amazing nutrients that dairy products can give us.

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Page 14 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 9, 2009

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East Ottertail County continued

Parents: John and Robin Larsen Town: Mantorville What is your current status?

I am working full time as a PCA. Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

We live on a farm northwest of Byron on County Road 5, between Byron and Pine Island. Currently we are milking a herd of 50 registered Holsteins, Brown Swiss and Jersey Abbie Jo Larsen cows.

Dairy Star Sponsor: Why did you choose to St. Joseph Equipment run for dairy princess, and Chatfield, MN what is your number one goal 507-867-4870 as a dairy princess?

Rochester, MN To teach those who don’t 507-288-3402 know much about the imporLewiston, MN tance of dairy products and to 507-523-2114 further people’s knowledge of dairy products and how important farming is to the economy.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

They think dairy products are fattening and bad for you.

I would tell them about the 3-A-Day campaign and about how dairy products can help you loose weight and give you strong bones.

Parents: Steve and Bonnie Hendrickx Town: New York Mills What is your current status?

I am a senior at New York Mills High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

As a senior at New York Mills, I have been active in tennis, cheerleading, band and National Honor Society. I also enjoy showing dairy for FFA Stephanie and 4-H. Hendrickx I live on a 460-acre dairy Dairy Star Sponsor: farm near Butler where I help AMPI milk 120 cows in a double-six www.ampi.com herringbone parlor. We raise our own replacement heifers, corn, alfalfa and small grains.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess because I am proud to be raised on a dairy farm. My goal as a dairy princess is to inform the public of the nutritional value of dairy products and their benefits to the human body.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I feel the two main concerns of dairy products would be safety and fat content (calories). I would assure the public that the FDA has certain regulations through which they enforce the quality and safeness of dairy products. The nutrients a person gets from dairy products are very beneficial for the body, and if they are concerned about fat, there are low-fat and reduced-fat dairy products that they can substitute.

East Ottertail County

Parents: Kevin & Charlene Braith Town: Sebeka What is your current status?

I am currently a senior at Sebeka High School. I am employed as a certified nursing assistant at Fair Oaks Lodge, and also on my parents’ dairy farm.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I am involved in FFA, Nicole Braith and I currently hold the office Dairy Star Sponsor: as secretary. I enjoy spendAMPI ing time with my family and www.ampi.com friends. The dairy farm I live and work on is owned by my parents, Kevin and Charlene Braith. We currently milk 40 Holstein dairy cows in a tiestall barn. My future plans are attending a college to get a degree in cosmetology.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess because I felt that it was a great opportunity to reach out to the general public to promote the dairy industry. My number one goal as a dairy princess is to promote the dairy industry and gain better understanding of the marketing and production of quality dairy products.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

Many consumers are concerned about hormones in dairy products or rBST. I would address these concerns by reassuring the consumer that the milk is tested numerous times, and that the plants where they ship the milk are doing their best to make the consumer quality dairy products.

West Ottertail County Parents: Michael and Gisele Freitag Town: Elizabeth What is your current status?

I am a senior at North Dakota State University pursuing a degree in agricultural education.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 2004. I attended Ridgewater College Rebekah Freitag in Willmar where I graduDairy Star Sponsor: ated with a diploma in dairy Brad & Kim Johnson management in 2006. I have Fergus Falls, MN had opportunities to work on different dairy farms ranging from 50 to 300 cows. My future plans are to either teach or work in the extension service.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to be a dairy princess because it will help me grow as a young woman ambassador in the dairy industry.

Also, I want to help West Ottertail County become more aware of the dairy industry within the county and statewide.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

The methods used to treat and prevent illness in dairy herds. I would discuss with consumers about why these methods are used and how they help make a better quality product.

Pipestone County

Parents: Pat and Trudy Lingen Town: Edgerton What is your current status?

I am a senior at Edgerton High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

I am the middle child with two older brothers and two younger sisters. I live on our family dairy farm outside Shelby Lingen of Hatfield, Minn. I have been Dairy Star Sponsor: helping on the farm since I Gorter’s Clay was seven years old. I help and Dairy with just about everything on Pipestone, MN the farm, but mainly milking 507-825-3271 and calf chores.

Soon I am going to graduate from high school. I have been accepted at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in the animal science/pre-vet program. I intend to pursue a career as a large animal veterinarian.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

It looked like a really fun thing to do. I like talking and learning about the dairy industry. My number one goal would be to promote the many dairy products and their nutritional value and share just how hard and how much dedication it takes to be a dairy farmer.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

How safe are they? Is the dairy industry doing all they can to produce a safe and nutritious product for the consumers? I would inform consumers of the many regulations dairy producers have to follow to produce a safe product.

Parents: Mike and Lisa Zeinstra Town: Holland What is your current status?

I am 18 years old and will be finishing my senior year at Southwest Christian High School in Edgerton.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I have been involved in volleyball, cheerleading, track, choir, plays and student Briana Zeinstra council in school. My three Dairy Star Sponsor: sisters and I have been active Gorter’s Clay in 4-H and dairy judging. I and Dairy have enjoyed showing on the Pipestone, MN county and state levels and 507-825-3271 the district Holstein shows. I help feed calves and with field work on our 500-cow dairy by Holland, Minn., which originated in the early 1960s by my grandparents. My future plans are to attend the University of Sioux Falls for education and social work.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

A) I chose to be a dairy princess because I realize this would be a way for me to make the consumers aware of the many aspects of a dairy farm. Promoting our farms and dairy products in our schools, stores and businesses will help the consumer understand the dairy industry.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

A) One of the main concerns will always be the safety and quality of the products. I believe we need to educate people about the regulations producers have to follow to produce t quality products. Education needs to start in the schools and homes.

Pope County Parents: David and Dawn Thompson Town: Starbuck What is your current status?

A) I am currently a freshman at the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities. I plan to major in agriculture business.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I am from a dairy farm south of Starbuck. We currently milk about 70 head of Laura Thompson Holsteins. Our farm started in Dairy Star Sponsor: 1868 and it’s still going today.

First District I help feed the calves milk, Association water, grain, etc. and I help Litchfield, MN milk cows.

320-693-3236 Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run as a dairy princess because I enjoy life on the farm and promoting the industry. I take pride in what my family and I do and I would like to share the knowledge that I have with others.

My number one goal is to educate kids about the importance of dairy products.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think the consumers’ main concern is the quality of milk. I don’t believe that consumers are educated enough about the dairy industry and I think that a few of them are concerned that they don’t know enough about how milk gets from the cow to the store. I would educate classrooms and the public about this when I get the chance.

Redwood County Parents: Bruce and Sherry Plaetz Town: Wabasso What is your current status?

Right now I am attending Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls, S. D. I am working towards getting my AAS degree in architectural construction engineering technology.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

I go home almost every Amanda Plaetz weekend to help out on the Dairy Star Sponsor: farm in any area that is needed.

Weltsch This summer, I am working Equipment, Inc. construction with one of my Redwood Falls, MN brothers, working on the farm 507-644-3566 with my dad and helping my Schoffman’s Inc. other brother with his business Redwood Falls, MN that he just started.

507-637-2978 In the future I would like to get my foot in the door in an architectural company that draws up blue prints for houses.

Eventually I would love to work for a company that makes custom cabinets.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I always wanted to be a dairy princess ever since I was a little girl. I want to show people that dairy products are good and healthy for you. Since our economy isn’t that strong right now, I would love to talk to the dairy farmers and see what we can prove in our industry to keep it strong.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

One of the main concerns is people think they are going to gain weight by consuming dairy products. The only weight they would be gaining is healthier and stronger bones. I would talk to them about the weight I lost when I didn’t consume many dairy products, but tell them that your body becomes weaker since you don’t have the calcium in your body that you need.

Dairy Star • Saturday, May 9, 2009 • Page 15

Redwood County continued

Renville County continued

Parents: Jane and Dennis Plaetz Town: Lucan What is your current status?

I am a freshman at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

I am a freshman at the College of Saint Scholastica, where I am pursuing a career Jennifer Plaetz in physical therapy. At colDairy Star Sponsor: lege, I am involved in track Kohls-Weelborg and various programs on camFord-Mercury, Inc. pus like Students Today, Leaders Forever and the Physical Redwood Falls, MN 800-658-2324 Therapy Club.

