DAIRY ST R
Minnesota Dairy Princess Special Edition
May 14, 2022
A dream year
Euerle reflects on her time serving as Princess Kay By Kate Rechtzigel Staff Writer
LITCHFIELD, Minn. − Becoming Princess Kay of the Milky Way was a dream come true for Anna Euerle. “Growing up, I always tagged along to parades and different events with my sisters who were county dairy princesses at the time,” Euerle said. “I really enjoyed that and when I was in high school, I realized that advocating for the dairy community is something that I’m really passionate about.” Euerle currently serves at the 68th Princess Kay of the Milky Way, representing dairy farmers across the
state of Minnesota. She grew up on her family’s 80-cow dairy in Meeker County near Litchfield. On the farm, she has milked cows, fed calves, driven tractors and done fieldwork with her parents, Vaugh and Joan, and siblings, Melissa, Alex and Emily. She is currently a junior at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls studying food science and technology. Before becoming Princess Kay, Euerle also gained work experience at a 30-cow and a 600-cow dairy. “Working at three farms with very different herd sizes really showed me that I have all the tools to become Princess Kay,” Euerle said.
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Princess Kay Anna Euerle helps children make ice cream during a promotional event at Kandi Land Farm in Willmar, Minnesota.
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Anna Euerle serves as the 68th Princess Kay of the Milky Way. Euerle is a student studying food science and technology at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
“It seemed kind of daunting at first, but I realized that if you are really passionate about something, it just comes easy and it’s not scary at all.” During the school year Euerle has been at a couple events each week, ranging from Midwest Dairy sponsored events, Fuel Up To Play 60 events, banquets, official meetings, local agriculture awareness days, a kickboxing event and classroom visits. “There’s a huge variety and no two events are ever the same,” Euerle said. During her classroom visits, Euerle reads dairyrelated books, makes butter with students and takes them on a 360-degree virtual reality tour of a robotic rotary dairy farm. The tour shows students
the holding pen, parlor, free stalls, feed alley and the calf barn. “For a lot of them, this is the first time they’ve seen a dairy farm, so it’s really cool to be able to share that with them,” Euerle said. Last October, she had the opportunity to participate in a kickboxing event put on by the Mall of America. “I was able to kickbox for the first time,” Euerle said. “I shared that there are 13 essential nutrients in all of our dairy products and how it’s important to refuel your body after a workout.” Her favorite event this past year was attending the Minnesota Vikings game with the Fuel Up To Play 60 program. Throughout the year, she was also able to participate in interactive Fuel Up To Play 60 events with
students and the Minnesota Vikings. “At the game, I was able to meet the different individuals involved with the program, from the administrators who were looking at the program to see if it would be a good fit for their school, the Minnesota Zoo and the Science Museum,” Euerle said. “It was really cool because this is a network of people who stand behind dairy farmers that you often wouldn’t think about.” At her events, Euerle shares the story of Minnesota dairy farmers and what they do on their farms every day to make sure they are creating a sustainable environment that lasts for many generations to Turn to EUERLE | Page 23
Introducing Your County Dairy Princesses For 2022... DISCLAIMER: The county dairy princesses featured in this special section are not necessarily going on to compete for the title of Princess Kay of the Milky Way. The section serves to recognize all dairy princess at the county level.
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This year, there are 94 county dairy princesses representing the dairy industry in their respective counties across Minnesota. Dairy princesses must have a dairy connection in one of the following ways: they or their family owns and operates a dairy farm; they or their parents work on a dairy farm; they or their parents custom-raise dairy cattle for another farm; or they or their parents own or lease a dairy animal which is housed on another dairy farm.
Brown County Parents/Employers: Mike and Jenna Griebel, Griebel Dairy Farm New Ulm, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I live and work on my home dairy farm outside of New Ulm. I also have shown dairy cows at the county fair for many years. I am a freshman at Dordt University majoring in plant and animal science.
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management and skill to take on these three jobs and be able to perform well at each farm. Another experience would be leasing cattle for one of the farms to show at the June Dairy Day at Brown County Fair in New Ulm. I was awarded the reserve champion, and it made me want to perform again at fair time in August. I wasn’t able to take home a title, but the experience of showmanship and competing to represent your farm was an amazing experience.
What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? The county fair. Most people would say the parades. And I would have said that too, but the thing is you don’t get the chance to talk to people in the parades or at least not as much. Being at the county fair where I show dairy and rabbits and a few general projects, I get the chance to be out and about and can talk to anyone who has questions and wants to learn more about the dairy industry.
What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I’m passionate, I have an eagerness to learn, I’m honest, positive and not afraid to speak my mind. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? “Dairy cows are pumped full of antibiotics.” Let’s say you have the flu. You take antibiotics to get better. The same applies for cows. If they are sick, a veterinarian prescribes antibiotics to cure the illness. The cow’s milk is usually separated from the rest, so it doesn’t reach the bulk tank; otherwise, the sick cow’s milk would contaminate the whole bulk tank full of milk. She is not pumped full of antibiotics; she is only treated to make sure she is healthy in the future and can continue to produce pure milk.
Elizabeth Griebel, 19
What has been your Dairy Star Sponsor: greatest experience being Bongards’ Creameries involved in the dairy Norwood-Young industry? My greatest America, MN experience in the dairy 952-277-5500 industry is getting to grow Lano Equipment of up on a dairy farm. Starting Norwood at a young age, I was able 952-467-2181 to learn all the things my family does, and I learn more each time I am out there. Showing dairy has also been a huge part of my life and a great experience. I have personally learned a lot through showing dairy. A huge part of it is working with others as well. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I am a leader, I am dedicated, and I constantly want to better my family farm along with the agricultural community. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? An important topic I want to communicate with consumers is the nutritional values of dairy products, as they provide nutrients that are vital for our health and taking care of our body. They have vitamins and minerals that are necessary for our body. Calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D are just a few examples. I want to share this with consumers to promote dairy products along with promoting nutrition; maintaining our bodies by what we put into our bodies. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? A dairy promotional event I am looking forward to in my county is family night on the farm and being able to communicate with dairy farmers and consumers.
What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I love the parades, so I’m definitely looking forward to that. I love seeing all the kids and having them ask questions about who we are or what we do. It’s fun connecting with the community like this, and we get more publicity this way to promote the dairy industry even more.
Parents/Employers: Loran and Heidi Sellner Sleepy Eye, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I helped my mom with calf chores when I was little, but over the years, I learned many new things that I’m now involved with. I work on my family’s robotic dairy farm where I feed baby calves, do calf vaccinations, Gracie Sellner, 17 do a lot of the fieldwork in Dairy Star Sponsor: the summer and even help Bongards’ Creameries my dad when it comes Norwood-Young to mixing feed for our America, MN Holstein herd. I’ve come to 952-277-5500 love agriculture from living Lano Equipment and working on our farm so of Norwood when I got involved with 952-467-2181 FFA I knew right then and there I wanted to go off to college for something in agriculture. I’m planning on going to college for ag education. I love teaching others about FFA, 4-H and just anything you could do in agriculture. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? My greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry would be living and working on my family’s farm. I learn many new things on the farm, and I get to use the skills every day to help me have success.
Parents: Bruce and Jacki Kyllonen Employers: John and Patti Rosenhammer, Gary and Rosie Hilleshiem and Brian and Jill Nelson Sleepy Eye, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I have been working on multiple dairy farms for about four years now, and I love every minute of it. While working at these farms, they inspired me to become a large animal vet because of the important skills my employers taught me. I plan to attend South Dakota State University to pursue my degree in animal sciences and slowly build my degree into a Ph.D.
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Sophie Kyllonen, 18 Dairy Star Sponsor: Bongards’ Creameries Norwood-Young America, MN 952-277-5500 Lano Equipment of Norwood 952-467-2181
What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? I would say being able to hold three jobs in the dairy industry at the same time. It took a lot of communication, scheduling, time
What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? Through working on the farm and being involved in FFA and 4-H, I’ve learned how to be confident in myself. I’ve also learned how to put myself out there when working with others like with other kids in FFA and 4-H or working with other employees on the farm. Being around people has helped me with my speaking skills. Being in FFA and 4-H has also helped me to understand how to teach others about agriculture, so this has taught me how to bring the subject forward and teach it to them so they can understand it. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? Explaining how my family’s robotic dairy farm works. The three Lely robots milk 24 hours a day 365 days a year. Also, the unique new behavior I saw with our cows before having the robots to now having them.
Parents: Tim Steffl and Leah Sandbo Employer: John Rosenhammer Sleepy Eye, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. My involvement with the dairy industry includes living on a retired dairy farm, working at Roseview Dairy and being a part of South Dakota State University’s Dairy Club. I plan to continue my employment at Roseview Dairy and expand my knowledge through my love and passion for the dairy industry.
Lauren Steffl, 20 Dairy Star Sponsor: Bongards’ Creameries Norwood-Young America, MN 952-277-5500 Lano Equipment of Norwood 952-467-2181
What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? My greatest experience from being involved in the dairy industry would be my almost four years of employment at Roseview Dairy. Through working there, I have hands-on experience with milking roughly 220 cows, bottle feeding and weaning calves, administering medications and sorting cows. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? My skillset for working with children. I have been working with children since the fourth grade, starting out with babysitting. Since then, I have worked at a day care as a teacher assistant and completed a full year of college course classes relating to early childhood education. Through these experiences, I have learned techniques to help teach children and was able to apply my knowledge when sharing my passion for dairy with younger generations. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? The difference between organic and nonorganic farms and the change in nutrients. Since taking my animal science class at SDSU, I have expanded my knowledge on the topic and have recently shared my point of view with others. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? A dairy promotional event in Brown County that I am looking forward to is serving ice cream in the Unbelievably Dairy stand at the Brown County Fair. Last year, it was such a fun experience to work the stand with dairy princess Sophie Kyllonen while serving our county.
Parents: Tom and Mary Portner Sleepy Eye, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I have lived and worked on my family’s Brown Swiss dairy farm all of my life. My involvement in the dairy industry has largely been through 4-H and FFA. I have shown cattle for 12 years and have competed at dairy judging and dairy knowledge bowl competitions up to the state level. In the county, I have served as a dairy ambassador and princess for five years and have
Sophia Portner, 19 Dairy Star Sponsor: Bongards’ Creameries Norwood-Young America, MN 952-277-5500 Lano Equipment of Norwood 952-467-2181
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served the Minnesota Brown Swiss Association as an ambassador as well. This large engagement in the dairy industry has driven me to the goals I am working on now. I am studying natural resource management at North Dakota State University with an emphasis on environmental sustainability. I want to pursue a career helping environmental sustainability practices within the dairy industry and agriculture as a whole. I am in the process of learning how this may look and in what ways I will be best able to serve.
who may not know as much, if anything, about the topic I am talking about. This helps me to speak with people and helps to properly inform them.
industry as a whole. I have experienced confusion about the difference between farm size when it comes to the treatment of the animals involved in them. It is my job to explain that dairy farmers in family farms work to provide the best care for their animals. This involves overcoming challenges such as facility maintenance, food supply and veterinary bills. It is important for consumers to know the dairy industry is built around the work of family farms. Family farms care greatly about the happiness and well-being of their animals.
What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? My greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry has been being able to work and learn with my family. I have four older sisters and four younger cousins who work and help on our family farm. Growing up, my parents and older sisters taught me what hard work looks like. Completing the tasks we needed to get done were often made to be bonding moments and more enjoyable with a sister by my side. Learning from them then aided me in teaching my younger cousins how to show their leased cattle and work hard as well. It has been such a rewarding experience to watch them grow and develop in their confidence and skill. These family experiences on the farm have shaped me drastically, and I am so grateful. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? Some qualities I possess that make me a good dairy princess are my passion for the dairy cows and dairy farmers. I also have a strong desire to be a responsible and positive advocate for them. I have grown in my communication skills and have come to now enjoy talking with all different community members. It is important to connect with others in a genuine way and to speak the truth when tasked to be a face for the families and workers on the farm. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? I look forward to addressing the dairy industry’s work to reduce carbon emissions and the overall sustainability of dairy farming. This can often become a misconception of the dairy industry and give it a negative reputation. I am excited to share with the public all the ways dairy farmers are working to reduce their carbon footprint and be better stewards of the land. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? School educational visits. I love getting to interact with kids and teach them about life and work on a farm. They are always so excited to meet us and hear about what we can teach them. They bring it home to share with their families as well.
Carver County Parents: Jon and Kelly Dose Green Isle, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I grew up on my family dairy farm right outside of Hamburg, Minnesota. I am attending North Dakota State University pursuing a degree in biology and then I’d like to go to school for physician assistant training.
Alison Dose, 19 Dairy Star Sponsor: Lano Equipment of Norwood 952-467-2181
What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? I am excited to talk about how well dairy farmers treat their animals. Many people have an untrue bias when it comes to the treatment of farm animals, but I would like to help them see farmers in a different light. I see how well the farmers that I grew up around treated their animals, and I want others to be able to understand that as well. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I am looking forward to the Carver County Fair. I absolutely love helping with the kid’s day outside of the dairy barn. I enjoy getting to teach the younger kids about dairy.
Parents: Darin Feist Cologne, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I have been involved in the dairy community my entire life through my grandparents, Leonard and Rose Hoen. My grandparents own and operate their dairy farm outside of Norwood Young America, milking Greta Feist, 18 roughly 70 animals. I Dairy Star Sponsor: have leased animals from Bongards’ Creameries my grandparents to show Norwood-Young at the Carver County Fair. America, MN I have also been a dairy 952-277-5500 princess for two years and Lano Equipment of am excited to start my Norwood third year in the position. 952-467-2181 My future plans are to attend the University of Minnesota-Duluth in the fall to study graphic design. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? Some of my most memorable experiences in the dairy industry have been from my time showing cows at the Carver County Fair. Since the time I was old enough to hold a halter, I have been in the show ring. The Carver County Fair has always been the best part of the summer for me and my family. I remember my older siblings and cousins teaching me how to hold a halter correctly and how to set up the feet of my animals. Now that I am older, I get to teach my younger cousins the ins and outs of showing dairy cows. I get to make new memories with the next generation of showmen in my family. Through this experience, I have learned so much about the hard work and dedication needed to prepare animals for show day. Additionally, I have been blessed with the opportunity to grow up in a tight-knit loving community that collectively shares a passion for the dairy industry. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I have been involved in the dairy community my entire life. I am knowledgeable about the inner workings of the industry because I have grown up with a hands-on experience. I also have a strong passion for animals and their safety. I am a huge animal lover and that especially includes cows. Finally, I have good communication and leadership skills thanks to my years in 4-H and my previous experiences with leadership roles in student council and National Honor Society. This collection of attributes will help me spread significant dairy messages across my community and the state of Minnesota.
What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? Growing up on a farm is what I think has made me into who I am today. It taught me a lot What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about responsibility, self-discipline and formed the about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? During my reign as a dairy princess, I look good work ethic I have today. forward to talking about topics such as the treatment What qualities do you possess that make you a of animals on dairy farms. As both a representative good dairy princess? I am a good people person. I of the dairy community and a big animal lover, the don’t struggle to have a conversation with people that safety and well-being of the cattle on dairy farms has I’ve never met, especially when I’m talking about always been an important topic to me. It is important something I am passionate about, like dairy. I am for consumers to know that the health and safety of good with facts and am able to relay them to someone the animals is the priority for farmers and the dairy
What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? Getting to visit more schools, summer camps and nursing homes. I am excited to experience more of these events because of the intimacy they offer dairy consumers. There is something special about getting to talk to a room of kids and adults about the dairy industry. It is easier to instigate meaningful and personal conversations, making it much easier to form connections with members of my community. I have long believed that personal, candid conversations with others are a crucial component to forming stronger communities. I look forward to the opportunity to grow individually from these events.
Parents: Mark and Nissa Klaustermeier Cologne, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I have lived and worked on my family’s dairy farm my whole life. Along with that, this is my fourth year as Carver County Dairy Princess. I have also been showing my family’s cattle at the county and state fairs since I was 7-years-old. My future plans are to go to the University of Wisconsin- Madison for zoology in the hopes of working in exotic animal rehabilitation.
Hannah Klaustermeier, 18 Dairy Star Sponsor: Bongards’ Creameries Norwood-Young America, MN 952-277-5500 Lano Equipment of Norwood 952-467-2181
What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? My favorite part of the year has always been showing cows, but I am most grateful for being able to attend the state fair every year since I was first eligible. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I am easy to approach and knowledgeable about dairy farming, which leads people to ask any questions they have about this lifestyle. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? The most important topic to me is informing the public on how our animals are treated. Many think our animals are treated poorly and we only see them as products. I always look forward to having this conversation because it gives me the chance to help someone understand that our animals are always taken care of as they are also a part of our families. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I have always looked forward to the Carver County Fair, but for the past four years, it has been more than just showing my cattle. I absolutely love working at the kid’s day and seeing the kids smiling as they win dairy products as prizes or even get their nails and hair done to look like the cows they see in the barn.
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Parents: Jeff and Tina Vinkemeier Norwood Young America, Minnesota
What qualities do you possess that make you a Parents: Ramon good dairy princess? I am passionate and dedicated MaryBeth Espinoza Kasson, Minnesota about sharing my dairy story with consumers.
Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. Through the dairy industry, I have been involved in 4-H and FFA. Through 4-H and FFA, I show my dairy cows and have participated in dairy judging. This fall, I plan on attending University of Wisconsin-Platteville to major in animal science.
Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I lived on a farm until I was 5-yearsold, then we moved into What is one dairy promotional event in your county town. My dad has always that you are looking forward to? One promotional worked on a farm as well event I look forward to is Culver’s Dairy Day where as my grandpa, so I spent we get the community together to talk about the dairy a lot of time around the industry and promote it, and we do a cow-milking farm. I loved getting Gabriela Espinoza, to help feed the cows contest and custard- eating contest. 19 and go for tractor rides. Dairy Star Sponsor: My mom and siblings Laura Seljan were all involved in 4-H Photography and showed dairy cows Kasson, MN growing up, and I was so Lauraseljanphotography.com excited to show. I’ve been 507-250-2217 Parents: Eric and Angie able to help with some Alberts of the chores around the Employers: Pine-Shelter farm like feeding calves or bedding. I help for free as Farms Alberts Bros. Dairy a way to pay the farm back for keeping my animals on Pine Island, Minnesota the farm. I’ve also participated on dairy judging teams through FFA and 4-H. I’ve been involved in the dairy Tell us about your project through 4-H by participating on the dairy bowl involvement with the team, helping with workshops and showing dairy dairy industry and your cows. Although I am majoring in nursing, I want to future plans. Being the stay connected with the dairy industry as much as I seventh generation on can. my family’s dairy, my passion for the dairy What has been your greatest experience being industry developed at involved in the dairy industry? I have had many a young age. I have Makenzie Alberts, great experiences through the dairy industry. I loved played an active role on getting to help on the farm and play a small part in the 17 the farm milking cows, dairy industry. I also loved getting the chance to lease Dairy Star Sponsor: feeding calves, assisting cows for showing. My family and I have now started Nelson Dairy with herd management our own small herd and have showed our own cows Consultants and operating equipment the past few years. It was exciting to expand enough Harmony, MN throughout harvest. I plan for my brothers and I to show multiple cows of our nelsondairyconsultants.com to continue developing own. 507-937-3620 my passion for agriculture and the dairy industry What qualities do you possess that make you a next year by attending South Dakota State University, good dairy princess? I’ve gained some good qualities majoring in agriculture communications and minoring through different activities and extracurriculars that in dairy industry. will help me succeed as a dairy princess. I have gained leadership skills, communication skills and What has been your greatest experience being responsibilities, and I love getting to talk and meet involved in the dairy industry? It is truly a new people. I enjoy teaching and helping others. rewarding experience working alongside my family. I have always been inspired by the work ethic and What is one hot topic you look forward to talking passion my family members, specifically my dad about with consumers during your reign as a dairy and grandpa, possess. My favorite memories in the princess? I’m excited to talk about how many people dairy industry include those made at the county and are involved in the dairy industry. It’s not only the state fairs through 4-H and FFA. The friendships and farmers who are part of the industry. There are a lot relationships created through these opportunities will of people involved who are working hard to make last a lifetime. quality products for the community. I also would love to discuss some of the negative connotations around What qualities do you possess that make you a farming and the dairy industry. There have been many good dairy princess? My passion and pride for different videos and posts on social media that have the dairy industry are unique. Not many princesses started rumors around the dairy industry. I would love have the privilege of representing their family as to be able to talk to consumers and answer questions the seventh generation. I have a love for agriculture they may have so they can understand. advocacy and enjoy informing the public about where their food comes from. My love for public speaking What is one dairy promotional event in your will assist me throughout the year as well. Overall, county that you are looking forward to? I’m my knowledge, deep roots, passion and genuine looking forward to many of the events coming up this personality make me a good dairy princess. year, but I especially love going around the Dodge County Fair teaching community members about What is one hot topic you look forward to talking the dairy industry. There are so many community about with consumers during your reign as a dairy members who don’t know the dairy industry and how princess? I look forward to discussing the topic of it works. It’s a great way to reach out and teach those dairy foods versus alternatives with the public. In my around us. freshman year of high school, I wrote a speech on this topic and even competed on my high school’s Dodge County continued on next page speech team advancing to sections with the speech. This topic is something I am both knowledgeable and passionate about. I look forward to the conversations I will have with the public on deciding between dairy products over alternatives. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? A hot topic I look forward to talking about with consumers is how milk gets from the cow to their dining room table or the store.
Cadee Vinkemeier, 18 Dairy Star Sponsor: Bongards’ Creameries Norwood-Young America, MN 952-277-5500 Lano Equipment of Norwood 952-467-2181
What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? My greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry is growing up on a dairy farm. Growing up on a farm has taught me hard work and how to care for animals. The lessons the farm has taught me will help with my future endeavors, like college and future jobs. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I have a lot of dairy knowledge and can easily talk to all age groups. I enjoy telling everyone about my family dairy farm and all the nutritious products our cows make. I enjoy answering kids’ questions about how we feed the baby calves. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? Comparing dairy products with milk alternatives. Many consumers have started to drink things like almond milk or use things like imitation cheese. When they make these changes, they do not get the same nutrients as they would from a pure dairy product. The dairy industry has even taken those that are lactose intolerant into account by making lactosefree products for them to enjoy. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? The kid’s day event at our county fair. At this event, we play games with young kids and give out prizes for playing. I also get to talk to the parents and kids about the baby calf we have for people to pet.
Crow Wing County Parents/Employers: Aric and Jennifer Caughey Brainerd, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. My involvement with the dairy industry is that I co-own JENARIC Dairy with my sister where we milk registered Holsteins and Jerseys in a double-6 swing parlor. My future Jenna Caughey, 19 plans are to continue Dairy Star Sponsor: running and operating the Midwest Machinery Co. farm and to potentially Little Falls, MN build and expand. 320-632-5469 Sunrise Ag Co-op What has been your Buckman, MN greatest experience 320-468-6433 being involved in the Pierz Co-op dairy industry? My Pierz, MN greatest experience being 320-968-6655 involved in the dairy industry would definitely have to be showing dairy cattle. I’ve gone to countless different shows with my family and it’s a time for making memories with them, along with sharing and talking with the public about my cattle and how we care for them.
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Dodge County
What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I look forward to connecting with the public at fairs. The fair is a wonderful place to reach a variety of people from different backgrounds. I am excited to continue to bridge the gap between the farm and the public.
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Dodge County continued Parents: Stan and Amy Sauder Employers: Pine-Shelter Farms Alberts Bros. Dairy Pine Island, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I was raised as the sixth generation on my family’s dairy farm and have been involved since I was a child. As I’ve gotten older, my Amanda Sauder, 20 responsibilities on the Dairy Star Sponsor: farm have increased, but Nelson Dairy my involvement within Consultants the dairy industry has Harmony, MN expanded on and off the nelsondairyconsultants.com farm as well. I was an 507-937-3620 active member in FFA and 4-H which gave me connections and friends in this industry. Because of the many opportunities that these organizations provided, I chose to major in agricultural marketing and communications at the University of WisconsinRiver Falls. I plan to graduate in the spring of 2024 and continue sharing my passion for agriculture in my field of work. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? My passion for dairy began around the age of 3 when I started showing calves at my county fair. Showing has given me an avenue to become more involved in the dairy community, and I made so many connections and friendships through this activity at county and state fair shows. I have found a home within this community, and the experiences I’ve had have been influential from my early childhood to shaping my future career. I also love working with my family on the farm and getting to do new and unique things every day. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I enjoy talking with the public and love sharing my background in agriculture and the dairy industry. Some qualities I believe I have which will assist me in representing the dairy industry as a county princess include my knowledge and experience within agriculture, ability to share my passion of ag with others and teamwork with the other princesses in my county. As I begin my third year serving as a dairy princess I can’t wait to continue advocating for dairy farmers across Minnesota. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? The sustainability of America’s dairy farms. Farmers work every day to become more sustainable, and technology around this effort is rapidly increasing. Many people are amazed when I share how proactive farmers are when it comes to sustainability so I enjoy spreading that message whenever I have the opportunity. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I love representing the dairy industry at my county fair. My passion for agriculture started at the same fair more than 15 years ago, and I hope to be an influence to younger 4-H members just like past dairy princesses were to me. The dairy community has a big representation in Dodge County and I love getting to be a voice for the industry during this event.
Douglas County Parents: Alan and Jessica Klimek Alexandria, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I grew up on a dairy farm and have been helping with calf chores since I was young. I am majoring in nursing at North Dakota State University. Although my future plans don’t necessarily involve the dairy industry, I see myself being involved in agriculture in one way or another.
Lexi Klimek, 18 Dairy Star Sponsor: Nelson Creamery Nelson, MN 320-762-0115
What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? Some of my favorite memories being involved in the dairy industry have been made while showing heifers at the county fair and state fair through 4-H. I absolutely love spending time with the animals. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I possess good communication skills, am a hard worker and have firsthand knowledge about the dairy industry from growing up on a dairy farm. I am also confident and compassionate about sharing my dairy-involved life with others. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? Plant-based dairy alternatives is a big topic right now and one I like to talk about. It is important to promote a true dairy product and the nutritional value it holds versus an alternative. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I am looking forward to giving out dairy samples at grocery stores and being able to communicate and promote dairy with shoppers.
East Otter Tail County Parents: Aaron Tiffany Ruther Perham, Minnesota
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Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I grew up on a farm with a starting herd of 135 milking cows, and over the years, we have evolved and built a robotic milking system, which was completed this past summer with DeLaval. Madison Grace We are now milking more Ruther, 17 than 200 cows in our Dairy Star Sponsor: new barn. This has been Lakes Area Cooperative an amazing experience Perham, MN overall watching our Lakesareacoop.com passion grow, along with 218-346-6240 our relationships with the people who have helped us every step of the way. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? Some of my greatest memories and experiences living on a dairy farm can come as simply as finishing a day’s work and taking a nap in the warm fresh straw with the sun. I’ve enjoyed wonderfully made dinners in the field with all the other workers after a long day of hauling. Through my everyday experience I’ve learned a lot of things, from backing up trailers and large wagons to knowing the dose of a medication for a calf. I learn the ins and outs of a large operation including newer technology and how to read forms to breed out undesirable characteristics from cows such as low hanging udders.
East Otter Tail County continued What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? Some things I have learned from living on the farm and have slowly mended my sense of self have been the will to work, listen and watch. Although I have many other qualities such as the passion to teach and share with people about the dairy industry, I have the ability to stand up and lead younger girls to show them how great of a thing it is to be proud of where you come from. Those three words branch as far as I know: the willingness to work for anything to achieve your best, and the determination it takes to continue on and keep going. When you live on the farm, you also learn to listen. That’s where many of your skills come from. Allow people to tell you right from wrong, and take in as much information as you can to learn from everything and everyone around you. Watching is also a great skill to have. To watch everything around you, the changes in the society and culture of dairy farmers around the world and the surrounding areas. The willingness to sit for hours and find changes and niches to change in your farm to help the production as well as the wellbeing of your animals and land. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? The best quality of life possible for your animals. Because when you are putting your dairy life first and making them comfortable, you see everything better. Quality of milk, quality of life, overall quality in your system. It’s important to educate the public more on the value of how keeping our cows healthy is what we do, not just because it is what is best for the animal but what is also best for us. It’s important to communicate with the people that it is in the farmer’s best interest in order to have a sustainable farm to keep their livestock happy and healthy. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I love when June Dairy Month comes around because I am allowed to hand out some of our favorite ice cream treats at our local sale barn, where I am able to talk with, and learn about, how other dairy farms are doing in our area as well as build relationships with the people involved with them. I also love showing that promotion and the love for our dairy farmers is not lost. I also enjoy learning about all the types of work that comes not just with our dairy farmers, but the processes after the cows leave the farm.
Faribault County Parents: Brian and Kathy Ehlert Employer: Mark Sahr Bricelyn, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I work with the calves at a local dairy farm feeding, bedding, giving vaccinations, moving them and cleaning equipment. I plan to study animal science at the University of NebraskaLincoln, focusing on the food animal production management option. I plan to stay involved with the dairy industry after college.
Melany Ehlert, 18 Dairy Star Sponsor: Bongards’ Creameries Norwood-Young America, MN 952-277-5500
What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? My greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry is working at Sahrside Dairy. I have been working there for the last three years of my high school career. On a smaller scale, I also help with chores and have had the chance to experience A.I. breeding and other practices on a friend’s farm. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I possess the good qualities of a dairy princess, because I have a strong passion for the dairy industry due to my direct involvement in it. Along with that, I enjoy advocating for the dairy industry. I talk highly of the industry and have Faribault County continued on next page
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Faribault County continued knowledge of dairy products as I am a part of the milk quality team in FFA. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? One topic I look forward to talking about with consumers during my reign as dairy princess is animal welfare. There is misinformation and lies around the world about the dairy industry. Dairy cows are taken seriously as far as their health and well-being. A clear result of this is that cows do not produce as much milk, or high quality of milk, if they are not happy and well cared for.
Fillmore County Parents: Kevin and Kelly Biel Harmony, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I have lived on a dairy farm my entire life. I have been involved in many dairy-related things, like dairy quiz bowl, showing my dairy cows, dairy judging as well as many other things in 4-H and FFA. After I graduate, I will be going to Wartburg College for music education and business marketing.
What is one dairy promotional event in your country that you are looking forward to? One of the most influential dairy promotional events the Kristina Biel, 18 Faribault County Dairy Association hosts is our Dairy Star Sponsor: annual Dairy Days. This event is hosted by a local Canton Heating & dairy farm each year and is an exciting educational Cooling LLC event for all ages. Not only is it exciting, but it gives Canton, MN the community a chance to come to the farm and see 507-743-8242 the great care we take of the animals. This event does a great job of closing the gap between the consumer What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy and the dairy producer. industry? Definitely showing during FFA and 4-H. I love being able to show off my dairy cows and connecting with people who love the same thing. Parents: Barry and Sara Lutteke What qualities do you possess that make you a good Wells, Minnesota dairy princess? I have lived on a dairy farm all my life. I also have many years behind me in participating Tell us about your in 4-H and FFA, so I know my way around a dairy involvement with the cow. I am also captain of my school’s speech team, so dairy industry and your I am able to speak fluently and comfortably in front of future plans. Since I crowds of people. was little, I have enjoyed spending time at my What is one hot topic you look forward to talking grandparents’ farm. In my about with consumers during your reign as a dairy early high school years, I princess? Greenwashing in the dairy industry as well would help with little jobs as stereotypes. So many times, people believe false in the barn with a few of myths. Explaining and disproving the myths to them my cousins. I often visit Mariah Lutteke, 19 is one of my favorite things to do. the farm and see what’s Dairy Star Sponsor: new. In the summer, I am Bongards’ Creameries What is one dairy promotional event in your county more involved when my that you are looking forward to? Dairy night on the Norwood-Young schedule isn’t so crazy. I farm has always been one of my favorite things to go America, MN am pursuing my path in to since I was little. I am ecstatic to participate in it 952-277-5500 the medical field. I attend this year. Riverland Community College for nursing. I love living at home and being close to family. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? It has been a joy living close to my grandparents’ farm. I stop by to visit often. Going to school for nursing has not stopped my love and passion for agriculture. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I do well speaking in front of others when it’s a topic of my interest, like the dairy industry. It’s interesting to hear others speak about their dairy operations in the area. I am hard working, motivated and appreciate the opportunity to be a dairy princess again this year. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? Every year, there are always things that have changed or farmers who are growing and expanding their operations. Many areas are growing, and it’s interesting to see how much has changed in our area. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I enjoy having the dairy days event in June. I also enjoy the Festag and Kernels Day parades in the summer.
Parents: James and Miranda Wingert Harmony, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I grew up on an 80-cow dairy farm outside of Harmony, with my mom, dad and six siblings. On the farm, I do most of the milking and herd health. My favorite job on the farm is milking. Morgan Wingert, 20 I enjoy watching each Dairy Star Sponsor: cow progress through Finseth Milk Hauling her lactation. Throughout Fountain, MN the summer, I do relief 507-268-4457 milking for farmers in our area as well as help do Dairy Herd Improvement Association testing. I am a sophomore at South Dakota State University majoring in dairy manufacturing with a minor in food safety. This summer, I will be doing a quality assurance internship for Agropur in Hull, Iowa. I am excited to see where this opportunity takes me as well as learn about the other side of the dairy community. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? My favorite part about being part of a dairy farm is the life lessons that get taught on the farm. I didn’t realize how much I learned growing up on the farm until I left for college. Responsibility, kindness and life’s toughest lessons are most easily learned on the farm. What qualities do you possess to make you a good dairy princess? I am outgoing and love talking to consumers about the dairy industry. I enjoy putting together, and presenting, dairy education pieces for all age groups.
Fillmore County continued What is a hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a princess? People are always curious about how farmers care for their animals and if we are really doing the best job we can. Farming isn’t an easy job, and most farmers must have alternative jobs to support their families and livestock. Making sure consumers understand that we always put our best care into our occupation to provide them with a safe and healthy product is key to consumers continuing to buy dairy products. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I am looking forward to dairy night on the farm in June. It is always a fun time to see farmers get together as well as having people from our community see what dairy farming is all about.
Goodhue County Parents/Employers: Jim and Lisa Bartholome, Bartholome Farms Goodhue, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. My involvement with the dairy industry includes growing up and living on our family farm. Our farm is a fifth-generation family farm homesteaded Madison in 1861, and we milk 500 Bartholome, 18 cows. I have also been Dairy Star Sponsor: involved in 4-H, FFA and Northern Valley dairy judging, and this is Livestock Services my second year as a dairy Plainview, MN, princess. My future plans dairymed.com are to continue earning 507-534-4356 my degree as a veterinary technician from Rochester Community and Technical College. I will graduate next spring. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? My greatest experience working on the farm continues to be the time when I helped deliver a baby calf that was born one month early. I helped nurse it back to good health by hand-feeding the calf every few hours and keeping the calf warm. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I am a friendly, helpful, caring, nurturing and positive person. These qualities will help me be a good dairy princess because it will help me connect and share with others the importance of our dairy industry and help with representing our dairy community. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? It is important to share our values with others as many share the same and/or similar values. We care about taking care of our animals and their comfort. Cow comfort is a top priority for farmers, and I am looking forward to sharing and talking about all we do for our animals and their comfort. We have many people helping with nutrition, veterinary care, etc., to help farmers achieve the best cow comfort measures possible. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I am looking forward to all of the dairy promotional events, but the one event I’m really looking forward to is breakfast on the farm and handing out ribbons at the county fairs.