507-644-2931 I live on a farm north of my home town, Lucan with my parents. My dad milks about 40 cows, and also has young stock. I help my dad out when I can whether it’s feeding calves, cleaning up the hay or even running to the house to get medicine for the cows. I plan on staying at the College of St. Scholastica where I plan to get my doctrine in physical therapy.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I choose to be a dairy princess because ever since I was little I have been involved with the dairy industry. Whether it was helping my dad on the farm, being a dairy ambassador, or showing cattle at the county fair, I was never far from the dairy atmosphere. My older sisters were also dairy princesses and I have always looked up to them. In many ways I’ve always wanted to do what they have done.

My number one goal as a dairy princess is to help the communities know more about the dairy industry. Many people don’t realize how much work it takes to keep a farm running, especially when you run one by yourself like my dad.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think one of the main concerns consumers have about dairy products is farmers’ use of antibiotics on their animals.

The antibiotics are necessary to keep the animals healthy.

They get sick like humans and need medicine to help fight off various diseases.

Parents: James Kanne and Mary Sullivan Town: Franklin What is your current status?

I am a student at Redwood Valley High School, and a senior.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I live on a 50 cow dairy, outside of Franklin. Next year I plan on attending South Dakota State University in Kate Kanne Brookings for psychology.

Dairy Star Sponsor: Why did you choose to Renville County ADA run for dairy princess, and 320-826-2155 what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

The reason I became a dairy princess is to be an ambassador for my family’s industry. My goal for being a princess is to tell people about the industry, the farmers, and the product, and how it affects their daily lives.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think that the biggest general concern about dairy products is that they are safe, healthy, and economical. I would assure them that with health inspections, safety precautions, and milk treatments, dairy products are very safe to eat and drink. The concern that milk is too fattening can be addressed by pointing out low fat options. The cost efficiency is also not an issue, to ensure the best quality, safest milk, you must be willing to pay the price it takes.

Renville County Parents: Pat and Amy Albrecht Town: Stewart What is your current status?

I am a senior at Hutchinson High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I am planning on attending South Dakota State University for dairy production.

Currently I am living on a 60cow dairy farm with my par- Brittany Albrecht ents and two younger brothDairy Star Sponsor: ers. We own both registered Renville County ADA and grade Holsteins and some 320-826-2155 Jerseys.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I have a deep love for dairy cattle and the dairy industry and I felt that it was the perfect opportunity to give back to the industry I am so passionate about. My goal as a dairy princess is to teach people about dairy cattle and the importance of agriculture in our communities and lives.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think consumers have rising concerns with the health and nutritional safety of products. People are turning to organic and hormone-free products because of these reasons..

I would suggest that they read the labels of these products to ensure their satisfaction and confidence in what they are buying.

Parents: Mary Sullivan and James Kanne Town: Franklin What is your current status?

A) I am a Renville County Dairy Princess. I am also a senior at Redwood Valley High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I am 17 years old. I have grown up on a 50 cow dairy farm with my three sisters. I Margaret Kanne am in 4-H and FFA and have Dairy Star Sponsor: shown dairy at the county and Renville County ADA state fair for seven years. I 320-826-2155 plan on attending Moorhead State University in the fall to pursue an art major.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to be a princess because I see how much the dairy industry does for people and I wanted to be an ambassador of that. My number one goal as a princess is to educate people of all ages on how this industry affects them, and what they can do to support it.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think it is the same concerns people have of any food products that they buy for their family: that they are purchasing safe, wholesome products that come from clean, well cared for animals. To address these concerns, I would assure people that their dairy products are kept safe from contamination all they way from the cow to the consumer, and that these products are tested and handled in such a way that they are very safe to consume. Also, I would tell them that the cows that all these products come from are well cared for by farmers, whose top concern is for the health and safety of their cows. It is through precautions taken throughout the entire process, that makes milk and milk products one of the safest foods on the market.

Renville County continued next page

Page 16 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 9, 2009

Renville County from previous page

Rice County continued

Rock County continued

Parents: Bob and Janice Kopel Town: Danube What is your current status?

I am 18 years old and I live with my parents, Bob and Janice, South of Danube. Currently, I am a P.S.E.O. student at Ridgewater College, pursuing a degree in nursing. This spring, I will graduate from BOLD High School in Olivia.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

Elizabeth Kopel On our farm, we used to Dairy Star Sponsor: milk between 55 to 75 head and Co-op Country I would fill in whenever I was Farmers Elevator needed. Also I help with field Danube, MN work and other chores related Renville, MN to cattle. In the future, I intend Olivia, MN to become an RN, continue Sacred Heart, MN to help around the farm, and 800-962-7007 promote the importance of the Renville County ADA dairy industry.

320-826-2155 Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and Minnwest Bank what is your number one goal Danube, MN as a dairy princess?

320-826-2525 I chose to run for the fun of it. The competition intrigued me because I knew that I would meet new people and grow from this experience. My goal as dairy princess is to be Princess Kay of course. I would like to educate people on the importance of dairy.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think their main concerns are if the product is fresh, or if this product could be contaminated. I would answer them by saying dairy products from a store have expiration dates and all products are tested to make sure they are safe for consumption.

Parents: Ron and Diane Wegner Town: Faribault What is your current status?

I am currently a senior at Faribault High School. I am planning to attend South Dakota State University in the fall to study agronomy and dairy science.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

Brianna Wegner I am 17 years old and live Dairy Star Sponsor: on a third generation dairy and Isaacson Implement crop farm with my parents Nerstrand, MN and sister. We milk about 50 507-334-4059 Holstein cows and run about 700 acres of land that we use to grow corn, soybeans, and alfalfa. I help out on the farm by doing whatever needs to be done, whether it is feeding the calves, milking the cows, or mixing up the feed for the cows.

I plan to go into agronomy and dairy science at South Dakota State University. I will most likely specialize in dairy production, but am unsure at this point in time.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess because I enjoy telling people where their milk comes from and what a farm is like. When you ask people where their milk comes from, too many of them say the store. Because the world is becoming more urban it is more important than ever to inform the consumer of how the products they purchase got to the store shelves and where they came from.

My number one goal is to promote the dairy industry as best I can and hopefully teach someone something new about the products they love.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

The price and quality of the products. Most consumers think that the farmer is gaining all the profit from high milk prices, when really they haven’t seen that much of a price increase. I would try to explain that there are a lot of middle men to get milk and other dairy products from the cow to their counter. Everyone involved wants a piece of the profit.

As for quality, dairy farms are inspected very regularly to ensure that the consumer is getting a quality product. On our farm, any milk from a cow on antibiotics isn’t put into the tank with the other milk until we know for sure that the medication didn’t affect the milk.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think the quality and the safeness of dairy products are main concerns for consumers. I would address these concerns by ensuring the commitment farmers have to their animals, the happier the cows are, the better the milk quality gets. That leads to a better pay check for that committed farmer. I would also let the public know about the quality of our product. Quality milk begins with the dairy farmers, and I believe that we are doing just that.

Rice County Parents: Ray and Bridget Pieper Town: New Prague What is your current status?

I am a student at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

My family’s dairy farm milks 325 registered and grade Holsteins. We also raise all of Tracy Pieper our young stock. On the farm, Dairy Star Sponsor: I feed calves, milk, and help with field work when needed. Lonsdale Feed Mill Lonsdale, MN I show dairy cattle and I also 507-744-2367 dairy judge. I have been showing dairy cattle since I was 5 years old and have been dairy judging since I was 9. My future plans are to work on my family farm and someday own a dairy farm of my own.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess to educate the public about the numerous health benefits that milk and other dairy products can supply to consumers. My number one goal as a dairy princess is to inform consumers, mostly parents, the importance of three dairy products daily in both theirs and their children’s diets.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I feel that the main concern consumers have about dairy products is that milk and other dairy products are coming from animals that are not treated with care. One way I would address this is by explaining to consumers that dairy cattle are very well cared for. The dairy producers take pride in what they do. They make sure their cattle stay very comfortable year round, are fed the best feeds, get the various vaccines required and see a veterinarian when needed. When one has pride in their work, they make sure they are doing a good job and they see that things get done correctly.

Rock County Parents: Wayne Brands, Dawn Gonsulus Town: Luverne What is your current status?

Currently I am enrolled at Luverne High School as a senior.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I am a senior at the Luverne High School, and I am 18 years old. This year I have been busy with sports, church and working. I participated Katelyn Ann Brands Dairy Star Sponsor: in choir, color guard, cheerGorter’s Clay and leading, and softball. I work Dairy at the local Grapevines and I Pipestone, MN also work on my dad’s farm, 507-825-3271 six miles west of Luverne. We have an 80-cow dairy with a parlor. After high school, I am planning to attend North Dakota State University for a bachelors degree in nursing.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for the Rock County dairy princess because I want to inform our community about dairy. Not enough people actually know what happens on a dairy farm on a day-to-day basis. By informing people, we will also be promoting the product, which is my number one goal.

Parents: Cal and Char Lubben Town: Edgerton What is your current status?

I’m a senior at Southwest Christian and will graduate in a couple of weeks.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

I am 18 years old and have lived on a dairy farm all my life. My parents own and operate our farm. We are milking 195 cows in a double-eight Christina Lubben parlor. I help out everyday after Dairy Star Sponsor: school by milking, doing calf Gorter’s Clay and chores before school, and milk Dairy bright and early on Saturday Pipestone, MN mornings.

507-825-3271 Next year I plan to go to Stewarts in Sioux Falls for cosmetology. Even though it’s not dairy related, I feel it’s still a way to communicate what the dairy industry is about when I’m asked where I grew up.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess because it is a way to relate to the dairy farmers themselves. It also is a way to promote the dairy product and all the hard work that was put into producing the product.

My goal as dairy princess is to bridge the gap between producers and consumers.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

One of the recent concerns is milk from cows being treated with BST. Some people fear that milk is unsafe to drink.

BST is a simple hormone shot that the cows already have in them. BST for cows is almost like miracle grow that gardeners use to produce a better vegetable.

Roseau County

Parents: Doug and Corena Green Town: Greenbush What is your current status?

I am attending Worthland Community and Technical College to obtain my LPN degree.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I am 20 years old. I help on my family farm of 65 cows and grain farm. I am getting Monica Green my LPN and will continue to Dairy Star Sponsor: get my RN. ADA of Roseau/Kittson Why did you choose to Counties run for dairy princess, and 218-528-3621 what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

To promote the dairy industry in Northwest Minnesota. With the decreasing number of herds, we need to make the public aware of our industry.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

Food safety is a concern. With all the availability of farm drug residue testing and all the testing at processing plants, consumers can be assured that the dairy products they eat or drink are some of the safest in the world.

Roseau County continued on next page

Dairy Star • Saturday, May 9, 2009 • Page 17

Roseau County continued from previous page

Scott County continued

Sibley County continued

Parents: Barry and Roxane Kirkeide Town: Greenbush What is your current status?

I am currently a senior at Greenbush/Middle River High School. I work on the farm and have a part time job as a waitress.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I currently live on the family dairy farm where we Kayla Kirkeide milk 56 Holstein cows, raise Dairy Star Sponsor: our own replacement heif- ADA of Roseau/Kittson ers, and feed out the steers for Counties market. We also grow alfalfa, 218-528-3621 soybeans, corn, barley, and oats. My future plans are to attend North Dakota School of Science in Wahpeton, N.D., for dental hygiene.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

A) I chose to run for dairy princess because of the importance of educating consumers about our products. It is important as a dairy princess to show consumers why our body needs to have milk and other dairy products each day for a healthy lifestyle. Dairying has been a part of my life for 18 years and I want to teach the public why we as dairy producers value our product.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I believe the main concerns consumers have about dairy products is safe hormone-free products. I would address this concern by telling consumers that dairy producers take great pride in producing their products. Producers want to sell a product that is safe and approved by USDA regulations. Marketing a great product is the goal throughout the dairy industry.

Parents: Ken and Linda Glisczinski Town: New Prague What is your current status?

I currently work as a massage therapist and am taking physical therapy classes through Ashworth College.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

I live with my parents on our 80 acre farm, milking 150 Elizabeth cows. Our cows are housed in Glisczinski a compost-bedding pack barn Dairy Star Sponsor: and are milked in a step-up Dairyland Equipment parlor.

Service, Inc. We farm around 300 Plainview, MN acres, growing most of our 507-534-3161 own feed. I help with feeding the calves and milking the cows. I plan on working in a local hospital as a physical therapist aid and massage therapist.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I ran for dairy princess to promote our dairy farmers and the wonderful dairy products they have to offer. My number one goal as a dairy princess is to share the importance of dairy products and the values they have in everyday life.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think some of the main concerns consumers have about dairy products are whether the products are healthy for them and whether they contain hormones. Dairy products are known for their high amount of calcium and vitamin D. Calcium is a very important mineral that helps form bones and teeth, helps blood clot normally and helps regulate blood pressure. Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that must be present for calcium to be absorbed and used in the body. Both work together to prevent several chronic diseases.

Some cattle are given hormones to increase their milk production. There are specific hormones farmers are allowed to give dairy cattle; these hormones are safe for humans and cattle.

also think it would be fun and a wonderful experience.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

My feeling is that consumers’ most important issues are dairy food quality and safety. In order to have good quality milk, we make sure that we take care of our animals by giving them a well-balanced diet and a good environment for them to live in. By doing so, this will lead to production of high quality milk.

Scott County Parents: Tim and Sandy Breeggemann Town: Shakopee What is your current status?

I am a senior at Shakopee High School and attend college classes at Normandale Community College.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I work at St. Gertrude’s Health and Rehab Center as a therapeutic recreation asShelby sistant. My parents run a dairy Breeggemann farm of 90 cows. I will attend Dairy Star Sponsor: Normandale Community College, then transfer to attain a Kasper Dairy Supplies bachelor’s degree in law en- Sid & Martha Kasper Northfield, MN forcement.

612-483-3303 Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run to represent Scott County dairy farmers.

My goal is to inform people of what dairy products can really do for you!

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

A lot of people think that dairy products are fattening, but surveys have shown they help you to lose weight along with the fact that they help maintain healthy bones and teeth.

Sibley County Parents: Jim and Jody Oelfke Town: Hamburg What is your current status?

I am currently attending St. Cloud State University and I am majoring in elementary education. ell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

My family and I live on a century farm where we milk 190 registered Jersey cows.

Jessica Oelfke We also own a cash cropping Dairy Star Sponsor: and trucking business. I have State Bank of been showing dairy cattle Hamburg for 4-H at the county fair for Hamburg, MN about 10 years and I am also 952-467-2992 involved in FFA. I know I am privileged to have been raised on a dairy farm. It has provided me with lessons of responsibility, care, and the understanding of what hard work means. My main responsibility on the farm is to milk cows in our double-10 parlor and help with feeding the calves. In the future, I plan to graduate from college with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a mathematics concentration, where I will be able to provide students with knowledge of the dairy industry and how important it is to our everyday life.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess because I want to be a promoter of the dairy industry. My number one goal as a dairy princess is to be a spokesperson and promote the people behind the product campaign to provide consumers with assurance that dairy farmers produce the most wholesome, nutritious, and highest quality products there are. I

Parents: Ken and Gwen Wendinger Town: Arlington What is your current status?

I am a senior at GlencoeSilver Lake High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I live on a family farm, where we milk about 75 Holstein dairy cows. I also have dairy goats, which I show in 4-H and FFA events. I will RoseAnn Wendinger be graduating from GlencoeDairy Star Sponsor: Silver Lake High School in Bongards’ Creameries May and plan to enroll this Bongards, MN fall at Southwest Minnesota 952-466-5521 State University in Marshall, majoring in ag business with a concentration in finance to become an ag loan office.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

A) I chose to run for dairy princess because as the only girl in my family with five older brothers, I got to love the industry as much as they do and I wanted to be able to represent them and all other farmers the best I can.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think that the main concerns of consumers about the dairy products are price and quality of the products.

Stearns County

Parents: Joe and Shirley Molitor Town: Rockville What is your current status?

I am currently a senior at Rocori High School. After graduation, I plan on attending Ridgewater College in Willmar, Minn., for dairy management.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

Hannah Molitor I live on a 300-acre orDairy Star Sponsor: ganic dairy operation outside of Rockville. It’s a non-tradi- Champion Milking Systems tional grazing operation. My Paynesville, MN dad and my uncle, Tom, have 800-866-3098 a partnership on the farm. After I graduate from Rocori, I plan on attending Ridgewater College for their 2 year program of dairy management.

After Ridgewater, I would like to get into custom raising replacement heifers and hopefully one day marry a dairy farmer.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

The dairy industry is my biggest passion. I took this as an opportunity to promote this great industry. My main goal is to reach out and get the word out about dairy. I hope that I can be a role model to kids, and get them excited about 3-A-Day. What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

Stearns County continued on next page

Page 18 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 9, 2009

Stearns County continued from previous page Looking at a parent’s perspective, they may be concerned about calcium intake. I would remind them about how important it is to get your calcium from dairy products.