Goodhue County continued on next page
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Goodhue County continued
Goodhue County continued
Parents: Robert Eggenberger and Erica Cordes Employers: Shane and Casey Holst Red Wing, Minnesota
What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? The Goodhue County Fair.
Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. My family lives in the city, but I have extended family that live on dairy farms. My father runs a custom Emma Eggenberger, farming business, so I 18 have seen many dairy Dairy Star Sponsor: setups. Through my Ag Partners extended family, I have agpartners.net been able to show heifers 800-732-1439 at the county fair. I milk about 150 cows at Holst dairy, owned and operated by Shane and Casey Holst. I have milked there for more than a year and have gained experiences that helped me solidify my career interest in the dairy industry. I also milked 300 cows at Mills Dairy, operated by Kent Mills, during the summer of 2021. My plans are to go to college and major in agribusiness and minor in animal science and accounting. I hope to own a purebred Montbéliarde herd and lease heifers for others to show. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? As a child, I spent a lot of time on my grandparents’ farm during the summer. I helped feed calves and trained my fair calves, but the best moment was waking up and looking out my window to see the cows in the morning. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I am passionate about dairy cows and the dairy industry. I have leadership skills such as being able to speak out about different issues in the dairy industry and being able to talk to a variety of people. I also compartmentalize well, which may seem like an obscure quality, but it allows me to focus on what I am doing. Eye contact is another thing I do well because it establishes a respectful relationship.
What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? I’m open to all topics that can be talked about. Topics that are controversial are fun to talk about because I like to learn other people’s opinions on stuff to further my own education and opinions on a subject. One subject that would be fun to talk about is milk and all these alternatives that people say are healthier.
Parents/Employers: Mike and Ann Hinsch Goodhue, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I have been involved with the dairy industry since I could walk. I started with feeding the calves with my dad, and from there, the obsession started. As I got older, I started showing cattle for my cousin’s 700-head dairy operation and then moved to dairy judging and dairy quiz bowl. I help do chores, feed and sort cattle, and other various things my dad needs help with.
What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I’m looking forward to the Volksfest parade because we did not get to do it last year.
Cassandra Hinsch, 19 Dairy Star Sponsor: Beck Implement, Inc. Elgin, MN beckimplement.com 507-876-2122
What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? Meeting the people who make this industry strong; from the farms, people who work in media to the dairy processing plants that help get those dairy products out into the world. Also being able to talk to people who don’t quite understand what we do but also listening to them about what they think should be changed. Having these experiences and opportunities are something I could never get if I wasn’t involved in the dairy industry. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I don’t think anyone has a specific talent or ability to be a good princess or ambassador for the industry. Everyone has their own skill set. For me, I’m a go-getter and impatient but also passionate and willing to work with others and listen to new ideas.
What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? I look forward to talking about whether something should be labeled milk or not because I know it’s a big topic, and I want to hear multiple opinions so I can be a better advocate.
What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? You see more farms that are 500-700 head hauling their own milk. I think that is something that many consumers don’t really see or hear about but is something that has changed in the last five years. I would like to explain to consumers that it is safer for What is one dairy promotional event in your these farms to haul their own milk. county that you are looking forward to? I am looking forward to the Goodhue County Breakfast on What is one dairy promotional event in your the Farm. I helped last year by packaging food, but I county that you are looking forward to? I’m am excited to do my princess duties this year. looking forward to breakfast on the farm the most and some of the parades we are doing. I’m also looking forward to some of the smaller events like serving ice cream at banks and the local Ag Partners. Parents: Kris Streiff Employers: Tom and Lowell Tangen Wanamingo, Minnesota Parents/Employers: Brent and Wendy Lexvold Tell us about your Goodhue, Minnesota involvement with the dairy industry and your Tell us about your future plans. I work involvement with the for Tangen Holsteins in dairy industry and your Wanamingo, Minnesota. future plans. My current I am going to attend involvement with the Dakota County Technical dairy industry is helping College’s welding my dad. I do bookkeeping program. Claudia Kennedy, 17 for him, and when Dairy Star Sponsor: planting and such starts, What has been your Ag Partners I help in the tractors. greatest experience agpartners.net I’m getting a degree in Chelsey Lexvold, 19 being involved in the 800-732-1439 communications, but I am Dairy Star Sponsor: dairy industry? Being open to any type of job Story Sales & Service able to watch a calf grow with that. Faribault, MN into a cow. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? My knowledge of the dairy industry. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? The importance of the dairy industry to the local community.
Goodhue County continued What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I have good communication skills, and I like talking to people which is helpful when being a dairy princess. I can also talk to people of all ages and get along with just about anybody.
storysalesandservice.com
What has been your 800-491-3724 greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? When you grow up on a farm, you have different perspectives in life. I’m a lot more grateful for what I have, and growing up on a farm usually makes you into a pretty good person.
Hennepin County Parents: Pete and Mary Eiden Employers: Scherber’s Dairy and Merryville Farm. Corcoran, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I am employed on two farms, Scherber’s Dairy and Merryville Farm. Both farms have milking Miriana Eiden, 17 robots which means a Dairy Star Sponsor: large responsibility is Midwest Machinery Co. cleaning the robots as Little Falls, MN well as getting fetch cows. 320-632-5470 I also feed calves and help Munson Lakes with other miscellaneous Nutrition chores around the farm. Howard Lake, MN My future plans are to 320-543-2561 attend South Dakota State University to major in dairy sciences. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? My greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry has been getting the opportunity to work on more than one farm. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I didn’t grow up on a dairy farm. Because of this, I understand how confusing it can be to try to understand and navigate all the words and phrases the dairy industry uses. This allows me to be able to connect with consumers and answer their questions in a way that I hope they’ll understand. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? One hot topic I look forward to discussing is the environmental effect the dairy industry has and how farmers are continuing to take care of the environment. There are many different practices dairy farmers are implementing to take care of the environment, and I can’t wait to share that with consumers. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? A promotional event in my county that I’m looking forward to is school visits. I normally bring a calf with me and teach the students how dairy farmers care for their cattle. I love getting the opportunity to answer their questions and see their face light up when they get to pet the calf.
Page 8 • Dairy Star - MN Dairy Princess Edition • Saturday, May 14, 2022
Houston County
Parents/Employers: Matt and Pam Hendel, Hendel Farms Caledonia, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I am a freshman at the University of Minnesota studying agricultural communication and marketing. My hope after college is to work with Sydney Hendel, 18 dairy consumers on a more Dairy Star Sponsor: personal level whether Midwest Livestock that is online or in person. Systems Ever since I was little, I Zumbrota, MN have been active in the 507-732-4673 dairy industry. Growing up on my family’s 400-cow dairy farm is what started my journey in 4-H and FFA. In 4-H and FFA, I have participated in dairy judging, dairy quiz bowl and showing heifers at the local and state shows. Minnesota Junior Holstein Association has also created opportunities for me to get involved in dairy jeopardy and dairy quiz bowl at the national level as well as showing in the Minnesota State Show. Being so active in the dairy industry also inspired me to start my own herd in 2019; I have since expanded my herd to one cow and two heifers. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? My greatest experience has been showing at the local and state shows, whether that would be through 4-H or FFA. They have taught me many practical skills including patience, work ethic, communication and so much more. It has also helped me create lifelong friends and connections I would not have made without these experiences. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I have a passion for the dairy industry and talking to people, whether it would be the producer or consumer. Those are two main qualities a dairy princess should possess. It is not only that I am passionate about those two things but that I love teaching consumers about our industry and everything that comes with it. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? There are misconceptions about how farmers take care of their calves and why they are taken away from their mothers so soon. I have witnessed the quality of care these calves receive. I love talking about this age group specifically, because I have been working with them since I was in sixth grade on my family’s farm and have always loved answering people’s questions about the birthing process all the way up to their food. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? During June Dairy Month when we pass out ice cream to the public. We get so many questions about why we are passing out ice cream, what we do as dairy princesses and tons of questions about the dairy industry. Parents/Employers: Alan Wunnecka and Cheryl Johnson Caledonia, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I’ve been working on my uncle’s dairy since I was 14-yearsold. I milk nearly every night and also do random odd jobs when needed. I hope to continue being involved in, and with, dairy farmers, although I’m unsure specifically how at the moment.
Alaina Wunnecka, 18 Dairy Star Sponsor: Midwest Livestock Systems Zumbrota, MN 507-732-4673
Houston County continued
Kandiyohi County continued What has been your greatest experience being Parents: Jon and Dawn involved in the dairy industry? My greatest Lingbeek experience has been working on a dairy. I knew very Pennock, Minnesota little before I started working on the farm. It has improved my work ethic and overall taught me so Tell us about your involvement with the much more than I ever expected. dairy industry and your What qualities do you possess that make you a good future plans. I have been dairy princess? I love advocating for the industry involved in the dairy and teaching the uninformed. On top of that, I love industry my whole life. learning new things about the industry for myself and I spent many hours on my grandma’s dairy farm working with the cattle. near Milbank, South What is one hot topic you look forward to talking Dakota. I would also help Hannah Lingbeek, about with consumers during your reign as a dairy at Carlson Dairy, where 18 princess? I look forward to talking with consumers my dad is employed when Dairy Star Sponsor: about the misinformation that goes around about the needed. My future plans D&D Ag Supply & dairy industry. I love being able to explain and help include attending Lake Area Technical College in Construction someone understand from an inside perspective. Watertown, South Dakota, Pennock, MN 320-599-4466 What is one dairy promotional event in your county to pursue a degree in management that you are looking forward to? I’m excited to livestock promote the dairy industry at all of the parades and the and production. first ever Steak & Shake event at the local fairgrounds. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? My greatest experience in the dairy industry is learning the value of hard work. Over the years of leasing cattle for 4-H and FFA, I have learned that showing cattle has been Parents: Kyle and Darcy my favorite thing. Working for my grandma has also Dimler been one of my greatest experiences. Employers: Gene and Shelly Gatewood at What qualities do you possess that make you a good Gatewood farms dairy princess? Knowledge of the dairy industry. This Willmar, Minnesota quality will allow me to talk to those who may not understand this industry and inform them about what Tell us about your the dairy industry is about and allow them to better involvement with the understand the process and answer any questions they dairy industry and may have. your future plans. I grew up right next to my What is one hot topic you look forward to talking grandparents’ dairy farm about with consumers during your reign as a dairy where I often helped with princess? A hot topic I look forward to talking about feeding calves, picking Meghan Dimler, 18 is the decline in small family dairy farms. I have had rock and sometimes, the great opportunity to spend many hours on my Dairy Star Sponsor: I was able to milk the grandma’s small dairy farm and have seen the true D&D Ag Supply & cows. After 50 years of pride and joy of her accomplishments. Construction milking, my grandparents Pennock, MN sold their cows. Since I What is one dairy promotional event in your county 320-599-4466 have been promoting the that you are looking forward to? I am looking dairy industry for the last forward to the county fair when we help with the malt nine years, I wanted to promote the industry for one stand. Getting to answer questions about the dairy more year as a dairy princess. After talking to Gene industry is always one of my favorite parts. and Shelly Gatewood, they agreed to sponsor me this year, making this my last year possible to promote the dairy industry as a dairy princess. I am new to working at the Gatewoods’, but I have loved getting to know their family and their animals and how their P a r e n t s / E m p l o y e r s : farm operates. After I graduate high school, I will Francis and Theresa be attending Ridgewater College for one more year Rynda to complete my law enforcement degree and attend Montgomery, Minnesota the Law Enforcement Skills program at Alexandria Technical and Community College next summer. Tell us about your involvement with the What has been your greatest experience being dairy industry and your involved in the dairy industry? Being able to go future plans. I was raised around teaching people, especially young kids, about and work on my family’s dairy farms. I also enjoyed being able to keep myself dairy farm outside of busy because projects on the farm never seem to end. Montgomery where we milk 50 grade Holsteins What qualities do you possess that make you a good in a tiestall barn. I grew dairy princess? I am outgoing. I love meeting new up doing daily chores Rachel Rynda, 19 people and have a passion for the dairy industry and including managing Dairy Star Sponsor: educating people on the dairy industry. calves and youngstock, Lewer Trucking milking cows and feeding New Richland, MN What is one hot topic you look forward to talking the lactating cows. 507-465-8588 about with consumers during your reign as a dairy Throughout high school, I princess? I am excited to talk to people about the was involved in FFA and importance of small family-owned dairy farms. Small the Scott-Le Sueur American Dairy Association. I am family-owned dairy farms are the back bone of the attending the University of Wisconsin- River Falls dairy industry. They are a place where families can where I am majoring in agricultural business and live, grow and work together. Their children tend to minoring in dairy science. After graduation, I plan to develop strong work ethics. By keeping small farms, work within the agricultural industry helping farmers it helps the economy from being controlled by large achieve their financial goals and keeping their family farm corporations. legacies thriving for future generations.
Kandiyohi County
Le Sueur-Scott Counties
What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I am excited to pass out chocolate milk after races because it gives me the opportunity to talk to people and answer their questions about how dairy is good for them and why chocolate milk is good for you after a run.
What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? There is so much I value about my experiences within the dairy industry, but none of this would have been possible without growing up on a dairy farm. I am grateful to have grown up working alongside my family on the farm. There have been many opportunities that have been Le Sueur-Scott Counties continued on next page
Dairy Star - MN Dairy Princess Edition • Saturday, May 14, 2022 • Page 9
Le Sueur-Scott Counties continued offered to me because of growing up in the dairy community, including dairy judging at the National FFA Convention in 2018. These opportunities have allowed me to meet many individuals within the dairy community to connect with and share our own unique farm stories.
Le Sueur-Scott Counties continued being healthier and more sustainable. Although they are being marketed as being healthier, there are many more advantages to cow milk. As I go for occupational therapy, I also got to learn about nutrition and the effects of different milk and how that affects our bodies.
What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? From growing up immersed within dairy production, I have gained firsthand knowledge of the back story of a dairy farmer. This experience, and my desire to connect with consumers along with dairy producers, allows me to immerse myself in meaningful conversations and to value the connections I can make with those around me. I love to share with others what dairy farmers do to keep their cows happy and healthy to ultimately produce the dairy products we all love. Being able to make these connections and share the story of Minnesota dairy farmers has been impactful in my pursuits to advocate for the dairy industry.
What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I am looking forward to reading to children at the library. I have always enjoyed being around kids, seeing their smiles and hearing their laughs.
What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? I am excited to share the many stories of Minnesota dairy farmers who bring light to the industry that provides so much for us. In recent years, consumers have seen an increase in alternative dairy products in their grocery stores. Plant-based milk alternatives have developed a reputation as being healthier than traditional dairy, but that is not necessarily true. They can contain lower levels of calcium, less protein and often have more sugar than dairy milk. No alternative can match the full nutrient package found naturally in real milk that contains natural, high-quality protein, calcium, phosphorus and B vitamins. With today’s technology, even individuals who are dairy sensitive can enjoy lactose free and A2A2 milk. I want to encourage Minnesotans to include more of the all-natural, real deal dairy products into their everyday diets. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I am looking forward to attending local banks during June Dairy Month. During our dairy princess visits at the banks, I get to enjoy celebrating June Dairy Month by handing out dairy treats. I am able to connect with community members to share the importance of dairy farming and dairy products. This is a fun way to draw both kids and adults in to share a fun dairy treat and learn a little bit about the industry as well. Parents/Employers: Gary and Lori Steinhagen Belle Plaine, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I have grown up on my family’s dairy farm. On our farm, we milk 100 cows, raise 100 youngstock and, for the first year, 20 steers. I finished my first year at Southwest Minnesota Greta Steinhagen, State University in 19 Marshall. I am majoring Dairy Star Sponsor: in exercise science to be AMPI an occupational therapist www.ampi.com with a minor in sign www.dinnerbellcreamery.coop language. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? Growing up on our farm has allowed me to have great experiences related to the dairy industry, the best being able to show my Holstein-Jersey crossbred at the county and state fair. Another great experience I have is showing our farm and sharing information about the industry. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I am passionate about the industry along with having leadership skills, knowledge and experience in the industry. I have an outgoing, bubbly personality too. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? There has been a rise in milk alternatives such as soy, almond, oat and rice drinks that have been labeled as milk. These drinks are marketed as
Lyon County Parents: Greg and Becky Moorse Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I was raised in the dairy industry as my family has a farm right outside of Minnesota. On the farm, we raise Holsteins, Jerseys and Brown Swiss. My role on the farm has been whatever is needed at the time; from feeding calves to milking cows. I plan to attend South Dakota State University for agricultural education to teach the future generations about agriculture.
Brooke Moorse, 18 Dairy Star Sponsor: Gorter’s Clay & Dairy Equipment of Minnesota Inc. Pipestone, MN 507-825-3271
What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? My greatest experience has been living on our family’s farm. I am the fourth generation on my dad’s side and the third on my mom’s side, so I’ve learned a lot from their experiences and stories. My parents have always reminded me to be proud of being from a dairy farm and what we are able to do for the community.