I would tell them about 3-A-Day. 3-A-Day was created to remind the families of today to consume three servings of dairy products every day.

Parents: Dale and Corrine Hadrich Town: Holdingford What is your current status?

I am a student at Holdingford High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I am involved in many different activities such as FFA, business club, NHS, band, cheerleading, and senior high one act play. With all those activities I still have time to help Joylynn Hadrich Dairy Star Sponsor: out on my parents’ farm with Holdingford Mill morning and evening chores Holdingford, MN of feeding calves and milking.

320-746-2281 We have about 100 Holstein milking cows on 300 acres.

My future plans are to attend the University of Minnesota Morris for Economics and Management.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I decided to run for dairy princess because I see it as a great opportunity to spread the dairy message. My number one goal is to inform kids about dairy and why they should have three servings of dairy a day.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

Consumers’ main concern is if dairy products are safe to drink and if they are contaminated. I would let consumers know that dairy products are never touched by human hands. The milk goes through pipelines that are cleaned after every milking, so the milk consumers are drinking is not contaminated. It is very healthy and helps build strong bones. Dairy farmers also need to meet state and federal inspection on their farms to sell their milk.

Parents: Keith and Lucy Overman Town: Freeport What is your current status?

I currently attend North Dakota State University and am majoring in accounting.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I grew up on my family farm south of Freeport. We farm 250 acres and milk 60 Holstein cows.

Lori Overman Growing up on a dairy Dairy Star Sponsor: farm has taught me the impor- Ecker Feed Service Inc. tance of a good work ethic and New Munich, MN responsibility.

Throughout 320-837-5249 the years I have had to milk cows, bed pens, and help feed the baby calves. In the summertime I am also responsible for helping my dad with the fieldwork. In addition to working on the farm, I am involved in 4-H. I am also currently involved in a leadership group at NDSU. My future plans include graduating from NDSU with my bachelor’s in accounting, and then also receiving my master’s in accounting from NDSU. I hope to someday use my accounting skills at a dairy cooperative, or in a dairy related business. I would love to stay attached to the dairy industry since it has given me many great things.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess so I would be able to reach consumers. As a dairy princess, I am able to attend events where I can talk with consumers and tell them all about the benefits of the dairy industry and consuming dairy products. My number one goal as a dairy princess is to help people to understand the importance of consuming three servings of dairy every day.

Stearns County continued What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think that the main concern that consumers have about dairy products is their safety. Many people are worried that because milk comes from farms, it may not be safe or that it has harmful germs or bacteria. I would tell these people that milk is 100 percent safe to consume.

As dairy farmers, we are very proud of our products, and we do everything we can to make them safe. Farmers are responsible for keeping our barns clean and up to standards. To ensure this happens, all farms are also inspected annually to make sure that we are safe for milk production.

All milk is pasteurized, which in addition to removing any harmful bacteria that may be there, also helps extend milk’s shelf life and keep it safe longer. Milk is actually one of the safest foods out there because of all the safety inspections that it must go through.

Parents: Keith and Lucy Overman Town: Freeport What is your current status? I am currently a senior at Melrose Area High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I love to hang out with friends and family and simply enjoy life. I am involved in musical, speech, track, choir and NHS. Outside of school I am also actively involved in Ashley Overman 4-H at both my club and counDairy Star Sponsor: ty levels. During the summer I Hartung Sales and am a counselor for 4-H camp. I Service Inc. enjoy spending time outdoors, Freeport, MN reading and scrapbooking.

320-836-2697 My family farms south of Freeport, where we milk 60 First District Association Litchfield, MN Holstein cows on about 250 320-693-3236 acres. My job on the farm is to help with the milking and feeding. During the summer I also help pick rocks and bale hay. My future plans are to attend Minnesota State University Moorhead in the fall to major in social work. My hope is to work with foster care and children.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal?

I chose to run for dairy princess because I grew up seeing first hand just how hard farmers work to create a quality, safe and wholesome product for consumers. I want to promote the dairy industry and proudly represent my family and all the hard working dairy producers.

My goal as a dairy princess is to show consumers that dairy producers care a great deal for their animals and the environment. As I talk to people I have learned that many people don’t understand what dairy producers actually do everyday.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these concerns?

In today’s society everyone is focused on appearance and weight. Every year thousands of people make a New Year’s resolution to lose weight, or to eat healthier. So many people are concerned about the health value and fat content of the food they consume, including dairy products. Consuming dairy products along with a healthy diet and exercise can actually help you lose weight.

Parents: Mark and Nancy Klaphake Town: Belgrade What is your current status?

I am currently a student at Alexandria Technical College studying accounting.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

I live on a 240-acre family dairy farm. This summer I am transferring to St. Cloud State University to work toward my four year accounting degree.

Carrie Klaphake Why did you choose to Dairy Star Sponsor: run for dairy princess, and A&C Farm Service, Inc. what is your number one goal Paynesville, MN as a dairy princess?

320-243-3736 Dairy has played an important role my whole life. I want

Stearns County continued

to share my experience with others and promote the industry.

After representing my town of Belgrade as a princess I realized the importance of promoting what I believe in. That’s why I chose to promote the industry. My number one goal is to promote the livelihood of a small dairy farm in rural Minnesota.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

The quality and safety of the food is one concern. That the milk produced by the cows is handled and processed properly is another. I would tell the consumer that people who produce these products are eating these products. Farmers take great pride in their work and the products they produce. They work to please their farm, family, and you, the consumer.

Parents: John and Joanne Lahr Town: Sauk Centre What is your current status?

I am a 2008 graduate of high school and am currently working on the family farm and at a dance studio saving up money for college this fall.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/ or work, and your future plans.

Emily Lahr I have been involved in Dairy Star Sponsor: the dairy industry ever since Dairy Farmers of I could walk. I work on our America family farm of 40 Holstein Zumbrota, MN cows and 250 acres of land.

507-732-8890 I have expanded my understanding of the dairy industry through 4-H dairy bowl, dairy judging and showing. I hope to attend Steubenville University this coming fall to major in journalism.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

Ever since I knew what a dairy princess was I have looked up to them and their service to Minnesota farmers and consumers. In turn I wanted to be a model of the dairy industry and for the farmers who work 24-7 under any economic situation in order to give the consumer a safe and wholesome product. My goal as a Stearns County Dairy Princess is to promote the name of the farmers in this time when the economy threatens their reputation.

What do you think are the concerns consumers have about dairy product and how would you address those concerns?

Besides the nutritional value of the products, consumers are worried about the effects the economy is having on the dairy industry and whether dairy products will remain safe and wholesome. In addition to this many people are concerned about the future prices of dairy products. This is a difficult task but I would reinforce the consumers’ confidence by addressing the passion the farmers have in their occupation through the promotion People Behind the Product.

Parents: Vern and Joann Mehr Town: Farming What is your current status?

I am going to St. Cloud Technical College for Child and Adult Care Education, and live in St. Joseph during the week. I go home on the weekends and milk on the home farm with my dad.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

Lisa Mehr My parents have a dairy Dairy Star Sponsor: farm a mile and a half south State Bank of of the town of Farming where Richmond we milk 63 Holsteins. My 320-597-2145 older brother Paul has a farm a mile down the road from my parents, and my brother Jacob lives there with him. Together they milk 46 Holsteins.

During the week, when I’m at college, Jacob will come home and help my dad milk. Paul’s fiancée, Tiffany, helps Paul milk on his farm. My mom and my younger sister, Todd County continued on next page

Dairy Star • Saturday, May 9, 2009 • Page 19

Stearns County continued from previous page

Steele County continued

Roseann, feed all the calves. So everyone has their job.

Together we farm around 440 acres corn, alfalfa, and oats.

Someday I hope to live out in the country, somewhere near my family, and have an in-home daycare.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

Last year I had the experience of being a dairy ambassador and I loved going to the events and talking with consumers about the dairy industry. My number one goal as a dairy princess is to find ten people who aren’t too fond of dairy products, and help them understand why dairy is so good for them.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think the main concerns consumers have about the dairy industry is how the animals are taken care of. A dairy farmer’s top priority is his/her cows; if a cow doesn’t get the right amount of feed, and she doesn’t get the right amount of water, she won’t give as much milk. When a cow isn’t happy, a farmer isn’t either, and that’s why a farmer has to take good care of his/her cows.

to milking cows, we also run 400 acres of corn, alfalfa and soybeans. My future plans include working at a dairy manufacturing plant doing research and development or working in a test kitchen. After spending some time in the industry, I plan to either build a dairy manufacturing plant and contract milk from area farmers to process and market locally or build a 75 cow dairy consisting of Brown Swiss and Holstein cows.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

Being a dairy princess is a wonderful way to reach out to consumers and educate them about the industry we represent. As an ambassador to the dairy industry I will encourage the consumption of dairy products through showing the consumers the large variety of products that could easily fit into their 3-a-day.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

One main area of concern is always food safety; I would address this concern by informing consumers that dairy products are one of the most closely monitored food products, being tested frequently to make sure that the product put on the shelves is of the highest quality.

Steele County Parents: Mark and Sharon Arnold Town: Medford What is your current status?

I live in Medford, Minn. I am currently a senior at Medford Public School.

Connie Arnold Tell us about yourself, Dairy Star Sponsor: the farm you live on and Farmers Feed/ your future plans.

Pet Supply I am involved with fast Owatonna, MN pitch softball, student council, 507-451-2363 the Medford outdoor adventure club, fitness club, SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and many more activities. We have about 1100 acres of land, which we grow corn, soybeans, and a few acres of alfalfa. We also milk 30 Holsteins and have about 30 steers. Next fall, I am going to St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minn., to follow the career path of being either a registered nurse, physical therapist or an occupational therapist.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess because I wanted to be more involved with the community and represent the dairy industry. My main goal as dairy princess is to spread a positive message to the people about the dairy industry.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

One of the main concerns consumers have is that they think dairy products are fattening and unhealthy, which is wrong. If people are worrying about their diet, they can drink 1%, 2% or skim milk, and other products are reduced in fat also. Dairy products are a good source of vitamins and calcium, which is very healthy to consume.

Parents: George and Karen VonRuden Town: Claremont What is your current status?

I am a sophomore at the University of Minnesota studying Food Science and Animal Science.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

My family and I live and work on our farm that has been in the family for 125 years. We milk about 50 cows in a tiestall barn most which are Holstein, but we also have five Brown Swiss. In addition

Pamela VonRuden Dairy Star Sponsor: Northland Farm Systems Owatonna, MN 800-385-3911

Swift County Parents: Kevin and Kim Voorhees Town: Benson What is your current status?

I am currently a freshman at Ridgewater College in Willmar. I am a full-time student majoring in ag business.

To continue my education, I will be attending South Dakota State University.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

Chelsea Voorhees I am the oldest of three Dairy Star Sponsor: children. In my high school H&H Veterinary career, I developed leadership Service skills through FFA chapter Benson, MN presidency, junior and senior 320-842-5960 class president, and president of the student council. I was co-captain of our high school Class A runner up girls basketball team. I currently play basketball for Ridgewater and participate in Postsecondary Agriculture Society and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. My family owns a 200 cow dairy farm near Benson. We raise replacement heifers, finish the dairy steers and have a 70-head beef cow/calf operation. My sister and I have a flock of thirty market-type breeding ewes. With my college education, I plan to work in the dynamic field of agriculture and continue to live in rural Minnesota.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I want to promote the dairy industry and present the benefits of including dairy products in your diet, which can give you a healthy life. My goal would be to inform the public about the health benefits of dairy products and help eliminate misconceptions about dairy foods. I would be a role model for children and teens emphasizing the importance of growing up with milk and dairy products as part of their diets and the benefits it will give them.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I believe there are three main concerns to address. They include producing a safe food source, providing proper animal care, and decreasing a dairy’s carbon footprint. As a dairy producer, I would ensure the consumers that dairy products are safe. I would explain that dairy farmers take great pride in maintaining cow comfort and health. I would be an advocate for dairy farmers who are doing their share to care for the environment by being good stewards of the land.

Todd County

Parents: David and Shirley Hulinsky Town: Burtrum What is your current status?

I am a high school senior at Long Prairie-Grey Eagle. I am a Todd County Dairy Princess.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I live on a 60-cow Holstein dairy farm with my family. We also have 100 young Tiffany Hulinsky stock on our 300 acre farm.

Dairy Star Sponsor: Why did you choose to AMPI run for dairy princess, and www.ampi.com what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess because the dairy industry is important to our community, county and state economy. I am proud to live on a dairy farm and I am excited to share my knowledge with everyone.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I believe that one of the main concerns about dairy products is whether soy milk and organic milk are healthier.

In response to these concerns, I would say that soy milk is lactose-free milk for those who are lactose intolerant, and organic milk is not any more nutritious than regular milk.

Parents: Paul and Bonnie Middendorf Town: Browerville What is your current status?

I am a senior at Browerville High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I live on a 60-cow dairy farm west of Browerville. At school, I am involved in numerous activities, including: student council, peer helpers, volleyball, FFA and many Megan Middendorf Dairy Star Sponsor: more. My future plans are Nelson Creamery attending the University of Association Minnesota Morris for secondNelson, MN ary education in the field of 320-762-0115 mathematics.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess because dairy farming is very important to my family. I decided to show my family’s pride for being involved with dairy. My number one goal as a dairy princess will be to promote dairy products and the industry as a whole, showing its importance to Minnesota’s economy.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

Most concerns that consumers may have deal with if the products are safe and if the products are healthy. Growing up on a dairy farm, I have witnessed the work that goes into producing good, healthy milk. According to the United States government standards, all dairy products are tested to ensure safety. Dairy farmers are very proud of the safe, healthy and nutritious products they produce. By using the 3-A-Day dairy program, which states to consume three dairy products daily, a person can maintain a healthy lifestyle. This program is applicable for all ages.

Page 20 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 9, 2009

Wabasha County Parents: Dean and Lois Klein Town: Lake City What is your current status?

I am a dairy princess for Wabasha County. I am 18 and a senior at Lake City High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I live on a dairy farm near Lake City. We milk 320 Holstein cows. My main responNicole Klein sibility is helping take care of Dairy Star Sponsor: the calves. I am very active in Tom Halder, 4-H and FFA. Showing and Art Hoffman, Al Meyer judging dairy cattle at our of Genex county and state fair is some651-764-1287 thing I enjoy participating in. I plan to attend Rochester Community and Technical College this fall to become a child life specialist.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I have dreamed of being a dairy princess since I was little and always looked up to the dairy princesses at local appearances. I want to be a role model for younger children, as the dairy princesses were for me. I want to promote the dairy industry and tell people the importance of getting 3-A-Day of dairy, teaching people about us as the People Behind the Product, and how the milk gets from cow to consumer. I would like consumers to know what a wide variety of flavors and types of milk there are on the market and how wholesome and nutritious they are for you no matter what your age.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think the main concern consumers have is that they think that all dairy products are high in fat. I would inform consumers how wholesome, nutritious, and beneficial dairy products are for you and how they can help you stay fit.

Parents: Dennis and Lisa Klindworth Town: Mazeppa What is your current status?

I am currently attending State Cloud State University.

I am a freshman studying BioMed. Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I live on a 100-cow family operated dairy farm. Along with our dairy cows, we also Rosemary raise beef cows and have Klindworth some horses. After I get my Dairy Star Sponsor: four year degree in BioMed, Zumbrota Vet Clinic I plan on going to graduate Zumbrota, MN school to become a pharma507-732-7301 cist and work in the research field.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I ran for dairy princess because I believe it is important to inform people about the industry. I want to help the Minnesota dairy industry move forward through these tough economic times by spreading information about today’s dairy industry.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I believe consumers are concerned about different labeling on milk jugs and they don’t know what the differences are between each label. To address this issue, I would make a poster that simply explains the differences between each label. They then could be hung everywhere milk is sold.

Wabasha County continued Parents: Richard and Liz Olson Town: Plainview What is your current status?

I currently am a senior at Plainview-Elgin-Millville High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/ or work, and your future plans.

I’m very active within my school and community.

My family has been farmLindsey Olson ing for many years and has Dairy Star Sponsor: passed the farm on through- First National Bank out generations. Currently, of Plainview my father owns the land while Plainview, MN my brother bought the cows.

507-534-3131 We milk in a double-10 parlor with about 275 cows.

My future plans are to attend the University of Wisconsin-Riverfalls in the fall of 2009. I plan to major in political science. I will also be playing on the women’s basketball team.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

The reason I choose to run for dairy princess was to promote the dairy industry. I plan to make the public more aware of the importance of the dairy industry and the health benefits of dairy products.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I feel that consumers’ concerns regarding dairy products would be the calorie content found in dairy products.

We need to educate consumers about the importance of the nutritional value found in dairy products. We need to better inform consumers they don’t need to forgo dairy products, but instead look for low fat products. They do not need to give up the good taste.