Martin County Parents/Employers: Mark and Joanna Lange, Lange Sons Inc. Sherburne, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. My passion for dairy started at a young age as I followed my father around the farm. I love sharing my experiences and working on our farm. I have done Gabriella Lange, 19 this by taking on the role Dairy Star Sponsor: of coaching a FFA dairy Meyerhofer Bagging judging team to qualify Stacyville, IA for state. I also have a 507-259-5863 group of kids visit our farm during the summer to learn how to take care of a calf and prepare it to show at the fair. This year, I have been working full-time on our farm while taking a couple general college classes online. I plan on transferring to South Dakota State University to pursue a degree in agricultural business. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? Working on my family’s dairy farm has been the greatest experience I have had in this industry. I have a much deeper appreciation for the hard work that is needed to be successful, which will be something I can apply to everything I choose to do. There are many factors we cannot control, such as the weather or the markets, but I have learned I do have control over my effort and work ethic. My hard work leads to pride in my work, which is a characteristic I will be able to apply to my future. Working on my family farm has provided me with many opportunities to develop leadership skills. By working with my sisters and cousins to find the most efficient way to complete our chores, I have been able to develop skills such as prioritizing and delegating work. As a result of these early leadership opportunities provided by my involvement on our family farm, I am more prepared to look for leadership opportunities.
What qualities do you possess that make you a good What qualities do you possess that make you a dairy princess? I am a kind person and am proud that good dairy princess? I am an outgoing and natural I am an optimist. I always look for the good in others leader. The knowledge I have about dairy gives me and want to see others succeed. I am also responsible confidence I am sharing the right facts and portraying and knowledgeable. In order to succeed in life, it’s the industry accurately as I share my story. good to have these qualities. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? I want to share the story of a dairy farmer. princess? I am excited to talk more about agriculture As the number of farms continues to decrease, fewer in the classroom. Because I am going to be a teacher, and fewer people have a connection to agriculture and I find this to be extremely important. Kids need to the dairy industry. Consumers want to know how their be able to learn where their food comes from and food was produced and that animals are treated well. hopefully be able to appreciate the ones who do this I am excited to help consumers understand this by for them. sharing my day-to-day life as a dairy farmer. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I am excited to help at the local libraries and read to the kids during June Dairy Month. It’s something I’ve seen my sister do, and now that it’s my turn, I am excited.
What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I am most excited to work the malt stand at our county fair. This is a great event because I am able to connect with all ages and groups of people. There are people I do not know and some I am familiar with, but wearing the crown and sash is always a good conversation starter.
Page 10 • Dairy Star - MN Dairy Princess Edition • Saturday, May 14, 2022
McLeod County
Parents: Michelle Headlee and Steve Headlee Brownton, Minnesota and Glencoe, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. This is my fifth year in the McLeod County Dairy Royalty Program and my second year as a princess. I’m a freshman at Ridgewater College in Willmar, Jessica K. Headlee, Minnesota, in the dairy 18 management program. I’m Dairy Star Sponsor: involved in Professional Bongards’ Creameries Ag Students at college. I Norwood-Young completed an internship America, MN with the Dairy Herd 952-277-5500 Improvement Association Lano Equipment of during my fall semester Norwood doing milk testing. I’ve 952-467-2181 been leasing dairy animals for 4-H since 2016 and bought my first cow of my own in 2019. I also have a new heifer that was born this past December. I’m looking forward to promoting the dairy industry this year with the other dairy royalty. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? The dairy industry has influenced my life because ever since I was little, I loved being around cows. This interest led me to wanting to learn more about the industry. I joined 4-H, FFA and PAS to help with my learning. I also bought a cow of my own. Leasing cows for 4-H and owning my own cow allowed me to be involved in the dairy royalty program. I plan to include the dairy industry in my future. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I love animals. I’m interested in the dairy industry and know I want to have a career in it when I graduate. After being an ambassador for three years, and a princess last year, I’ve gotten better at talking to people about the dairy industry. I talk with my friends and other people who have questions or misunderstandings about how dairy farms work. I also enjoy drinking milk and eating string cheese and ice cream. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? I look forward to talking about all of the benefits that milk and other dairy products can provide for our bodies. One misconception is that some people think products labeled dairy-free are healthier. I would let people know they might be missing out on the nine essential nutrients, including calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B12, riboflavin and niacin that dairy products can provide. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I’m looking forward to working at the malt stand at the McLeod County Fair. I look forward to meeting new people and trying the different flavors of malts.
Parents: Tabatha and the late Raymond Kubista Employers: John and Bonnie Mohr Lester Prairie, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I work on a dairy farm just outside of Glencoe, Minnesota, for John and Bonnie Mohr. My jobs on the farm include feeding calves, milking cows, feeding cows, cleaning and any other odd jobs they would like me to do. I plan to graduate from Ridgewater College in Hutchinson, Minnesota, with a degree in machine tool technology.
Alexis Kubista, 18 Dairy Star Sponsor: Bongards’ Creameries Norwood-Young America, MN 952-277-5500 Lano Equipment of Norwood 952-467-2181
McLeod County continued What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? My greatest experiences on the farm have to be spending time with my late father. I always enjoyed helping him on the farm and going to anything cow-related with him. I will always remember those times with such happy thoughts. He had a true passion for dairy, and I hope to continue to share that passion through my time as a dairy princess. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I am friendly and courteous. I love talking to people of all ages and listening to what they have to say. I have a desire to educate all ages on the importance of dairy, and I have a true passion for dairy and the industry. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? Our animals are treated like family, and we give them the best care and life we can. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? One of my favorite events is Dairy Days, which pretty much every town in our county has. It’s always fun to go and see all the ways people are celebrating the dairy industry in our community. Parents: Trudy Lickfelt and Ryan Lickfelt Employers: Kraig and Rachelle Krienke of Prairie Dairy in Lester Prairie Hutchinson, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. My dairy background is fairly broad with a history of working on multiple small Kiley Lickfelt, 20 family dairy farms, being Dairy Star Sponsor: employed as a part-time Bongards’ Creameries calf technician at Prairie Norwood-Young Dairy, owning some of my America, MN own registered Holsteins, 952-277-5500 showing dairy cattle and Lano Equipment of serving as dairy royalty Norwood where I can promote 952-467-2181 our industry and share my dairy story. I am a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls where I am studying agricultural business and dairy science. I will be graduating next year. My dream job is to be able to continue connecting with our dairy consumers, making sure they can make educated decisions on their nutritional choices as well as their lifestyle choices. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? A memory related to dairy that will always have a special place in my heart would be my first time exhibiting my own heifer at the World Dairy Expo. The feeling you get from walking onto those colored shavings is quite incredible, and it makes it all the more rewarding knowing it was my own work that got me there. Another reason why this event was so amazing was because of all the support I received from my family, friends and fellow dairy enthusiasts. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? Every dairy princess should be approachable and able to gently approach our consumers to start a conversation in which they might be too scared to do so. Another aspect that creates a well-rounded dairy princess is to make connections with the people we interact with, whether it is dairy farmers, other royalty or dairy consumers. Since I am outgoing and have a broad background in the industry, I have the ability to connect with many people I encounter. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? Although this topic is not necessarily new to us, the consumption of alternative dairy products is a growing issue. One thing I am especially excited to do this year is to continue informing our consumers that they are not getting the same wholesome nutrients
McLeod County continued from their alternatives that they could be achieving by consuming dairy. Simply comparing and contrasting the nutrient values from these products can be an eyeopener for these consumers. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? My local Dairy Day in the park. It is so nice to see so many familiar faces and get the support of our community to continue our promotion. A favorite event at the Hutchinson Dairy Day has always been the cow milking contest, which I am looking forward to. Parents: Paul and Heather Wright Hutchinson, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I am the fourth generation on my family’s dairy farm. We milk 45 Holstein cows. My jobs include taking care of the calves, milking the cows and any other miscellaneous tasks. I am a freshman at South Dakota State University studying agricultural leadership and agricultural communications with minors in agricultural business and dairy industry.
Allison Wright, 19 Dairy Star Sponsor: Bongards’ Creameries Norwood-Young America, MN 952-277-5500 Lano Equipment of Norwood 952-467-2181
What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? Growing up working and living on my family’s dairy farm has been an amazing experience. I love knowing my family are my co-workers. Having the family dynamic of all of us putting time and lots of effort into the farm has made my siblings and I closer, and my family farm has an unbreakable bond. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? Being a dairy princess is a great responsibility. I am fit for the role, because I have an extensive background in dairy. I have grown up on a dairy farm and have been helping with chores since elementary school. Having multiple leadership roles, I am a great leader and role model for others. I’m hard working and self-motivated. I have listened to speeches and have been to conferences with speeches based on dairy. I enjoy meeting new people and being able to tell them about my dairy story. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? A huge topic in the world today is whether the food we consume can be a trusted product. I am looking forward to talking with consumers about how all dairy products are safely produced and a trustworthy product. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? My favorite events are the ones where I can go into a classroom and teach youth about the dairy community. I love showing them what I do on my family-owned and -operated dairy farm. One interesting thing I love sharing with them is milk from my family’s farm gets made into many products, one being the cheese on their Doritos.
Meeker County Parents: Alan Frederickson and Brandy Zentner Employers: Kim Olson and Gordon Larson Litchfield, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. My grandparents partnered with Kim Olson, Cory Salz and Heather and Russ Thyen in 2002. Our Emily Frederickson, milking herd consists 19 of 120 cows with Dairy Star Sponsor: representation from four Midwest Protein dairy breeds: Guernsey, Grove City, MN Jersey, Red and White 320-857-2829 Holstein and Holstein. Recently, my farm switched to an AMS Galaxy robotic arm for all of our milking. My responsibility is to encourage the cows to go in to the robot and be milked. I also assist with feeding grain and hay to our growing heifers as well as cleaning out the stalls. Cow comfort is a top priority on our farm, and the happiness from our cows is the most rewarding. With my time spent on my farm, I hope to continue to grow in my knowledge of animal health. My future plan is to attend the University of Minnesota for a doctorate in veterinary medicine. I care strongly about all animals. Therefore, doing so as a profession has been my lifelong dream. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? My greatest experience within the dairy industry has by far been showing my cows at the fairs. Being on the halter with your best friend is life-changing. It takes plenty of effort and grit to show cows. They don’t come trained to walk around pretty. I strive to make a connection with all of my cows and display the cows to the public. I encourage consumers to ask questions and dive into how amazing dairy cows, and the products that follow, truly are. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I possess many attributes that fit my role as dairy princess, the top being my passion for the industry. I will work all day long for my cows, making sure they are being provided the best possible care and love. If I notice a problem on the farm, I am quick to my feet to find a solution. Dairy does not come with an instruction booklet; you have to be able to adjust quickly. I always have a great attitude about the dairy industry, and the connections I make are priceless. The whole experience is a big dairy-loving family. Being among people who love cows as much as I do is the icing on the cake. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? Dairy is truly enjoyable. Dairy offers so many unique experiences and everyone has place in dairy. You can make a difference in the dairy industry just by thanking a farmer for their hard work. Farmer mental health is huge, so being able to know that your dedication pays off is comforting to so many. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I am looking forward to serving in the malt stand at my local county fair. It was my favorite part as a kid to go grab some refreshing ice cream after the cattle show. Being able to see the smiles of many is spectacular. The ice cream after your shift is always nice too. My favorite ice cream that usually sells out quickly is cotton candy. The ice cream melts in your mouth after the first bite. I am pumped to be able to get back into the malt booth again this year.
Dairy Star - MN Dairy Princess Edition • Saturday, May 14, 2022 • Page 11
Mille Lacs County Parents: Marty Grimm and Heidi Schaefer Pease, Minnesota
Morrison County Parents/Employers: Ronald and Ann Borash Bowlus, Minnesota
Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. During my 4-H career, I was involved in the lease program while working at multiple farms through high school. After graduation, I completed my education at Ridgewater College in Abigail Grimm, 22 Willmar. I also worked Dairy Star Sponsor: on a 1,500-Jersey cow Midwest Machinery Co. operation in Hico, Texas, Little Falls, MN through an award given 320-632-5474 by the American Jersey Sunrise Ag Coop Cattle Association. I’ve Buckman, MN been working on dairy 320-468-6433 operations since then while supporting my brother on his farm by helping when needed. I’m working in the parts division at Arnolds in Sauk Rapids. My goal is to purchase a small herd of dairy cows.
Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. Ever since I have been old enough to walk, I have been doing chores around the farm. As the only child left at home, many of the responsibilities have fallen to my shoulders. Erin Borash, 18 On average, we milk Dairy Star Sponsor: between 50 to 60 head of Midwest Machinery Co. Holsteins and Red and Little Falls, MN White Holsteins. While 320-632-5472 my parents generally Pierz Co-op handle the milking Pierz, MN process, I tackle a variety 320-968-6655 of other chores. It is my responsibility to look after the general welfare of all the stock, including calves, heifers, bulls and steers. I provide fresh feed, water and bedding to all the animals. I also help with milking when the need arises, which is probably my What has been your greatest experience being favorite chore on the farm. I plan to pursue a degree involved in the dairy industry? Being involved in in animal science somewhere and would like to return the dairy community through the 4-H lease program. to dairy farming. As a young girl, I always looked up to my older brother who showed cattle for a local farm. My passion for What has been your greatest experience being showing came at a young age and fueled my desire involved in the dairy industry? Living and to learn about the dairy community. The cow I was working on a farm has taught me a great deal about paired up with to show was my gateway into the dairy responsibility and hard work. Cattle, like any animal, industry. She was the catalyst for my adventures in have basic needs that must be met in order to achieve not only exhibiting in shows but also being able to the best production and health. Farm life made me visit with consumers, especially by inviting them to realize that what you put into a task is what you get come over and meet Jalie (my cow). out of it. I have come to find satisfaction in putting my time and effort into my work and being rewarded with What qualities do you possess that make you a good strong, healthy cows. I have been able to apply this dairy princess? Why does a princess crown sparkle? mentality to school work and sports. Likewise, I also To draw attention to the girl underneath it, of course. learned to work well with others. I am the youngest As a young adult serving as a dairy princess, it guides of eight children, and growing up, we all completed us to be hard working and gives us opportunities to chores together. While we didn’t always get along, share experiences, knowledge and our passion about eventually we learned that working together got the a way of life that only less than 2% of the country get chores done faster and was a more pleasant experience. to live. I have the warmth and enthusiasm to engage with the public, especially kids, as well as helping What qualities do you possess that make you a answer their questions about the dairy community. good dairy princess? The dairy industry has been a fundamental aspect of my life. That being said, I have What is one hot topic you look forward to talking developed a deep passion for dairy and would like about with consumers during your reign as a dairy the opportunity to share my experiences with others. princess? The past couple of years has challenged the I look forward to talking with the public to help dairy community in several ways. The pandemic has promote and enlighten consumers on any questions or had a massive impact on how consumers shop, eat concerns they may have. and live. As a dairy community, we strive to produce quality, healthy and reliable products to choose from What is one hot topic you look forward to talking in the store. During the pandemic, there were many about with consumers during your reign as a challenges due to closures. Families started cooking dairy princess? The production and processing of and eating more from home which created a volume milk have always been topics of interest to me. It is growth with dairy products across the board. I want important to make consumers aware of the efficiency to be able to explain to consumers the reasons why and care everyone, from farmers to truckers, takes dairy products were unavailable and then tie in how in ensuring that the dairy products on store shelves dairy farmers were working tirelessly to supply milk are the freshest they can possibly be. With that, I also for their communities. want to continue promoting dairy as part of a healthy diet for all ages. As a student-athlete, dairy products What is one dairy promotional event in your are beneficial in my own life. Besides providing 13 county that you are looking forward to? Being a essential nutrients, dairy contributes to stronger bones dairy princess I look forward to many events to share and contributes to overall health. my passion for the dairy community. This year I will be attending the Food Trucks on the Farm event in What is one dairy promotional event in your my community. All aspects of the dairy farm will be county that you are looking forward to? As a dairy highlighted; showcasing where milk comes from, princess, I am excited to work at the malt stand at the how dairy cattle are taken care of and, of course, baby Morrison County Fair. It is a great way to get the word calves. The event lets the community experience a out about the dairy industry, and we get free ice cream day on the farm. out of it. I also look forward to participating in town parades. Morrison County continued on next page
Page 12 • Dairy Star - MN Dairy Princess Edition • Saturday, May 14, 2022
Mower County
Morrison County continued Parents/Employers: Richard and Janelle Karst Pierz, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I have been involved with the dairy industry since I was born. I live on a small dairy farm in Pierz. We milk about 80 cows. I plan to attend Winona State University and major in pre-law or Christina Karst, 18 legal studies to become a Dairy Star Sponsor: lawyer. Midwest Machinery Co. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? My greatest experience on the farm is taking care of the calves. I get to witness the future of the farm by taking care of the youngstock.
Little Falls, MN 320-632-5471 Sunrise Ag Co-op Buckman, MN 320-468-6433 Pierz Co-op Pierz, MN 320-968-6655 Lash’s Auto Repair Pierz, MN 320-232-0537
Parents: Sara and Paul Silbaugh Lyle, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I have been involved with the dairy industry ever since I was in sixth grade. I started to show Holstein winter calves at my county fair and have shown Holsteins ever since. I help on Megan Silbaugh, 17 my uncle’s dairy farm Dairy Star Sponsor: milking cows when they Meyerhofer Bagging need help. I’ve also have Stacyville, IA had my own dairy goat 507-259-5863 herd since third grade. I raise, show, sell and milk my does. My future plans are to attend South Dakota State University in the fall majoring in animal science and minoring in agriculture business.