Parents: William A. and Jody Durow Town: Mazeppa What is your current status?

I am currently helping on my family’s dairy farm. I took a semester off from college to decide what I want to do as a career.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/ or work, and your future plans.

I currently live and work Caitlin Durow on our family dairy farm in Dairy Star Sponsor: Mazeppa. We milk approxiKim DeFrang mately 40 Holstein and Brown Select Sires Swiss cows. We raise corn and 507-273-4288 hay for feed.

I’m planning on pursuing a career in an agricultural field. I would also like to take a course for ultrasounding cattle.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I have always looked at dairy princesses as role models and have always wanted to be one to promote the dairy industry. As a dairy princess, I hope to provide knowledge to children of the importance of having dairy products in your diet.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

One concern that consumers have about the dairy industry is the use of rBST and whether dairy products from cows given rBST are safe and healthy. Government and agribusinesses declare cow milk with rBST is safe. Some consumers still do not want to buy rBST milk.

In today’s market, consumers have a choice. Many dairies are packaging milk and milk products that are labeled rBST-free.

Wadena County

Parents: Bill and Mary Malone Town: Wadena What is your current status?

I work part time on my family’s dairy farm. Also, I work for other dairy farmers when they need help.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/ or work, and your future plans.

I am 20 years old and graduated in 2007 from SebeKristin Malone ka High School. I was raised Dairy Star Sponsor: on my parents’ dairy farm. I Olsen’s Custom Farm have worked for two other loService cal dairies. In 2006 I took an Verndale, MN artificial insemination class 218-445-5678 and now breed cattle. My fuSebeka, MN ture plans are to work with 218-837-5749 large animals and also in the Staples, MN artificial insemination field.

800-477-7059 Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I ran for dairy princess because I enjoy representing my county dairy producers and also educating the public and the consumers. My goal as a dairy princess is making it as a top 12 finalist for Princess Kay so I can further educate the public.

What do you think are the concerns consumers have about dairy product and how would you address those concerns?

Food safety and quality. Keeping consumers informed of the steps producers takes to insure the quality of their products.

Parents: Allen and Karen Trosen Town: Verndale What is your current status?

I am a high school senior and I am planning on attending Bethel University in St. Paul, Minn. for nursing. I am currently one of the three dairy princesses in Wadena County.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

Kelsie H. Trosen I live on an 80-cow dairy Dairy Star Sponsor: farm run by my father, uncle, Olsen’s Custom Farm and grandfather. We raise our Service own feed and raise our own Verndale, MN replacement livestock. I help 218-445-5678 out with feeding and caring for Sebeka, MN the calves. I plan on attending 218-837-5749 college for nursing. Education Staples, MN on nutrition and development 800-477-7059 of young children is something that interests me.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I ran for county dairy princess because I wanted to represent our great industry in Wadena and the surrounding counties. We have a lot to be proud of and I want the communities to be aware of the high quality product we produce for them. My number one goal would be to help educate and promote the importance of dairy at all age levels.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

Fat content is a huge concern, as a lot of people are watching their weight and/or are trying to keep their cholesterol levels in a normal range. Heart disease and other health risks are a major concern for many people. Many dairy products are low or fat free, which gives all the benefits of calcium without the concerns of fat. Educate, educate, educate some more is the key to dairy promotion.

Wadena County continued on next page

Dairy Star • Saturday, May 9, 2009 • Page 21

Wadena County continued from previous page

Waseca County continued

Waseca County continued

Parents: John and Molly Trout What is your current status?

I am currently a senior at Wadena-Deer Creek High School, soon to be graduating on May 29.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I enjoy being outdoors, going to the lake and taking camping trips. I like to do many crafty, creative things Michelle Trout such as scrapbooking, and in Dairy Star Sponsor: addition, being in the kitchen!

Leaf River Ag My favorite athletic activity I Wadena, MN participated in was dance line.

218-631-1020 I was the captain for two years and was involved in some ballet sessions in the spring.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run because it was a wonderful opportunity that was available to me and other farmers’ daughters. I wanted to become a good representative for all dairy farmers and meet people to tell them about the benefits of using dairy products, and how our operation works. My number one goal is to educate the people of the community about how important the dairy industry is to our state.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

The main concerns that consumers would have with dairy products are that they are healthy, free of antibiotics, and produced from a well kept farm with healthy cattle. I would address them by letting them know that our dairy cows are well cared for, and all dairy products are nutritious and wholesome. The right amount of dairy foods will make you stronger, and they also provide lots of calcium, protein and vitamins in which the body needs. Remember 3-A-Day!

that dairy products are wholesome, nutritious, and good tasting. They are of the highest quality and safety. Dairy farmers work hard to make sure that their cows are well cared for so that they have the ability to produce high quality milk. From there on the milk has to follow strict safety regulations and it is kept of the highest quality for the consumer to enjoy.

When I was little, like many little girls, I looked up to the dairy princesses. As I got older I started to realize that these girls don’t just wear a crown and wave in parades but are spokespeople for the dairy industry in their county, and in their state. I decided to run for dairy princess because I wanted to represent not only Waseca County dairy farmers but also Minnesota dairy farmers in an industry that I am very proud to be part of. My number one goal this year as a dairy princess is to reach out to the public and educate them on the products that they consume, but to also show them the passion that we who are involved in the dairy industry carry.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

The main concerns consumers have about dairy products would be the care of the animals that produce the product, and the health status of the animal. Those of us involved in dairy production know that cows are well cared for, yet we need to instill consumer confidence by letting them create their own educated opinion and see for themselves that we dairy producers have a priority in producing and raising high quality, healthy animals.

A great place to gain consumer confidence is at exhibitions such as county fair, state fair, Ak-sar-ben, and World Dairy Expo. Many county’s around my area also have been holding “Taste of the Farm” days were the public can come out and see first hand that dairy cows aren’t just milking machines but animals that we dairy producers care deeply about. These are the perfect places to show consumers that we have a passion for our cows and are not only dedicated to our consumers but also our happy and healthy dairy cattle.

Waseca County Parents: Chuck & Kris Manthey Town: Janesville What is your current status?

I am nineteen years old and currently a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls where I am majoring in dairy science Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

A) I am currently attending the University of Wisconsin-River Angie Manthey Falls where I am majoring in Dairy Star Sponsor: dairy science. There I am inGreenwald Farm volved in Dairy Club and Sigma Center Alpha. I come from a dairy Greenwald, MN farm in rural Janesville, Minn., 320-987-3177 where we milk about 40 cows and farm 285 acres of alfalfa, corn and soybeans. My future plans include graduating from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls with a Bachelor of Science in Dairy Science. I then plan to work with either the nutritional or genetics aspects of the dairy industry.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess because I have looked up to the dairy princesses within my county since I was a little girl and I wanted to be just like them. They were huge role models for me. My number one goal as a dairy princess is to be a good role model while also educating the public about how nutritious, wholesome, and good tasting dairy products are and how exceptionally well dairy farmers care for their cows.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think that consumers have a lot of misconceptions about the quality and safety of dairy products. I would tell consumers

Parents: Mark and Becky Sommers Town: Waseca What is your current status?

I am currently finishing up my freshman year at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. I am majoring in business administration with a minor in Spanish.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I live on a 55-cow Holstein/ Mindy Sommers Brown Swiss crossbred family Dairy Star Sponsor: farm with my parents and two Sommers Brothers brothers, Matt and Brian in Custom Baling Waseca. We farm 320 acres Waseca, MN of corn, soybeans, alfalfa, and 507-461-2022 oats. I plan to graduate from 507-461-2895 University of Wisonsin-River Falls in 2012. I hope to find a job where I can stay involved in the dairy industry and the promotion of it.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess because I think it is important to promote the dairy industry and how dairy products can benefit you. As a second year dairy princess, I have a personal goal to try and reach as many people as possible and tell them about all the dairy goodness. I think that my role as a dairy princess is important to remind everyone that the dairy industry is a vital part of Minnesota’s economy.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

A concern consumers have about dairy products, milk specifically, is that it contains antibiotics. I want to reassure consumers that dairy foods are wholesome, nutritious, and good tasting. While some cows do get treated with antibiotics when they are sick, the milk that those cows produce is separated from the non-treated cows. Only the antibiotic free milk is sent off of the farm. Before the milk leaves the farm, it is tested and before the milk is received at the creamery is it tested again. If any milk turns up positive for antibiotics, it is disposed of immediately. Milk is one of the most tested products out there to ensure safety of the consumers.

Parents: Cary and Connie Larson Town: New Richland What is your current status?

I am currently attending and finishing my freshman year at the University of WisconsinRiver Falls where I am majoring in agriculture marketing communications with a minor in animal science.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

Sara Larson I have been involved in the Dairy Star Sponsor: dairy industry for several years.

Hope Creamery My passion for the dairy indusHope, MN try started on my grandparents’ 507-451-2019 and uncle’s dairy farm near Ellendale, Minn. They sold their cattle when I was young,.

After moving from Northfield to New Richland I then got the opportunity to show and still am showing cattle from Larry Tande, of Tande Holsteins.

Today I currently milk for a 60-cow Holstein dairy near New Richland, Minn., owned by Keith Root and his son, Bill. In the future I hope to graduate from the University of WisconsinRiver Falls and become a representative for an agricultural company. I also hope to judge dairy cattle around the state of Minnesota and exhibit cattle throughout my life.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

Washington County

Parents: Fran and Mary Ann Miron Town: Hugo What is your current status?

I am a senior at Forest Lake Area High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I represent the fifth generation to live and work on our family’s farm. We maintain 200 head of Holsteins, milking approximately 80. We also raise Kathleen T. Miron corn, soybeans, oats and hay on Dairy Star Sponsor: 700 acres of land. Throughout Federated Co-ops high school, I’ve been active Princeton, MN in the FFA, National Honor 763-389-2582 Society, choir, 4-H, Youth Performing Arts, and soccer while maintaining a high academic standard. I’m involved in our church as a lector and cantor. I am applying for a position as a state FFA officer.

I am enrolled at the University of Minnesota, majoring in agricultural education.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

Dairy promotion has always been a key component of my life. Dairy farmers and their families have a strong work ethic and sound values in which we all take pride. I’ve enjoyed promoting those values as a Washington County Dairy princess and look forward to continuing to advocate for the dairy industry. My number one goal is to positively promote our dairy lifestyle and the products we produce.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

The main consumer concerns are personal health and good nutrition as well as care of our animals, land, and environment. Education is the key in addressing these concerns.

Dairy has always been and will continue to be part of a healthy diet and lifestyle. There are many options within dairy to satisfy individual tastes. Our family’s farm theme is ‘Caring for family, livestock, and the land for over a century.” I can clearly share our efforts each day on the farm to meet these standards.

Page 22 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 9, 2009

Winona County Parents: Jeff and Mariann Metz Town: Rushford What is your current status?

I am currently a first year student at Ridgewater College in Willmar, Minn., where I am studying to become a veterinary technician.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I am 19 years old. I grew up on the dairy farm. My dad Courtney Metz currently milks 200 dairy cows.

Dairy Star Sponsor: I love taking care of animals Land O’Lakes and that is why I am going to Melrose, MN become a veterinary technician.

320-256-1922 I hope to get a job working in the dairy industry in the future.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

Growing up on a dairy farm taught me a lot of responsibilities. It was also great to tell people about my experiences on the farm, like watching the vet do pregnancy checks on the cows, and also helping deliver calves. Being a dairy princess means I can share my experiences with more than just my friends, I can share it with more people from Winona County who are not familiar with dairy farming.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

Are the products safe. I would tell them that there are standards for the dairy farmer to meet. The dairy farmer’s main goal is to produce high quality and safe products to be able to sell to the consumer.

Parents: Jim and Laurie Orth Town: Lewiston What is your current status?

Currently I am a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. I am majoring in marketing communications with an emphasis in agriculture and a minor in dairy science.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

Katelyn Orth I live on my family’s 60Dairy Star Sponsor: cow dairy farm. We have JerPlainview Milk seys, Holsteins, Guernseys, Products and crossbreds of every color.

Plainview, MN We run about 160 acres, con507-534-3872 sisting of corn, oats, hay and pasture land. I enjoy spending my summers showing my Jerseys and a couple Guernseys and spending time with friends. On top of school and the farm, I am employed at Hy-Vee in Winona. My future plans include finishing school and getting a job in the dairy industry.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess because I wanted to promote the industry I grew up with and love everyday. My number one goal as dairy princess is to promote dairy products to people of all ages.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

A main concern I feel consumers are having about dairy products is the rising cost. I would address the public by reminding them that dairy products are an essential part of our diets and everyone still needs their 3-A-Day of dairy.

Winona County continued

Winona County continued

Parents: Dave and Kristi Tveten Town: Lewiston What is your current status?

I am a senior at RushfordPeterson High School. I will be attending Rochester Community and Technical College this fall to become a health unit coordinator.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I grew up on my family’s Jacki Tveten 40-cow dairy. Our 40 acre farm Dairy Star Sponsor: has been in the Tveten family for four generations. On our Accelerated Genetics Paul Tveten farm, we have mostly Holsteins Lewiston, MN and eight Milking Shorthorns 507-450-1649 that I own myself. I spend most of my time working on the farm and showing my cows in the summer for FFA and 4-H. My future plans are to attend RCTC next fall and to come home and farm with my family.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I have thought about being a dairy princess since I was a little girl. It is a great honor to be an ambassador to farmers just like my dad. My number one goal as a dairy princess is to tell people how important it is to get their 3-A-Day and also tell them about all the hard work put into those great products by dedicated farmers.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think the main concerns about dairy products that people may have are about the cost and the effect of dairy on their weight. I would tell them that they can’t afford not to have dairy in their diet because it is essential for healthy bones and teeth, and it is actually proven that eating dairy can help with weight loss.

Parents: Jim and Michelle Woodard Town: Winona What is your current status?

I am a senior at Winona Senior High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and your future plans.

I am proud to be a dairy farmer’s daughter. My family milks about 80 Holstein cows, and we raise all our own steers and heifers. I also work on a Jessica Woodard dairy farm where I milk about Dairy Star Sponsor: 60 Holstein cows, and I relief Tri-State Hoof milk for several farmers in the Trimming area. After I complete high Neil Beckman school, I plan to attend NICC 507-725-8603 and study dairy science. I love my cows!

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I have grown up in the dairy industry my entire life, and wanted to be dairy princess since I was about 8 years old. I remember when I was helping dad with chores one night, I told him what I was going to say when I ran for dairy princess.

He just laughed and said, “You have about 10 years to wait yet, girly.” Running for dairy princess was the best thing that happened my entire senior year. Now I plan to tell people how important it is to get their 3-A-Day. What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think a big concern for consumers is rBST milk. But I would make sure to tell people that rBST is a growth hormone, which means it’s a protein our bodies would digest it.

Parents: Chris and Nancy Wood Town: Winona What is your current status?

I am currently a senior at the Winona Senior High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work, and your future plans.

I am 17 years old and I live on my grandma’s dairy farm of 143 acres in Witoka, Minn. We milk 15 Holsteins and have Mandy Wood several other animals. We are a Dairy Star Sponsor: very small dairy farm, and we Randy Erdman do a lot of the work by hand, Trucking including cleaning the barn.

Winona, MN My future plans are to go 507-643-6616 to college and major in animal science, travel the world and continue farming with my grandma.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess because of my love for the dairy industry and the future of agriculture. It is very important to get dairy products in your diet. Also, I want to promote the dairy industry.

One of my goals is to promote the dairy industry and to show how much the dairy industry is important. I want to meet new people and to inform them of all of the products out there.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

One of the main concerns consumers have about dairy products is availability. Because of products being so costly in the economy, the amounts you get off dairy products go down. However, with prices so high we still all need our dairy products. As long as we all get a dairy product, we will be okay. With prices so high, make sure we all have at least one or more dairy products in our homes until prices go down.

Another concern is to make sure that we can continue to get dairy products from here in the United States and not to import our products. We need our farms to keep strong in this world, so we forever have them.

Wright County

Parents: Jeff and Janell Koch Town: Winsted What is your current status?

I am a senior at Howard Lake- Waverly-Winsted High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

Some of the extra curricular activities I am involved in are 4-H, FFA, Yearbook, student manager for the wresJillian Koch tling team, and showing cattle Dairy Star Sponsor: at the Wright County Fair and Munson Lakes the Minnesota State Fair.

Nutrition I work at Goldview Farm Howard Lake, MN in Waverly, Minn. for Greg, 800-245-7717 Faye, and Pat Bakeberg. They have 110 cows total but only 97 cows milking at this time. The breeds of cattle on their farm are Holsteins, Jerseys, and Ayrshires. I personally own three of the Jerseys and my brother owns the other Jerseys and Ayrshires on the farm.

The Bakebergs farm about 650 tillable acres of land.