What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? Showing at both the What qualities do you county and state fair. Starting in the spring, I work possess that make you with my heifers every day, learn how to properly feed a good dairy princess? I am outgoing and passionate about farming. I love and take care of them and properly train them to walk to educate people about the dairy industry, and I feel on a halter. It makes it a long, hard summer, but there comfortable and confident about meeting new people. are tons of fun moments and experiences I wouldn’t trade for the world. Finally, I get to the county fair in What is one hot topic you look forward to talking August and see my hard work and the hard work of about with consumers during your reign as a dairy others pay off in the show ring. princess? One hot topic I like to talk to consumers about is the alternatives for lactose intolerant What qualities do you possess that make you a consumers and how you can get your servings of good dairy princess? I have years of experience in dairy every day. I also like to inform kids about how the industry and have seen the ups and downs from within. I am talkative and love to express my feelings even ice cream is a great source of dairy. and knowledge to others about things I am passionate What is one dairy promotional event in your about, including the dairy industry. I am excited to county that you are looking forward to? I am work with the younger generation and teach them looking forward to the parades and classroom visits. well, giving them hands-on experience in the industry I love interacting with people and informing them and opportunities I didn’t have at a young age. about the dairy industry. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? How the industry overcame the effects of Parents/Employers: the coronavirus pandemic. Many people focus on the Landon and Michelle downsides of the past couple years, but why not talk Westerman about how the industry came together as a whole and Little Falls, Minnesota got through rough times together? The industry grew and learned new ways to adapt and overcome. Tell us about your involvement with the What is one dairy promotional event in your dairy industry and your county that you are looking forward to? I am future plans. I live on my looking forward to the parades because I am able to family dairy farm, and my spread awareness about the dairy industry to a wide main job is to milk the variety of generations. Additionally, I am able to help cows and feed the calves. promote but also learn more about the industry. My future plans are to go to college and have a career doing something Madison with animals. Westerman, 16
Murray County
Dairy Star Sponsor: What has been your greatest experience Midwest Machinery Co. Little Falls, MN being involved in the 320-632-5473 dairy industry? I love Pierz Co-op having the work ethic and Pierz, MN responsibility that I have 320-968-6655 learned over the years. I have learned a lot about animal health and what should be done to keep our animals as healthy as possible.
What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I have lived on a dairy farm my whole life and have been milking cows with my dad for the last five years. I also am involved with FFA and help promote the dairy industry as much as possible. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? Talking about where their milk and other dairy products come from and why they are so important for your body and for your health. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I look forward to working at the malt booth during the Morrison County Fair.
Parents/Employers: Grant and April Post Lake Wilson, Minnesota
Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. Since I grew up on my parents’ dairy farm, I’ve always been surrounded by mooing cows, the smell of freshly harvested alfalfa and hardworking people. My favorite part of being Amber Post, 19 involved in the dairy Dairy Star Sponsor: community is speaking Chandler Feed Co. about our industry with Chandler, MN my peers in college and 507-677-2237 helping to inform those who don’t know a lot about dairy. And, that’s where being a dairy princess comes in. I am so honored to represent this hardworking industry because I’ve seen the constant dedication that it takes to provide the public with nutritious milk and dairy products. I am studying elementary education at Northwestern in Orange City, Iowa. While I will not be going into
Murray County continued agriculture, I plan to integrate my love for the dairy business into my future classroom. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? My greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry has been growing up and working on a dairy farm. Because of this, I’ve had many opportunities that I otherwise would not have been presented with. Some of these opportunities involve touring dairies in the area, showing dairy cattle at the county fair and building a hard work ethic. I’ve been to meetings with my dad and gathered a lot of information about this community through personal experiences. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? A dairy princess should be friendly, open and willing to talk with anyone. I’ve always been comfortable around other people and a strong public speaker. Those qualities make me a good dairy princess. A dairy princess should also be knowledgeable about the industry and current issues being addressed. I talk with my parents often about the dairy industry and that keeps me up to date on what is going on. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? One of the most discussed topics in the dairy industry is the topic of soy and almond milk and how we should respond to the marketing of these beverages. I did a speech in high school on the process of creating these drinks and how they compare both nutritionally and naturally to milk from a dairy cow. I enjoy speaking to others who may not be aware of how these beverages are created and how they are nutritionally different from cow’s milk. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? Parades in the summer are always one of my favorite events. Even though I enjoy riding through the parade, my favorite part is walking around afterward and meeting new people and talking dairy with them. I especially love speaking with young girls who run up to me and say, “I want to be a princess too.” Those moments are precious to me. Now that I am done with 4-H, I am also looking forward to handing out awards during the dairy show and working at the malt stand as a dairy princess during the Murray County Fair.
Parents: Sarah and Virgil Rylaarsdam Employers: Julie and Chad Ruiter Chandler, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I have spent most of my life living on a dairy farm. Some of my favorite chores on the farm are helping my grandma feed the calves Lydia Rylaarsdam, and helping in the fields. 17 During quarantine, I had Dairy Star Sponsor: a lot of free time. I spent Blue Hilltop time reading in different Lake Wilson, MN calves’ pens and laying 507-879-3593 with them. I also enjoyed having dance parties with my calves at night. By far my favorite part of the quarantine was spent with my calves. I have also shown my cow, Bella, at the fair. In my first year showing her, we placed first. In the seventh grade, I joined FFA. In FFA, I found my love for dairy judging. Every year I now compete in that competition. I am serving as the Edgerton FFA chapter vice president and the FFA Minnesota Region 6 treasurer. I’m not quite sure if I plan on pursuing a career in agriculture or not. But, I know agriculture and dairy will always play a big role in my life. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? My greatest experience involved in the dairy industry was the first time I helped deliver a calf. It was an unreal experience. I remember being so worried I was Murray County continued on next page
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somehow going to mess up, but my dad helped me through everything. The calf had been born the wrong way and premature so my dad and I did everything we could to save not only the calf, but also the mom. I pulled the calf out when we finally figured how we could make it possible. It was so beautiful to watch life be brought into this world. And, it was a memory I had made with my dad that I could never forget.
after my graduation.
What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I am a good listener, I am compassionate and show leadership. My FFA advisor always says God gave us two eyes, two ears and one mouth for a reason. It’s so important to listen. It’s important to be compassionate. As farmers and people who work in the dairy industry and agriculture, it’s so easy to put on a brave face all the time. But it’s alright to show feelings and talk about the hard things. As I am involved in FFA, my church, National Honor Society and my job, it’s important to be a positive role model for other people. I seek to make a difference in this world, and I want everyone to know they have a purpose and plan. I strive for younger kids to look at me and see hope, a hope that they can do anything if they put their minds to it. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? Female representation in the dairy industry. More than 60% of the dairy industry is male. As a young female representing the dairy industry, it is my responsibility to educate my peers about female role models who have impacted agriculture and the dairy industry. Kiley Wiering and Sarah Bierstedt are two examples of positive female models in my life who I have looked up to since I was a child. They both have brought their own ideas to the table and have shown me it is OK to have a voice in agriculture. It’s encouraged. Following in their footsteps, I encourage all girls to have a voice in agriculture. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I always look forward to the parades. Parades are giving back to the community and showing other young females what the dairy industry is like. I love being in the local parades because everyone knows us, and I feel personally loved by each person. You see little kids’ (especially girls’) faces light up when they see a princess. Even after parades, I like to stick around and talk to the community to thank them for coming. It’s so important we make sure to give back.
Nicollet County Parents: Randy and Nicole Aschenbrenner Employers: Sjostrom Farms New Ulm, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I have been involved with the dairy industry from a young age as I was helping on my grandparents’ dairy farm until they retired. I then Brooke started my employment at Aschenbrenner, 19 Sjostrom Farms in early Dairy Star Sponsor: 2021. I am responsible Bongards’ Creameries for feeding calves, set up Norwood-Young and cleaning of the parlor, America, MN milking operations and 952-277-5500 feeding steers and heifers Lano Equipment of in group housing. When Norwood I began school at South 952-467-2181 Dakota State University, I started working on the SDSU Dairy Research and Training Facility. I am responsible for processing all new calves into our system, feeding calves, set up and cleaning of the parlor, milking operations, scraping and bedding the lactation barn and dry cow lot, giving vaccinations at the proper time, and completing fresh cow checks. I plan to stay involved with the dairy industry as long as possible by working on a local dairy farm but do not have intentions of owning and operating my own farm as I hope to be a precision agriculture specialist
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What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? Learning and knowing I am caring for animals that are feeding the world. Even though I do not own any of the animals, I have always cared for them to the best of my ability. I love waking up every morning and heading to the barn to see the calves laying down in their pens sleeping, and not too long after I arrive, they are jumping around knowing they are going to be fed soon. I am part of the vaccination team, one of my favorite jobs. It has been my biggest learning experience, but I love caring for the herd and keeping them healthy. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I am outgoing and do well with public speaking. Growing up being a member of 4-H and FFA, I have gained the great skill of public speaking in a formal and casual setting. I have always been that member to take the lead on projects and activities that include approaching people at public events, like the county fair. As a dairy princess, this will benefit me in public appearances and interviews. We have a couple of local events on dairy farms where there are people who do not have a lot of knowledge and experience in the dairy industry. As a dairy princess, it is my responsibility to educate and answer questions from those attendees. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? The development of technology in the dairy industry. I have completed a lot of research for one of my classes at SDSU, and it is outstanding to see how efficient we have become in operations. It is also a topic that is relevant to anyone. A lot of the older members in the community experienced milking operations in a stanchion barn and are curious about how much technology is used for milking operations and all of the information we can gather from it. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? One event I am looking forward to as a Nicollet County Dairy Princess is Night on a Dairy Farm. I have always attended these as a community member and love how social they are. The crowd is always an outstanding mix of those connected to the dairy industry and others who may not know that much. It is a great opportunity for us to practice our public speaking skills in a smaller group and give information to those who are interested in learning more about the dairy industry. Parents: Rob and Gail Moline Employers: Annexstad Dairy St Peter, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. Four years ago, I started leasing dairy calves from Annexstad Dairy. When we set up the lease program, Jean Annexstad asked me to put Makayla Moline, 18 in a few hours helping her Dairy Star Sponsor: with the calves. Being able Bongards’ Creameries to feed, water, clean pens Norwood-Young and help with the animals’ America, MN health was so exciting for 952-277-5500 me. I started coming once Lano Equipment of a week to help. It is like an Norwood unpaid internship that has 952-467-2181 progressed for four years. Currently, I am a mentor for 10 4-H members in the dairy project. I have taught them how to feed, care, clean and show their animals. We all lease from Annexstad Dairy. After college, my plan is to be a large animal veterinarian. I am attending the University of Minnesota in the fall. My goal of working with large animals is to help them get the best treatment and maintain their best health. I love working with animals and being hands on. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? Leasing calves has been my greatest experience. I was able to take a calf to the Minnesota State Fair and received a purple
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ribbon and champion dairy merit. It was so much fun to walk the calves around the fair at night with the quiet streets, get up at 4 a.m. when no one was around, to start chores and being able to show in the Minnesota State Fair Lee & Rose Warner Colosseum. I learned so much and was proud I could fit my own calf. Except when I forgot to hold her tail, and she moved it and I sheared part of the fluff off. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? When people ask me to describe myself, I always say I am friendly. I always try to smile, say “hi” to everyone and take the time to listen to others. I am also a dedicated person especially when doing chores all season long. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? Quality care and treatment of dairy cows. There are people who do not understand that dairy animals are treated with extreme care. Farmers depend on the cows for their income so they are careful in how they treat them. Cows are cleaned, well fed and given access to medical treatment when necessary. As a future veterinarian, I know how important a healthy animal is, and a healthy cow will give more milk. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? County fair and serving ice cream. County fair is my vacation week. I love showing the hard work that was put into all my animals and talking to the public about my animals. People always want to pet my calf, so I am able to educate them about the dairy industry while they are in the barn.
Nobles County Parents/Employers: Steve and Esther Dykstra Bigelow, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I live on our family farm that milks about 300 cows three times a day. My passion for the dairy industry began at a young age after I started showing dairy cattle at our county fair and as I got older at the state fair. This fall, I will be attending Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, majoring in marketing.
Karen Dykstra, 19 Dairy Star Sponsor: New Vision Coop Brewster, MN 507-842-2001
What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? My greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry is growing up on my family’s dairy farm and being able to help in many ways. Over the years, I have learned a lot about the industry and have learned about the technology advancements that help make milking and farming easier in general. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I have a good work ethic. I’m determined and passionate. I love communicating with consumers and answering questions about the dairy industry. Being in 4-H and FFA has helped me to become the reliable and compassionate woman I am today. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? I love talking about the health benefits of dairy products and the nutritional side of how dairy products positively affect our physical being. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I am looking forward to helping in the malt stand at the county fair, handing out trophies on ag day at the races and riding through several local parades.
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Parents: Sarah Bush, Jason Bush and Paul Evans Employers: Steve and Esther Dykstra, D+S Hilltop Farms Worthington, Minnesota
has given me a greater appreciation for the little things in life.
Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I’ve been around the dairy industry since I was little. Although I don’t remember much, being around the dairy Nakia Evans, 18 industry has influenced Dairy Star Sponsor: me and the young, driven New Vision Coop and hardworking woman Brewster, MN I see myself as today. I 507-842-2001 didn’t get involved in the dairy industry until my dad, Paul Evans, allowed my brother and I to show calves at the local county fair for the first time when I was in third grade. Involvement in 4-H, FFA and being in the dairy community has allowed me to fall in love with everything dairy. I see myself pursuing a career as an agriculture education teacher. Becoming an agriculture teacher will not only allow me to advocate for agriculture as a whole, but also the dairy industry. I will also be able to share my love for both as I teach students about the importance of agriculture.
What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I’ve always had a passion for, and knowledge of, dairy farms. I’ve been showing dairy at the county fair for several years. I love talking to kids and sharing my experiences. Dairy products are important in everyone’s diet. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking with consumers about during your reign as a dairy princess? Dairy products are healthy and important for everyone, both young and old. Imitations truly can’t match. Research has shown that milk, even whole milk, does not contribute to obesity. Dairy farmers are passionate about their livelihoods and care so much about their livestock and land. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I enjoy the county fair and state fair. I meet a lot of people and get to tell them about my animal and the dairy industry whether I am working at the malt stand or in the barns by the animals. The kids are so much fun and have many questions. They are always excited about learning new things. It’s important to show adults and kids how passionate we are about our animals and the dairy industry.
Olmsted County
What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? My greatest experience is not growing up on a dairy farm. Not growing up on a dairy farm has allowed me to fall Parents: Tony and Paula in love with dairy. I seem to appreciate some things Bauer about our great industry a little bit more. Hayfield, Minnesota What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I see a dairy princess being on time, passionate about what she advocates for and caring to all those who meet her. I see myself as someone who possesses these qualities and so many more. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? How the dairy industry is embracing change. I notice consumers tend to assume that dairy producers are set in their ways and struggle to embrace and accept change. Dairy producers are embracing and accepting change in every way they can. This topic of change is often brought up in climate change. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I’m looking forward to serving malts at the Nobles County Fair and seeing them leave with a delicious dairy product and huge, thankful smiles.
Parents/Employers: Chad and Teresa Wieneke Adrian, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I have always lived on a dairy farm. Both of my parents are fourth-generation dairy farmers. I help wherever I am needed. I run the feed truck, help milk or bring the cows up Alysha Wieneke, 19 to the parlor. I help treat Dairy Star Sponsor: and vaccinate, and help in New Vision Coop the field. We live on a 380Brewster, MN cow dairy that my dad and 507-842-2001 uncle own. We also finish steers for market and raise crops on 1,200 acres. I enjoy showing dairy heifers in 4-H with my siblings and cousins. I am attending South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota. I am enjoying my precision ag classes. I am undecided on careers, but no matter where I end up, I will continue to help and support the dairy industry. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? I love working with the cows and youngstock. The older 4-H cows always come up to me in the barn to be pet. Living on a farm
Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I am attending South Dakota State University where I am majoring in agriculture business. I live on a working farm near Rochester. My parents have a cow-calf operation, Ella Bauer, 20 and my siblings and I Dairy Star Sponsor: raise and own a small herd S&S Dairy Systems of dairy show heifers. St. Charles, MN Unfortunately, we do not 507-932-4288 have a facility to milk cows, so I am grateful for my uncles and grandparents of Hinckley Holsteins and the Sachs family who can care for our lactating cows. I have also had the wonderful opportunity to work on a dairy near my home, Terra-McCree Holsteins. The owner, Kevin Connelly, is a great mentor and teacher. At school, I am also employed on the university’s dairy research farm which is home to roughly 100 Holsteins and 40 Brown Swiss cows. My jobs at the farm include, but are not limited to, scraping the barn, milking the herd, administering vaccines and mixing and feeding rations. The past fall, I interned at Budjon Farms in Lomira, Wisconsin. During my experience, I oversaw calf chores and worked closely with farm owners Tom and Kelli Cull. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? The dairy industry has given me some of my greatest experiences by allowing me to network with other individuals in the industry, to learn new tactics when raising calves to incorporate in my own herd. Growing up within the industry has taught me hard work and dedication. These qualities have allowed me to grow as an individual in my schoolwork, club activities on campus and my work life. I have been thankful for all the experiences. Showing cattle at county, state and national levels has brought me some of my lifelong friends. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? Exhibiting my cattle at county, state and national levels has given me an abundant experience in connecting with our consumers. Consumers often ask questions regarding the health and well-being of the animals we care for along with questions regarding the nutritional value of dairy products. I have networked with industry professionals while at World Dairy Expo and Southwest National in
Olmsted County continued Oklahoma. As a 2020 Olmsted County Dairy Princess, we were not able to have in-person events, but as our county’s princesses, we tried our very best to connect on our social media platforms. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? I am excited to share my own experiences of being involved in the dairy community and all the wonderful opportunities it has brought me. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? One of my favorite dairy promotional events in my county is dairy night at the Rochester Honkers baseball game, an amateur baseball team in Rochester. At this event, as a dairy princess, we can connect with the public handing out dairy treats, cow hats and promotional pamphlets. This is an opportunity to speak with kids of all ages, as well as adults, about the dairy industry and products produced that have a high nutritional value.