Some of my responsibilities on the farm are bottle and pail feeding calves that drink milk replacer until they are about eight weeks old and after feeding I sanitize the buckets and bottles. I also feed grain and hay to calves until they are between 8 to 9 months old and when feeding is done I bring in sawdust for bedding into the calf barns. In the fall I will be attending Ridgewater College in Willmar and taking classes for my agriculture education degree for the first two years and then transferring to the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or South Dakota State University to finish my teaching degree.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I have had the opportunity to assist with Dairy Darlings at the Wright County Fair and Little Farm Hands and Moo Booth at the Minnesota State Fair and it brings me great satisfaction to inform the public about the dairy industry. I Wright County continued on next page

Wright County continued from previous page

Wright County continued

wanted to continue to promote the dairy industry that I have loved since I was a little girl, so I ran for Wright County Dairy Princess. My goal as a dairy princess is to teach the public about where their food comes and how it is a good source of calcium.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think some concerns consumers have about dairy products are if they are wholesome, nutritious, good tasting, and safe. Milk, cheese, and yogurt are good sources of calcium that we need for strong bones. Dairy foods are the number one source of calcium in our food supply. Not only are they good for us, but dairy foods taste good, and there are different varieties that everyone can enjoy. There are strict safety regulations; consumers can be confident that the milk and other dairy foods they buy are safe and top quality.

the dairy industry and hopefully make them see how important this industry is to their health, the environment, and the economy.

Parents: Mark and JoAnn Kolles Town: Otsego What is your current status?

A) I am currently in my second year at Anoka Ramsey Community College in Coon Rapids. I am employed by Steve Goenner and Elk River Farm Supply.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

After another year at Anoka Ramsey, I plan on Kelsey Kolles transferring to the University Dairy Star Sponsor: of Minnesota-Twin Cities to Waconia Farm Supply pursue a degree in agriculture Elk River, MN education. After college I plan 763-441-2044 to find a job in the agricultural industry.

On the farm where I am employed, we milk 55 cows and farm about 250 acres. My job is to milk cows, feed calves and any other tasks that need to be completed. I’ve been employed by Goenner Farms for four years.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

A) I chose to run for dairy princess to educate others about dairy products and the importance of consuming three servings of dairy products a day. My number one goal is to educate consumers about dairy products and the dairy industry.

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think the main concern consumers have about dairy products are the antibiotics farmers use. I would address those concerns by letting consumers know that a farmer’s first concern is his cattle and that he would not do anything to hurt his cattle because his living is his cattle.

Parents: Mike and Sue Nelson Town: Cokato What is your current status?

I am a junior at the University of Minnesota-Crookston double majoring in entrepreneurship & small business management and accounting. I Krista Nelson am currently a Wright County Dairy Star Sponsor: dairy princess.

Hobert Sales Inc. Tell us about yourself, the Cokato, MN farm you live and/or work on, 800-820-6455 and your future plans.

I work on the Glessing Family Farm, where there are 72 cows currently being milked.

My main job there is to take care of the show animals; I halter break, feed, pitch pens, wash, and clip the animals to get ready for regional, county, and state shows.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess, and what is your number one goal as a dairy princess?

I chose to run for dairy princess so I could help promote the dairy industry. Dairy farmers’ check-off dollars are funding this program and I want to put those dollars to good use by promoting the dairy industry and recruiting more consumers of dairy products. Even though I have never lived on a dairy farm, the dairy industry is an important aspect of my life.

As a dairy princess, it is my goal to tell other people about the nutritious and delicious products that come from

What do you think are the main concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address those concerns?

I think one question that consumers have is about the nutrition values of dairy products. Dairy products provide nine essential nutrients that a person’s body needs in order to be healthy. Any dairy product contains the nine nutrients,

Dairy Star • Saturday, May 9, 2009 • Page 23

although they have varying amounts depending on the particular product.

One question that I personally have been asked is how to get kids to consume more dairy products. This is a very open ended question, since there are so many ways to do this.

Cheese can be added to just about any dish, yogurt can be offered as an afternoon snack, and there is always the standby of chocolate milk. Going to a Web site such as www.3aday. org or www.ilovecheese.com gives great ideas for snacks and meals that have various dairy products in them, which will help kids get the nutrition they need.

May 17 dairy event includes announcement of Princess Kay finalists ST. PAUL, Minn. – Dozens of Minnesota’s county dairy princesses will gather May 15-17 in St. Joseph, Minn., for the selection of finalists for the 2009-10 Princess Kay of the Milky Way title. The event, which includes a workshop for the princesses and a four-part judging process, is scheduled at the College of St. Benedict. It concludes with the announcement of the 12 young women who will compete for prestigious Princess Kay title.

The three-day event includes about 80 young women who are from dairy farm families or are involved in the dairy industry through their employment. While their activities at the county level vary, the dairy princess role is to help consumers understand the passion dairy farmers have for producing wholesome dairy products while caring for the land and animals. Dairy farmers sponsor the event and the dairy princess program through their promotion checkoff organization, Midwest Dairy Association.

“This group is very dedicated to the dairy industry,” said Char Hovland, coordinator for the state’s princess program. “They come to the event with a willingness to improve their communications skills, but they also get the excitement of competing for one of those finalist spots.”

Those who opt to compete for a Princess Kay

finalist position are judged by an application, a personal interview, a speech and a mock media interview. Princess Kay is selected during the opening of the Minnesota State Fair in August, and the 12 finalists will each have their likenesses carved in butter while fair-goers watch. The butter sculptures are a key attraction at the fair.

Winners will be announced at the event’s closing luncheon Sunday, May 17, and posted later that day at www.midwestdairy.com. The

“This group is very dedicated to the dairy industry. They come to the event with a willingness to improve their communication skills”

-Char Hovland, coordinator for the state’s princess program

public is invited to attend the luncheon by calling 1-800-338-5160 to purchase tickets at a cost of $15 each. Reservations must be made by Monday, May 11. Those wishing to attend without participating in the meal may do so free of charge and without making reservations.

Mussman continued from front page said. “They’ve made sacrifices for me.”

With the Dairy Princess May Training Event nearing, Mussman said she is excited to learn who will be the next 12 princesses vying for the title of 56th Princess Kay of the Milky Way. “I’m looking forward to the May Event even though it’s a huge mark in the Princess Kay timeline, knowing that my time is winding down,” she said. “I’m looking forward to these bright new girls that are coming into the industry.”

From being in their shoes nearly one year ago, Mussman is able to offer this advice to the county dairy princesses.

“Know that being yourself is going to be good enough.

They (the judges and consum-

ers) want to know who you are and they want to know your passion and your story,” Mussman said. “Tell your story and let your passion radiate. That’s

me to be a good employee one day,” she said.

The University of Minnesota junior from Claremont hopes to find a marketing job

“Looking back, all my experiences have shaped me and enabled to be a good employee one day.”

-Kristy Mussman, Princess Kay of the Milky Way

why you’re there as a princess.”

Looking toward the future, Mussman said her time as Princess Kay has helped her carve a clear path for her life ahead.

“Looking back, all my experiences and appearances have shaped me and enabled

in the dairy industry after graduating.

“Even without the crown and sash, I will be promoting the dairy industry whether in my profession or not,” Mussman said. “I’ll still be telling our story.”

photo submitted

Mussman said she is thankful for the network of people who have helped her since being crowned in August, especially her family – mom and dad, Julie and Mike, and sisters, Missy and Kelsey. They have accompanied her to several appearances. Above, Mussman and her dad, Mike, talk to people at the Food and Wine Expo in Minneapolis.

photo by krista m. sheehan

Mussman said she has strengthened her interviewing and speaking skills during her time as Princess Kay. After her reign, Mussman wants to continue using these skills to promote the dairy industry. The University of Minnesota junior hopes to find a marketing job in the dairy industry after graduating next year.

photo submitted

photo submitted

Mussman said she is looking forward to summer events, especially during dairy month. Not only is it a time for her to share her messages about the dairy industry, but she said it’s also an extra opportunity for dairy producers to tell their farm-life story, which are “one in a million.” Consumers need to know the nutritional value of their dairy products, one of nature’s most perfect foods, Mussman said.

As the 55th Princess Kay of the Milky Way, Mussman has made over 30 appearances, talking to a variety of audiences about the importance of the dairy industry and its products.

Since August, Mussman has appeared at the state fair, visited classrooms, spoken at the Farm Bureau convention, attended the Central Plains Dairy Expo and celebrated at the Peanut Butter and Milk Festival along with several other events.