Parents: Jeff and Cheryl Simpson Pine Island, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I began showing dairy cows at a young age in open shows with family and friends. In third grade, I joined 4-H and began to show at the county fair. In fourth grade, I joined the Anne Simpson, 18 dairy judging team in my Dairy Star Sponsor: county. I joined the dairy Midwest Livestock bowl 4-H team during Systems my freshman year of Zumbrota, MN high school. I continue to 507-732-4673 show cows primarily for 4-H and FFA at both the county and state fairs. Next fall, I will be attending Iowa State University and majoring in animal science. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? The greatest experience I have had in the dairy industry has been showing at the fairs. It is exciting to compete in the ring. The bonds formed with both the animals and my show friends make the shows something I look forward to all year long. Additionally, I enjoy interacting with the public, especially younger kids, and allowing them to learn more about the dairy industry. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? My ability to connect with a variety of people. This skill has been developed through my involvement in youth organizations such as 4-H and FFA, and it helps make me a good representative of the dairy industry. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? Dairy alternatives. Being lactose intolerant, I have learned how to enjoy dairy products without the discomfort lactose causes. Too many lactose-intolerant people switch to dairy alternatives before researching how they can keep dairy in their diet without discomfort. I look forward to sharing my story and lactose intolerance knowledge with consumers. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I am looking forward to the fairs the most. I look forward to talking to the public about the dairy industry in a fun, fair setting. Olmsted County continued on next page
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Parents/Employers: Donny and Holly Thompson, Little Valley Dairy Plainview, Minnesota
for these show heifers has allowed me to figure out what I would like to study in college. Next year, I Nathan and plan to study dairy science and agricultural business Parents: Angela Walter to become a dairy nutritionist. Westport, Minnesota What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? During the years Tell us about your I have been involved with the dairy industry, my involvement with the greatest experience has been helping on milk test days dairy industry and your in the barn. I love to see how much our new heifers future plans. I grew up are actually producing as well as gossip a little with on my family farm where we milk 100 organic the milk tester. crossbred dairy cows. On What qualities do you possess that make you a the farm, I have learned good dairy princess? I am passionate about getting to perform many tasks, the truth out to consumers about what the dairy but I mainly work with industry is doing. Also, I am a confident individual the cows instead of the Laureen Walter, 17 Dairy Star Sponsor: with leadership skills that I hope will help organize crops. My main duties Osakis Creamery new events for our county dairy project and producers. include milking cows, feeding calves and helping Osakis, MN 320-859-2146 What is one hot topic you look forward to talking with hay in the summer. I about with consumers during your reign as a dairy became involved in 4-H princess? One of my favorite things to discuss with when I was in third grade. consumers is the importance of drinking real milk Each year since then I with adults. I like to talk to them about the nutrients have exhibited in the dairy project. I have shown my and vitamins in milk. But if I am talking to any kid, own crossbreds and leased registered cattle as well. my favorite thing to talk to them about is that milk I have shown at the Pope County Fair and earned my way to the Minnesota State Fair each year I was comes from real cows. eligible. At the state fair, I have earned awards for What is one dairy promotional event in your livestock interviews, herdsmanship and net merit. I county that you are looking forward to? Every became more competitive by attending Gopher Dairy year I have been a dairy princess, I look forward to Camp multiple years. I have also shown leased cattle handing out ice cream. My ambassador and I have a for open class across the area and at the state fair. I lot of fun talking with a variety of people throughout am serving on the 4-H Dairy Project Development Committee. I have also competed in dairy judging the summer and eat a lot of Dilly Bars. in FFA and dairy bowl in 4-H. Last summer, I also milked cows at Deters Dairy, a 600-cow farm near West Union.
Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I am attending the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities majoring in animal science with a pre-vet emphasis. At college, I participate Clara Thompson, 19 in the Gopher Dairy Dairy Star Sponsor: Club, and I am excited to S&S Dairy Systems start my collegiate dairy St. Charles, MN judging career in the fall. I 507-932-4288 also serve as the secretary of the Minnesota Junior Holstein board of directors, and have competed in dairy cattle shows, judging contests and knowledge bowl contests through 4-H, FFA and the Minnesota Junior Holstein Association. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? Growing up as the seventh generation on my family’s farm has been one of the best experiences I have been blessed with. Here, I learned important life lessons while working alongside my parents and siblings toward our goals. Working with family, although challenging, is always rewarding. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I am eager to get to know people and make connections with others. I am an open-minded individual, but I also enjoy sharing my story with others. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? I am excited to address consumers’ concerns regarding sustainability. Our farm was established in 1885 and has adapted with technologies that allow both greater efficiency and sustainability. Farmers care about sustainability because they too want to take care of our planet while feeding the world and passing on the knowledge to future generations. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? The Olmsted County Breakfast on the Farm has always been one of my favorite events. I love the ability this event gives us to bring consumers to the farm and talk to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Pipestone County Parents: David and Dawn Sutherland Employers: Elm Lane Holsteins Pipestone Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. Growing up on a beef farm, I was not always involved in the dairy industry. It wasn’t until I was a fourth grader that I started to Josie Sutherland, 18 get involved in the dairy Dairy Star Sponsor: industry. During the New Horizon Farms summer of fourth grade, Pipestone, MN I was asked to show a 507-825-5462 Holstein heifer. This was my first experience with anything other than a beef animal or a rabbit. But, I fell in love with working with my heifer that summer. After that summer, I was asked to compete on the junior dairy quiz bowl team, and from there, my hunger for knowledge continued to grow. I started to do more in FFA and 4-H like dairy judging and dairy handling. Then, during the summer of 2020, I asked a local farmer if they were looking for help, and soon I was in the barn milking cows and learning how to care for my own herd of show heifers. Caring
Parents: Keith and Jeanna Welgraven Ruthton, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I am a dairy farmer’s daughter. My grandpa originally started the farm. My future plans are to be a math teacher for either middle or high school. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? I have always liked living on the farm, working with the cattle and calves, and educating people properly.
Pope County
What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? I would have to say my greatest experience in the dairy industry has been showing cattle. There are no words to explain the feeling of entering a show ring and even better, winning. I am a competitive individual and have found showing cattle to be one of the most fascinating passions in my life. I spend countless hours leading, clipping, washing and fitting my cattle in order to be the best that I can be. I look forward to it every year.
Katelyn Welgraven, 16 Dairy Star Sponsor: Gorter’s Clay & Dairy Equipment of Minnesota Inc. Pipestone, MN 507-825-3271
What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I am passionate about dairy, making sure people have the facts and information that is reliable and considerate. I also like to work with people. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? Dairy is not bad for you, and even if you are lactose intolerant, there are still options for you that do not involve lactose.
What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I am a responsible and dedicated leader. Once I agree to a task, I will work hard and well until it is complete. I am also independent, but I am able to work with a team. I have a strong work ethic and am committed. I am able to communicate well with others in order to express my passions and also to address their concerns. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? How farmers care for their animals. Often, the entire dairy industry is blamed for treating our animals poorly. Living on a dairy farm, animal care is our first priority. We care for our animals before we care for ourselves. We understand that in order to produce a quality product, the animals must be well cared for. I want to teach consumers we truly do care for our animals.
What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I am looking forward to the Pope County Fair. I am hoping I have many opportunities to talk with fairgoers about the dairy industry. Overall, I am excited for all of What is one dairy promotional event in your the conversations I will get to have with consumers county that you are looking forward to? Honestly, throughout the year. I look forward to every event, especially because you get to see the people’s excited faces when throwing cheese in the parades and when serving ice cream or other dairy products.
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Redwood County Parents/Employers: Nels and Shannon Goblirsch Wabasso, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I grew up on my family’s dairy farm where I work alongside my father and uncle. My future plans are to attend college at South Dakota State University and seek out an education within animal science in order to become a veterinarian and maybe someday come back to help take over the family farm.
Cadence Goblirsch, 18 Dairy Star Sponsor: Meadowland Farmers Coop Lamberton, MN 507-752-7352
What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? My greatest experience within the dairy industry is growing up on the farm and getting to work alongside my father. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? Some qualities I have that will make me a good dairy princess are kindness, understanding and intelligence. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? One of the topics I look forward to talking about with consumers is how the hard work on farms brings food to their table. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I look forward to all the parades where we promote the dairy industry because we get to reach out to small communities and also interact with children.
Parents: Troy and Kelly Krause Employers: Greg and Laura Stage Milroy, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I started getting involved with the dairy industry when my 4-H club leader offered me the chance to lease dairy cattle from them for the Anna Krause, 18 Redwood County Fair. I Dairy Star Sponsor: showed cattle for them for Wanda State Bank a year and then got offered Wanda, MN a job on the farm and 507-550-1678 have been working there since. After I graduate from high school, I plan to attend Ridgewater College in Willmar for a dairy management program. Then after I graduate college, I plan to continue working on a dairy farm and furthering my education on dairy farming. I will hopefully start my own dairy farm that can be a learning experience for people who want to know more about the dairy industry. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? My greatest experience is getting the chance to have a connection to dairy cattle and the dairy industry, but also getting the chance to make a close connection with my employer and his family. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? My passion and love for the dairy industry makes me a good dairy princess. My respect for others will help with promoting the dairy industry because I may come across people who think dairy farming is discouraging. I will have to be respectful even if I don’t agree with them.
Redwood County continued What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? I want to talk to consumers about the love farmers have for their cattle and how much they mean to them. A lot of people say farmers don’t care for their cattle and abuse them, but that’s all because they see stuff on social media and don’t get to know the true love farmers have for their cattle.
Rice County continued Parents/Employers: Marshall Johnson and Jill Ellingson Faribault, Minnesota
Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I have been What is one dairy promotional event in your county part of the dairy industry that you are looking forward to? I look forward to through the 4-H lease attending many parades in the summer promoting the program for the past 11 dairy industry and doing activities in June. years. I enjoy participating in dairy quiz bowl and dairy judging competitions as it Brooke Johnson, 17 continues to reinforce my Dairy Star Sponsor: knowledge about animal Ag Partners health, farm operations agpartners.net and the industry as a 800-732-1439 Parents/Employers: Pat whole. I plan to attend a and Clarice DeGrood four-year college majoring Faribault, Minnesota in agribusiness with the hope that the skills I learn will be used to benefit the Tell us about your dairy industry directly or indirectly through service involvement with the vendors supporting the broader industry. dairy industry and your future plans. Being a part What has been your greatest experience being of a fourth-generation involved in the dairy industry? The lease program dairy farm that raises dairy allows me to gain experiences on the farm operation. I replacement heifers has am so grateful to the farm families who lease cattle to allowed me to be involved 4-H kids including myself, allowing us to work hard with the Rice County and learn about the opportunities and challenges that Dairy Royalty program, are presented every day on the farm. exhibiting in 4-H and Karlie DeGrood, 16 FFA along with open Dairy Star Sponsor: What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy shows, competing in Dairy Star dairy princess? I am able to communicate well with 4-H dairy quiz bowl and 320-352-6303 others and am able to share about the dairy industry. being a part of my FFA www.dairystar.com I am outgoing and have a tremendous passion for chapter’s dairy evaluation advocating all the substantial things happening on the team. I plan to further my farm and within our industry and products. education at a four-year college after high school and major in ag business. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking I hope to come back to the family farm and continue about with consumers during your reign as a dairy to raise dairy replacement heifers and crops with my princess? I look forward to sharing and explaining family. where dairy foods come from and how they are produced. How consumers’ food gets from the farm What has been your greatest experience being to their table is a question some people are curious involved in the dairy industry? While living and about as well as all their nutritional benefits. working on our family’s farm along with helping as needed on my aunt’s dairy farm, I have been able to What is one dairy promotional event in your experience and learn not only about the agriculture county that you are looking forward to? I am industry and the community behind it but also how to looking forward to Dairy Day on the Farm, especially create a work ethic for myself for the future. because we did not have it last year. Being able to have the community come to a family’s dairy farm What qualities do you possess that make you a good and see how it operates, as well as enjoy breakfast dairy princess? I possess a love for the agriculture and other dairy treats is always a day I look forward industry that will help me represent the Rice County to. The little kids that come with their family have dairy farmers as their advocate. I am outgoing and the opportunity to play games, do some dairy-related am willing to connect with those who surround the activities and be amused by all the cows. dairy community. I am approachable and interested in answering questions people might have in order to educate them about the dairy world.
Rice County
What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? During this upcoming year, I am excited to further my own education about the industry that will allow me to defend the hot topic of animal welfare. I would emphasize that our local dairy farmers focus on cow comfort and explain that there are appropriate animal husbandry practices in place with bedding, ventilation, feed and nutrients, and animal health.
Parents/Employers: Gordon and Hindy Saemrow Waterville, Minnesota
Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I work on my family’s dairy What is one dairy promotional event in your farm where we milk county that you are looking forward to? Rice 750 cows. Some of the County is hoping to host a dairy day on the farm. responsibilities I have on We have not been able to have this event for the last the farm are helping cover couple of years, but we would like families enjoy a weekend milking shifts, Jacy Saemrow, 17 day on one of our local family farms. I loved seeing feeding calves as well as Dairy Star Sponsor: the joy that comes from letting the children interact helping with other jobs Bongards’ Creameries and pet the baby calves, tour the milking facility and during the busy spring Norwood-Young receive a simple temporary tattoo with a cow on it and fall seasons. I am America, MN while enjoying some dairy products. We also are able also active in 4-H and 952-277-5500 to educate the kids by passing out numerous coloring FFA where I participate in books that have fun and interesting facts about the dairy judging, dairy quiz dairy industry. bowl and show cattle. At this time, my plans are to attend college. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? The greatest experience is being able to work with my family. On my family’s farm, I am able to work with my brothers, cousins, aunts, uncles and my 95-year-old grandma. Rice County continued on next page
Dairy Star - MN Dairy Princess Edition • Saturday, May 14, 2022 • Page 17
Sibley County continued Rice County continued Working with my family has taught me the value of Parents: Scott and long-term commitment. Stephanie Krueger Arlington, Minnesota What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I am knowledgeable in the Tell us about your dairy industry and enjoy sharing my knowledge involvement with the and experiences with people who have had limited dairy industry and your experiences with the dairy industry. future plans. I live and work on my family’s 100What is one hot topic you look forward to talking cow dairy farm outside about with consumers during your reign as a dairy of Arlington, Minnesota. princess? I am looking forward to discussing the Last year after graduating benefits of consuming dairy products. It is important from high school, I started people know the nutritional value of consuming dairy working full-time on products as opposed to non-dairy alternatives. our dairy where I plan to Montana Krueger, continue working until 18 What is one dairy promotional event in your one day partnering with county that you are looking forward to? I am my parents. Dairy Star Sponsor: looking forward to having dairy day on the farm. B&R Dairy Through this event, the public is able to get a better What has been your Winthrop, MN understanding of what goes on in the industry. I enjoy greatest 507-647-7000 experience being able to show people how much dairy farmers being involved in the care for their animals. dairy industry? Growing up on our dairy farm has easily been the greatest experience I have had. Spending almost every day working on the farm as a kid, I had the chance to learn so many life lessons at a young age. I also gained experiences and knowledge that many others did not. Growing up on the farm and working and learning from both my parents and Parents: Jim and Wendy grandparents has definitely shaped me into the person Dieball I am today. Green Isle, Minnesota What qualities do you possess that make you a Tell us about your good dairy princess? I have a strong passion for involvement with the the dairy industry. Seeing all the hard work that goes dairy industry and your into caring for our animals has made me passionate future plans. I grew up on helping the public gain a better understanding of on my family’s dairy dairy farming. farm, Dieball Dairy LLC, just outside of Green Isle, What is one hot topic you look forward to talking Minnesota, where we milk about with consumers during your reign as a dairy 200 cows in three robotic princess? I look forward to talking with consumers milking units. I am active about what they see on the internet. In today’s world, in everyday tasks, such as almost everyone has access to a smartphone. This Aly Dieball, 19 maintenance on robots, allows them to see information on dairy farming Dairy Star Sponsor: calf care and working that may or may not be true. I am looking forward to B&R Dairy with our hired employees talking about the real parts of dairy farming and how Winthrop, MN to teach them tasks on to connect with farmers to learn instead of accounts 507-647-7000 the farm. I am a freshman that share false information. at South Dakota State University where I am What is one dairy promotional event in your county double majoring in dairy production and agriculture that you are looking forward to? I am looking science. Upon graduation, I would like a career forward to handing out ice cream at various locations where I can connect with consumers about the dairy throughout the county. People love ice cream which community. makes an easy way to connect with consumers.
Sibley County
What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? I created Adopt A Calf with Dieball Dairy. This started out as a program for daycares in Sibley County to participate in and has now grown into something that schools in the Twin Cities are utilizing. This program allows people of all ages to see what life as a calf is like on a dairy farm. This experience has been rewarding as I enjoy getting comments from the participants on how much they have learned about dairy. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? Aside from being passionate about dairy, I am outgoing. This allows me to communicate with people I meet about the importance of dairy and how farmers make sure their cows are happy and healthy each and every day. As I dairy princess, I will keep sharing my story with everyone I meet to keep educating people about the importance of dairy.
Parents: Robert and Gina Schuft Arlington, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I grew up on a dairy farm outside of Arlington where we milked around 50 cows. Growing up, I enjoyed being in the milking barn and feeding baby calves. We sold our dairy herd. Maggie Schuft, 17 However, my family Dairy Star Sponsor: owns a few cows from B&R Dairy our original herd that are Winthrop, MN being milked a couple 507-647-7000 miles down the road from our farm. I enjoy visiting our cows as often as I can along with showing them at the county fair. Next year, I plan on attending Rochester Community and Technical College to major in radiology.
What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? The topic I am looking forward to most is sustainability. Dairy farmers are working hard every day to take care of the land they have. I am proud to say one of the ways my family farm is sustainable is by planting cover crops in our fields. This allows the soil to be replenished with nutrients after the growing season. I want consumers to know dairy farmers are working hard every day to produce products What has been your greatest experience being consumers love while taking care of the land in order involved in the dairy industry? My greatest to continue to be productive. experience being involved in the dairy industry has been making relationships with other people. What is one dairy promotional event in your county Whether it be with the public or with others who that you are looking forward to? Visiting schools share the same passion for dairy, I enjoy meeting new across the county is one thing I am looking forward to people and making connections with others. The dairy this year. With the communication skills I have, I am industry has given me so many opportunities to meet excited to share my dairy story with children. new people. I hope to continue doing so by making
Sibley County continued connections with people of all different ages during my role as a dairy princess.
What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? My experience of growing up on a dairy farm makes me passionate about promoting the dairy industry. I also have a friendly personality, which means I love being around other people. I want to be approachable, so while attending events I always have a smile on my face. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? I am looking forward to talking with consumers about dairy nutrition and how important it is for our bodies. I hope to share about dairy products and how they are beneficial for staying healthy as well as different ways to incorporate them into your diet. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I am looking forward to appearing in parades. Normally, our ambassadors hand out cheese sticks at parades, which is a great way to promote dairy nutrition. I hope to see many faces at the parades we will be in this year.
Parents: Mike and Jennifer Willegal Employers: Steve and Deb Sjostrom Gibbon, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I work on a dairy farm and hope to become a large animal vet someday. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? Learning more about cattle in general while working in the industry with such a great group of girls.
Jessica Willegal, 18 Dairy Star Sponsor: Gibbon Lumber Gibbon, MN 507-834-6366 B&R Dairy Winthrop, MN 507-647-7000
What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? Leadership and public speaking. I have confidence when speaking in front of people or leading a group. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? Breaking down the basic process milk goes through before it gets to the store. It’s a reality of today that consumers want to know where their food is coming from, and they want to make sure animals are happy. I hope to assure them the animals are well taken care of. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? My town doesn’t have a parade every year, but this year they will. I’m excited to go there and show my community what I represent.
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Stearns County
Parents/Employers: Jerry and Tammy Breth St. Anthony, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I have lived and worked on my family’s dairy farm my entire life. I love being outside helping with chores. My favorite chores involve any type of fieldwork. I love smelling fresh cut hay in the spring Makayla Breth, 19 and summer, knowing I Dairy Star Sponsor: am providing quality hay Centre Dairy Equipment to our cows, so they can & Supply Inc. produce nutritious milk Sauk Centre, mN for everyone. In FFA, 320-352-5762 I competed in the milk AMPI quality competition one www.ampi.com year. This is my fourth year as a Stearns County www.dinnerbellcreamery.coop Dairy Princess. I am working at Anez Consulting Inc. in Willmar. This summer, I plan to work with Centra Sota Cooperative on their precision ag team. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? My greatest experience is anytime I am in a tractor. I could be hauling hay, silage boxes or spreading manure. During any of these tasks, I am working to make sure our cattle are well cared for, fed with quality feed and have a clean living space. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? The many experiences I have throughout agriculture and other leadership roles I have been in. These help me gain new perspectives, meet and connect with new people, and define my communication skills. Communication is important as a dairy princess, for when I am at events, it is beneficial to have great communication skills. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? The one hot topic I am looking forward to is one that is always relevant, no matter the year, season, time, place or age of the person I am talking to. This is the enjoyment dairy brings to everyone. I love sharing the enjoyment to all I meet at events. I look forward to events where I hand out milk, cheese and especially ice cream. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I look forward to recording radio ads. This allows me, and the other dairy princesses, to reach out to the general public. As dairy princesses, it is our responsibility to be the face of the dairy community when farmers are busy taking care of their animals. Having us on the radio allows us to share our appreciation for the hard work farmers do and possibly share a fun fact about dairy. Parents/Employers: Glen and Becky Christen Sauk Centre, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I grew up on a small dairy farm just outside of Sauk Centre, Minnesota, where I help with the milking and feeding of the calves. I am attending the University of Minnesota-Crookston Alexandra Christen, to obtain my bachelor’s 20 degree in elementary Dairy Star Sponsor: education. I hope to come Centre Dairy Equipment back to the area and teach & Supply Inc. in a small-town setting. Sauk Centre, MN
320-352-5762 What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? While growing up on the farm, our family often hosted extended family who did not live on a farm. This allowed me to have opportunities to show how our farm operates and
Stearns County continued
Stearns County continued
the ways of the dairy community. These experiences were my first with educating people about dairy and bridging the gap between farmers and consumers.
It is a great way to connect with all ages of people and share the dairy story.
What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? As an education major, I have a passion for educating others about the areas of life that I am interested in. Not only does the role of a dairy princess allow me to put these public speaking and teaching skills to use, but it helps me to grow them each and every day that I am in this role. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? Rising input prices are a huge issue in dairy farming right now. I look forward to chatting with the general public and explaining how their milk and dairy food consumption helps farmers to battle these issues. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I am most looking forward to promoting dairy with fellow princesses.
Parents/Employers: Steve and Tammy Frericks Albany, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. As a young girl, I fell in love with showing dairy. I still to this day lease cattle from my aunt and uncle. I show dairy cattle all throughout the state of Minnesota at local county fairs, district Kallie Frericks, 19 shows, the Minnesota Dairy Star Sponsor: State Fair and have had the Lake Henry Implement opportunity to lead cattle 320-243-7411 at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin. I was employed on a robotic dairy farm just north of Albany where I was in charge of fetching cattle, diagnosing illness, cleaning the machines, fresh cow care, data entry and much more. Additionally, I help when needed at my aunt and uncle’s farm. Also, I am involved in the Stearns County 4-H dairy knowledge bowl and judging teams and serve on the board of directors for the Minnesota Junior Holstein Association. At the college level, I am involved in the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Dairy Club. After college graduation, I would like to help farmers achieve their financial goals by becoming a farm loan officer. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? My greatest experience would have to be working within the dairy community. It has taught me so much and paved a path for my future career. There is nothing better than hands-on learning and that is just what working on the farm teaches. I learned all about the cattle themselves, the new technology within dairy and ways to improve all aspects of the farm. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I love the opportunity to talk to others. I am able to talk to people I do not know and in situations where I may not be as comfortable. Dairy princesses need to use their platform to reach a larger audience in order to inspire and to be a reliable source of information for others. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? I look forward to talking about the shortage of milk cartons in schools. Even though we are dealing with many shortages, the shortage of milk cartons can be combated by schools with various options. Many schools are resorting to a bulk milk dispenser where kids can come up and grab their own milk. This is a great idea because kids can get more milk than just one carton. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? Our annual dairy promotion events. They take place each summer and are a wonderful way to inspire others to eat dairy foods and show others where their food comes from.
Parents/Employers: Steve and Tammy Frericks Albany, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. My dairy story differs from many as I did not grow up on a dairy farm. At a very young age, I was able to get involved in organizations that allowed me to grow close to the dairy community. Hailey Frericks, 19 I grew up showing dairy Dairy Star Sponsor: cattle at my county fair. Lake Henry Implement From there, I grew a love 320-243-7411 for dairy and chose to become more involved to fuel my passion. Therefore, I joined several more organizations that were driven by dairy. I continue to show dairy cattle and help on many farms with chores or tours. After I graduate from college, I hope to find a job serving the dairy community as an ag finance counselor or ag loan officer. I also want to continue to be involved in these organizations that support and advocate for the dairy community. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? Leasing dairy cattle to show has been my greatest experience. This has taught me the importance of hard work, diversity and persistence. It has also allowed me to gain hands-on experiences and network with fellow dairy enthusiasts. This was the root of my love and passion for dairy cattle, and I am grateful for the opportunities it has given me. I also value the time I spend on the farm doing chores and growing special bonds with all of the animals I have been privileged to work with. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? My skills and experiences have prepared me to connect with a wide variety of people which is a crucial aspect of being a successful dairy princess. I also can combine my hands-on experiences with the knowledge I have gained of the dairy community to better advocate and inform those I will be connecting with. A successful advocate must also have a love and passion for the dairy community, which I have. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? Sustainability is a general concern for much of today’s society. I want to be able to inform and show people how dairy farmers work hard every day to ensure they are raising their cattle and land sustainably. New technology on the market has allowed dairy farmers to reduce their carbon footprint immensely. Many farms have introduced new practices to become more sustainable for generations to come as well. This is a topic I want to help convey through my time as a dairy princess. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I am looking forward to school visits. It is always rewarding seeing kids get excited for dairy foods, and knowing that we as dairy princesses are instilling an awareness and understanding of dairy cattle and dairy foods. It’s important to showcase how important dairy foods are to our diets and explain to kids where their food truly comes from. Stearns County continued on next page
Dairy Star - MN Dairy Princess Edition • Saturday, May 14, 2022 • Page 19
Stearns County continued
Stearns County continued
Parents/Employers: Darrel and Lisa Maus Freeport, Minnesota
Parents/Employers: Glen and Leslie Ritter Avon, Minnesota
Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. Ever since kindergarten, I have been showing cows at the county and state fair. My passion for the dairy community grew ever since. I became more involved in dairy programs Briana Maus, 18 such as dairy judging and Dairy Star Sponsor: dairy knowledge bowl. Hartung Sales & While participating in Service Inc. these programs, I had the Freeport, MN opportunity to go to state 320-863-2697 several times. I joined FFA in eighth grade and competed at regions and at state in the milk quality career development event for three years. I will be attending South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota, to major in dairy manufacturing with a minor in agricultural business. I hope to be involved in the dairy club or agricultural-related clubs on campus.
Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I live on a fourth-generation dairy farm run by my parents and uncle. We milk about 75 cows, and our main breed is Red and White Holsteins. We have been adding in Kalie Ritter, 17 some Milking Shorthorns. Dairy Star Sponsor: I am involved in 4-H Centre Dairy Equipment and FFA, and through & Supply Inc. these organizations, I Sauk Centre, MN have competed in dairy 320-352-5762 judging, dairy handling and a couple years of dairy quiz bowl . My main involvement has stemmed from showing dairy cattle. I’ve met so many great groups of people and learned a lot about the dairy community. I have not officially decided what I want to do after high school.
What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? The greatest experience of being involved in the dairy community is growing up on my family’s fourth-generation dairy farm. Learning about dairy alongside my older three siblings is a blessing. We have made countless memories including piling small square bales, showing cows at the fair, making hay forts in the hay loft and playing softball in the yard after a hard day’s work. The memories and stories I remember will help me in sharing my story as a dairy princess. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? Throughout FFA, I have learned to talk in front of groups of students which will help me share my dairy story with consumers along with students across Stearns County. Another quality I possess is being able to dedicate time throughout the community, which will help me as a dairy princess. Throughout 4-H, FFA and National Honor Society, I have dedicated time toward helping the local food shelves in Melrose and Albany. I have also helped prepare and serve a meal for senior citizens who have lost their significant other. Being able to talk confidently with consumers and dedicate time to sharing my story with individuals are qualities I possess which makes me a good dairy princess. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? Why dairy farmers separate the cow from the calf when they are born. When giving my answer to consumers, I will be able to compare it to stay-athome moms and working mothers. As compared to working mothers, dairy cows work hard producing a wholesome nutritious dairy food 365 days of the year. When working mothers have their kids at daycare, the farmer puts the newborn calf in a pen with other newborn calves, making it similar to a daycare. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? My county is serving malts at the fair. Not only will I be able to connect with consumers, but I will be able to promote nutritious dairy foods. Along with this, I will be able to share my own dairy story. I will advocate for the hard-working dairy farmers and the countless hours they put into caring for their animals. After all, a healthy cow makes a happy cow.
Stearns County continued
What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? Whenever I have cattle at our county or state fair, there are always kids and families who ask to pet the animals. Sometimes it’s even a kid’s first time petting a calf or seeing them in person. I love being able to let these kids get up close to our cattle and let them pet them. It gets kids super excited and will create a memory they won’t forget. What qualities do you possess that make you a good daily princess? My communication skills and interpersonal skills greatly benefit me in this role. I have had experience with public speaking and engaging with the public due to my leadership roles within 4-H and FFA. I will be able to have conversations with consumers with ease. I enjoy talking with people of all age groups and love getting the chance to answer questions people may have. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as princess? Dairy alternatives are becoming more popular. I hope to encourage consumers to stick to dairy and to drink real milk instead of alternatives. Milk has many nutritional benefits and is a great way to fuel your day. There are also delicious flavors and many different kinds of milk produced. Who doesn’t love chocolate or strawberry milk? What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I am looking forward to visiting classrooms to talk to students about the dairy community. It is so important for kids to get educated and introduced to dairy. Not all kids get the opportunities to experience farming and know where their food comes from. I am excited to be the connection for these kids and encourage them to eat and drink more dairy.
Parents/Employers: John and Kristie Schiffler, Schiffler Dairy Albany, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I live on a 250-cow robotic dairy farm where I get to have a hands-on experience with the industry. I also show cows through 4-H and am involved in FFA, which helps me further my interest in the industry. I plan on going to college for psychology to become a psychiatrist.
Sophia Schiffler, 16 Dairy Star Sponsor: Hartung Sales & Service Inc. Freeport, MN 320-863-2697
What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy
industry? My greatest experience with the dairy industry is being able to show cows every year at the county fair and being able to show at the state fair. I love being able to work with the cows throughout the summer and know that my hard work pays off at the fair. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I have a great deal of knowledge in the dairy industry, which will help me in my role as a dairy princess. Living on a dairy farm has given me first-hand experience with many challenges and rewards, helping me be able to relate things better to consumers. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? I am most looking forward to being able to clear up all the misconceptions that consumers have about the dairy industry. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I am excited to be more involved at the Stearns County Fair and work at the malt stand.
Parents/Employers: Keith and Patty Woitalla, Woitalla Dairy LLC Hometown: Holdingford, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. My father and uncle co-own our family dairy farm, and I help with the day-to-day tasks to help operate the farm. I have always tagged Grace Woitalla, 17 along with my dad but Dairy Star Sponsor: have taken an active part in Hartung Sales & working on the farm since Service Inc. I was 12. I do all aspects Freeport, MN of working with the dairy 320-863-2697 herd and the associated processes with running a dairy. After I graduate from Holdingford High School, I plan on attending a college that provides agricultural courses. I am looking into Ridgewater College in Willmar for a degree in agribusiness with a major in livestock or crops or a degree for agronomy. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? Living on a dairy operation. I have grown up on our dairy and have learned many important factors in operating a dairy. The farm has made me who I am today and has helped me form lifelong skills. It has also educated me on the dairy community and what it means to be a dairy producer along with the impacts it has on our local community. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I am experienced in public speaking through helping and leading my FFA chapter. My strength in public speaking has also grown because I participate in doing SAE proficiencies through my FFA chapter. I also participate in the dairy foods FFA competition, which helps me become more knowledgeable on the dairy foods that are available to our communities. I enjoy teaching local people and kids about the dairy community and the nutritious products that are available. I also spread the truth of how dairy farms are ethically run. I have a hardworking attitude and drive to get things done in a correct manner. I am able to give my time in spreading knowledge of the dairy community when the farmers are busy doing their chores. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? I look forward to educating consumers about the types of dairy products available and how they get there. There are many delicious products available to us, and they are nutritious for us to consume. They contain so many nutrients that are hard to find in other foods, but dairy products are so easy to find in the store. I am also excited to educate consumers on how dairy operations are ethically run. Dairy farmers want Stearns County continued on next page
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Stearns County continued the best for their animals and will work hard to ensure that. Happy and healthy cows produce the best quality milk which in return makes the best quality products for all of us to enjoy.
Steele County continued past three years. I own my own Brown Swiss herd, which started in 2016 and had an impact on my career choice. Working in the dairy industry quickly changed what career I wanted to pursue. I will be attending South Dakota State University, where I plan to major What is one dairy promotional event in your county in dairy production and minor in animal science. I that you are looking forward to? I am looking will graduate with a title in pre-vet and transfer to forward to working at many events and getting out in the University of Minnesota where I will further my our local communities to spread my knowledge and education to become a large animal veterinarian with love for the dairy community. I am especially looking a specialization in cattle. forward to participating in parades and the Stearns County Fair. So many people attend these events and What has been your greatest experience being they are a great way of spreading our message and involved in the dairy industry? I have many getting people excited about dairy products. I am also amazing experiences in the dairy industry, but the excited to work with the other dairy princesses and main one would be working on the farm. I have ambassadors to make lifelong friendships and also gained experience and knowledge within the dairy connect with other people in the dairy industry. industry that has helped prepare me for college but also my career afterward. I own my own Brown Swiss herd, and if it wasn’t for working on the farm, I don’t think I would. The dairy industry always has amazing opportunities to allow for so many experiences.
Steele County
Parents: Matt and Jill Kath Owatonna, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I have been involved with the dairy project in 4-H for 13 years. I have leased dairy animals to show at the county and state fairs. I have also been a Steele County Junior Dairy Ambassador through the Courtney Kath, 19 Steele County American Dairy Star Sponsor: Dairy Association. I Bongards’ Creameries have been involved on Norwood-Young the Steele County Junior America, MN Fair Board and on the 952-277-5500 dairy committee. I have also mentored a younger 4-H’er in the dairy project for the past six years. My future plans consist of working full time at Kid’s Korner Educare and taking online classes next fall.
What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I possess a lot of leadership skills as well as the ability to work with others. Through FFA and 4-H offices, I have worked with many ages of kids. I am also outgoing; my favorite topic is definitely cows. Whatever the conversation may be, you can guarantee I will talk about dairy cattle. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? I look forward to sharing the farm to table steps. Unfortunately, many consumers only know the articles they read online and believe those are true. I hope to be able to share the true process and explain to consumers that we really do not use harmful antibiotics. With this, I also hope to talk to consumers about the fact that chocolate milk really does not come straight from brown cows.
What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I look forward to attending breakfast on the farm. It is phenomenal to interact with people in the community and share my love of dairy. Many kids do not grow up with cattle, or any animal for that matter, and it is such a great experience watching how interested and excited the What has been your greatest experience being kids get about being able to interact with cattle and involved in the dairy industry? This past year I got other animals. to show a milking cow at the county and state fair. It was an awesome experience to learn more about milking and showing a milking cow. Parents/Employers: Ben What qualities do you possess that make you a and Wendy Rysavy good dairy princess? One of my top qualities would Owatonna, Minnesota be being a great educator to the youth about the dairy industry. My leadership is another skill that makes me Tell us about your a good dairy princess. involvement with the dairy industry and your What is one hot topic you look forward to talking future plans. I have shown about with consumers during your reign as a dairy dairy cattle for 12 years princess? The nutritional benefits of dairy products and am going into my and how consumers can benefit from all the various 13th year. I live on a dairy products. farm as well. I attend the University of WisconsinWhat is one dairy promotional event in your River Falls majoring in county that you are looking forward to? Daycare communication sciences Hailey Rysavy, 19 visits are always one of my favorites because I love and disorders and hope to Dairy Star Sponsor: getting to see the kids reactions to meeting a princess. become a speech language Northland Farm pathologist. Systems Employers: Glenn Johnson and Deb McDermottJohnson Parents: Tim and Stacy Nelson Owatonna, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. My involvement started through cow camp when I was about 7-years-old. It quickly became a huge Afton Nelson, 18 part of my life. I have Dairy Star Sponsor: been a Steele County Laura Seljan Photography Dairy Ambassador for the Kasson, MN past six years as well as Lauraseljanphotography.com a Minnesota State Brown 507-250-2217 Swiss Ambassador for the
Steele County continued Parents: Joe and Cheryl Rysavy Owatonna, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I have been able to promote the dairy industry through showing my family’s heifers at county and state fairs, being a dairy ambassador, being a dairy princess and sharing my farm Katelyn Rysavy, 20 experiences with others. Dairy Star Sponsor: As a dairy princess, I have Dairy Star promoted the industry 320-352-6303 through parades, daycare www.dairystar.com visits, working at the Steele County ADA Malt Stand and other surrounding celebrations. My future plans are to continue to promote the industry through my dream and get a career in the food industry where I can spread the word about the dairy industry. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? Being raised in the industry has taught me life’s most important lessons. I have seen life begin and end. I have learned what hard work is, I have learned what respect, love and compassion are. Having positivity is the only way to keep moving forward, especially in this industry. I have dreams and have learned to never give up on my dreams. I have gained confidence in myself and my abilities. I understand I have to stand up for what I believe in. That is what being involved in the dairy industry has taught me. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I am a good leader as I was captain of the adaptive floor hockey team. However, you also need to be a team player and be willing to work with others around you. A dairy princess also should possess skills of responsibility, positivity and being respectful as we will be interacting with many people in the community. With these skills, we will be able to promote the industry in a positive manner. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? I am looking forward to talking to the community about how dairy products can improve a healthy lifestyle. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I am looking forward to participating in the parades and working in the Steele County ADA Malt Stand.
Parents: Mark and Gail Zollner Owatonna, Minnesota
Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I became involved in the Owatonna, MN What has been your northlandfarmsystems.com dairy industry through greatest experience being a community education 507-451-3131 involved in the dairy program called Cow industry? My greatest Camp where I was able experience I’ve had in the dairy industry is being able to learn about dairy cows. to show and go to the county and state fair and make I became involved in 4-H Lilly Zollner, 20 so many memories with awesome people. and was fortunate to be Dairy Star Sponsor: able to lease heifers from Clover Glen Farms What qualities do you possess that make you a Deb and Glenn Johnson to Claremont, MN good dairy princess? I am confident, passionate and show at the county fair. I loyal. I will stand up for what I believe in. took a few heifers to state fair and became a dairy ambassador for our local What is one hot topic you look forward to talking American Dairy Association and accumulated a few about with consumers during your reign as a dairy Brown Swiss cows of my own. I was also a junior princess? I’m looking forward to talking about the and senior Brown Swiss ambassador for the state of misconceptions around the dairy industry. I want to Minnesota. Then, I was asked to be a dairy princess, inform consumers that what you see isn’t always true. and this will be my third year participating as a dairy princess for the ADA. My future plans are to finish What is one dairy promotional event in your my schooling and become a large animal vet tech. I county that you are looking forward to? I am also hope to have my own farm someday. looking forward to the daycare visits and teaching the kids about the dairy industry. Steele County continued on next page
Steele County continued What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? My greatest experience in the dairy industry is being able to show cows with an amazing group of hardworking people. I have made so many memories with them over the years, and I am so glad I get to show with them. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? Qualities that make me a good dairy princess are my hard work ethic, my affinity for public speaking and being a confident leader. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? I am looking forward to talking about antibiotic use, because there are a lot of misconceptions about antibiotics being present in milk due to false information. I want to let the public know there are never any antibiotics in milk. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I am looking forward to our breakfast on the farm event, because I get to interact with the public the most and answer questions about the dairy industry.
Wabasha County Parents: Jary and Celene Holst Kellogg, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I am a sophomore at South Dakota State University where I am majoring in animal science pre-vet. I am a member of the SDSU Dairy Club as an activites coordinator, Sigma Ashley Holst, 19 Alpha Omega sorority Dairy Star Sponsor: as the sergeant of arms Story Sales & Service and I compete in Little Faribault, MN International. Within the storysalesandservice.com dairy community, I enjoy 800-491-3724 working and learning from many mentors and field specialists. I hope to one day continue my education to receive a DMV in large animals. I hope to return to the place that made me who I am and continue improving my herd as a dairy farmer but also the herds all around me as a veterinarian and slowly progress into taking part in the family dairy. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? I grew up on my family’s dairy farm in Kellogg, Minnesota, with my parents and five siblings. We milk 140 Holsteins in a double-10 parallel parlor. I help perform many of the day-to-day operations. My main task before college was to serve as cow herdsman. I enjoy working with cow comfort and learning about how unique transitional periods are for every cow. Taking this role within my family’s farm has allowed me to grow in ways I never imagined. I have created personal connections with my farm’s breeders, nutritionists and veterinarians. Building this network of amazing people has opened many doors of opportunity within the dairy community. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? Talking to consumers of all ages is my favorite way to share my dairy story. I love talking about my favorite Holstein cow. Dr. Pepper is my 7-year-old cow that has joined me at the Wabasha County Fair every year since she was born. I showed her for the first time back in 2016, and ever since then, I’ve learned so much about not only the dairy world and responsibility, but having a connection with something that makes me who I am today. Being a good dairy princess isn’t just about talking to people and expressing your love for dairy but knowing enough information about dairy that makes you a reliable source for those wanting to be part of the dairy community. Another reason is being a good role model for those looking up to you. One of my dreams is to be on the front page of Dairy Star with the title Princess Kay of the Milky Way. That is what this is all about, making a dream come true and
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Wadena County
Wabasha County continued being the best dairy princess you can be. These are a few reasons why I truly love the dairy community because they truly bring out these quantities I possess. Parents: Roger Wiese and Amanda Richter What is one hot topic you look forward to talking Wadena, Minnesota about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? The importance of consumer feedback, Tell us about your which is often a harsh subject for both consumers and involvement with the industry and for producers to find the even ground. I find myself dairy fitting for the job, helping both parties have the future your future plans. I of the dairy community in mind with the goal for love spending time with success and partnership. Often words can get lost or the cattle and raising the misinterpreted from the mouth of the consumer to calves. After college, I the farmer and vice versa. Dairy farmers understand would like to find land and the need for consumer relationships. This allows raise a few calves of my producers to understand and adapt to the interests of own. consumers. Consumers need to have an understanding Morgan Wiese, 19 relationship to fully grasp not only the how but also What has been your Dairy Star Sponsor: the how come; some consumers’ wants are met and greatest experience being Midwest Machinery Co. understood within a timely matter with the possibility involved in the dairy Little Falls, MN industry? I love raising of making needed adjustments. 320-632-5473 the cattle and watching Bongards’ Creameries What is one dairy promotional event in your them grow. Norwood-Young county that you are looking forward to? My county America, MN fair. There is no better time to explain cow comfort, What qualities do you 952-277-5500 stockmanship and how milk is made all in one spot. possess that make you The county fair has been the highlight of my summer a good dairy princess? I for as long as I can remember, but more recently it have experience and am also someone who is always has given me a chance to educate and connect with willing to lend a hand. consumers of all ages during the fair as a county dairy princess. Not only is the county fair a way for young What is one hot topic you look forward to talking livestock owners to exhibit their hard work and years about with consumers during your reign as a dairy of dedication, but it also allows for consumers to ask princess? I want to be able to explain that family questions of fellow dairy princesses and producers. farmers are a necessity in this world, and if they During the dairy show, the county American Dairy disappear, so many jobs and lives will be changed. Association hands out dairy products. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? The fair, as I get to give out ribbons and sell malts to the fair Parents: Chad and Amy goers. Schumacher Plainview, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. On my family’s dairy farm, we milk 140 cows with two Lely robots. I have also worked on another nearby dairy farm where they milk 300 cows in a step-up parlor. I am enrolled at Northeast Iowa Community College. I am double majoring in dairy science and agriculture business.
Waseca County
Parents: Brad and Crystal Bartelt New Richland, Minnesota
Jordyn Schumacher, 19 Dairy Star Sponsor: Ag Partners agpartners.net 800-732-1439
What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? My greatest experience in the dairy community is being able to share my story and meet new people. Also, being able to grow up on the farm with so many memories and learning so much about dairy cows. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? A quality that I possess that makes me a good dairy princess is my eagerness to share my dairy story with the dairy community that I am passionate about. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? I look forward to talking about calf care. It is important to have a calf nutrition and care program. These calves are the future generations of dairy farming. It’s important to provide the best care when their working mothers are busy and don’t have much time to care for them. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? One promotional event I am looking forward to is our malt stand. The malt stand is a great way to see people in our community who are eager to hear our stories and to enjoy a delicious dairy product.
Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. My uncle milks cows, and I show them in 4-H. My future plans include continuing to show them at the Waseca County Fair and at the state level.
Maia Bartelt, 17
What has been your Dairy Star Sponsor: greatest experience Bongards’ Creameries being involved in the Norwood-Young dairy industry? My America, MN greatest experience has 952-277-5500 been leasing cattle from my uncle. I have been leasing since I was 10 years old. My dad asked me one year if I was interested in showing, so I showed in open class one year, decided I loved it and joined 4-H. It’s definitely been one of the best decisions I have ever made. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I feel strongly about the dairy industry and that it succeeds. I am also a frequent dairy product user. I will always be willing to promote the dairy industry in any way possible. I am persistent about things I feel strongly about, and this is one of them. I am passionate about what I love. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? I just want to talk about the importance of the dairy industry. We wouldn’t be where we are now without it, and the fact that it’s struggling is scary to me. We are always going to need dairy products, whether that be cheese, ice cream or real milk. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I am most looking forward to the Waseca County Fair. I love showing little kids the cattle and letting them pet the animals. I even get questions from the adults. I love Waseca County continued on next page
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Waseca County continued when I can teach people about one of the things I love most, dairy cattle and the dairy industry.
Parents: Jeff and Joyce Jahr Waldorf, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. This is my second year being a dairy princess for Waseca County. I’ve shown dairy cows for four years. Over those years, I’ve shown Jerseys and Holsteins. I’ve learned a lot about dairy cows just by showing them. I plan to finish my last two years of 4-H showing dairy.
Waseca County continued What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? I want to keep pushing myself, getting people involved in knowledge of the dairy industry and pushing for more support for our local dairy farmers. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? Working the malt stand at the fair along with many parades. I love seeing the smiling faces of kids and communities when they see a cow princess.
Winona County Brooke Jahr, 17 Dairy Star Sponsor: Bongards’ Creameries Norwood-Young America, MN 952-277-5500
What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? My greatest experience in the dairy industry was helping my mom some evenings at the dairy farm she worked at. Over that time, I learned how to milk a cow and how the process of milking and producing healthy heifers works. This experience is what made me realize the importance of the dairy industry and my passion for it. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I am passionate about the dairy industry and want to let others know the importance of it. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? One topic I am looking forward to talking to consumers about is the health benefits of dairy products and what nutrients people would be losing if it becomes hard to get dairy products.
Parents/Employers: Ross and Vick Greden Altura, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I was born and raised on my family’s sixth-generation dairy farm where we milk 550 cows. My responsibilities on the farm are anywhere from milking the cows to running the Discbine, but Megan Greden, 18 my primary responsibility Dairy Star Sponsor: is feeding the herd every Oakwood Bank Saturday. I plan to go to Rollingstone, MN Rochester Community oakwoodbank.net and Technical College 507-410-2220 for a major in business management so I can become a human resources manager. I will then use my skills back at the farm to help my dad with the farm’s employees. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? Working on a farm can be pretty crazy especially with your family, but there are also pros to working with family. Working on the farm has taught me many life lessons, but the main reason why I like it so much is because of the people I am working with. When I’m working with friends or family, it makes me feel like I’m not even working.
What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? Working the malt stand at the Waseca County Fair. There are always people getting malts during the duration of the fair. During this time, I would like to help people realize that the stand isn’t just an ice cream stand. What qualities do you possess that make you a There is a purpose to the malts. good dairy princess? My firsthand experience of working on the farm gives me valuable insight and understanding of how a dairy farm works. During my tenure as an FFA officer, I have gained public speaking skills and the confidence to advocate for dairy farmers Parents: James and ShaLee to many people. White Waseca, Minnesota What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy Tell us about your princess? I am looking forward to explaining what involvement with the farms are and why they are important to consumers. dairy industry and Many people don’t understand the importance of your future plans. I agriculture, and I would love to share with others the have been showing dairy value of farming. for seven years in 4-H and competing in dairy What is one dairy promotional event in your handling with FFA. I county that you are looking forward to? I am have competed at the looking forward to the Winona County family night county, regional and state on the farm event because more than 1,000 people, level. I have also been Jadyn White, 18 many whom have never seen a cow, get to experience the Waseca County Dairy Dairy Star Sponsor: a dairy farm. My family has hosted this event on Princess for three years. Bongards’ Creameries two occasions, and as a young farm girl, I treasured In the fall, I will be going Norwood-Young the experiences. I can’t wait to see other young kids to South Central College America, MN learning and exploring the farm life. in Mankato to major in 952-277-5500 agribusiness. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? My greatest experience is leasing and working with the cattle. I built strong relationships with other people who also share a passion for the dairy industry, and I will never forget the bonds with the animals. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? Leadership is what I’m best at. A lot of people look up to me as a teacher and friend. I have also taken many leadership roles in my county 4-H program and local FFA chapter.
Winona County continued Parents/Employers: Ketchum Farms LLC owned by parents Mike and Mary Ketchum as well as grandparents Bob and Terri Ketchum Altura, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I am involved in the dairy industry through showing dairy cattle, dairy judging Katie Ketchum, 18 and dairy quiz bowl Dairy Star Sponsor: through 4-H as well as Pettit IBA Farm Supply FFA. I also work on my Lewiston, MN family’s 100-cow dairy 507-269-5714 farm where I help with various chores including milking cows, feeding calves, and bedding and cleaning out sheds, etc. My future plans include attending a four-year university to major in agricultural education with a minor in dairy science or animal science. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? Living and working on the farm. It has brought me so many opportunities and allowed me to grow as a person while also learning important lessons that I can take with me throughout my life. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? Qualities that I possess that make me a good dairy princess are my communication skills, being able to connect with people of all ages and having the passion I do for the dairy industry. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? The misconceptions, like the sustainability aspect, or simply talking about the health benefits of dairy products. There is an ever-growing gap between farmers and consumers. I can help bridge that gap. Being open with consumers about what is going on in the dairy industry can help to bridge the gap and take away some of those misconceptions. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I am looking forward to working various events during our Winona County Fair, but I am also excited to hopefully bring classroom visits back this year, and getting to share my stories and knowledge in the dairy industry with youth.
Parents: David and Paula Wegman Employers: Brogan Oak Heights Dairy Saint Charles, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I started showing dairy calves in open class shows at the Winona County Fair when I could walk. Eventually, around the Leann Wegman, 18 age of 7, I started helping Dairy Star Sponsor: feed the calves on my Elba Co-op Creamery grandparents’ dairy farm, Elba, MN 507-932-3861 and at the age of 15, it “Congrats to all the turned into milking cows Winona County Dairy which I still do today. Princess Participants” My future plans include attending Winona State University for nursing and a minor in nutrition. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? My greatest experience in the dairy industry is watching the next generation grow and learn more about dairy cattle and dairy farming. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I love to talk to people and get Winona County continued on next page
Winona County continued
Wright County continued
to know new people. I also enjoy talking about what I am passionate about. Lastly, I love dairy products.
Parents: Matt and Joy Decker Howard Lake, Minnesota
What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? I am looking forward to talking to consumers about the difference in real dairy products and almond or other dairy alternatives. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I am looking forward to the Winona County Fair where I will see many consumers and get to hand out dairy treats.
Wright County Parents: Brian and Theresa Beaudry Otsego, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I grew up on my family’s 65-cow dairy farm milking and taking care of our cows. I am involved in the dairy club at the University of Wisconsin- River Falls where I am majoring in Jalyssa Beaudry, 19 agricultural business and Dairy Star Sponsor: minoring in dairy science. Munson Lakes Nutrition I am hoping I will have a Howard Lake, MN job in the dairy industry 320-543-2561 working for a creamery or Farm Credit Services. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? Working on the farm has been my greatest experience within the dairy community. There is nothing like getting up at the crack of dawn in the freezing cold winter and walking into a barn full of cows waiting for you to milk them. All sorts of things can happen while milking. One of my favorite cows gives me a bath every time I prep her for milking by licking me nonstop. I don’t think I could get that experience anywhere else but in a dairy barn. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? My friendly personality and communication skills are what I think would make me a good dairy princess. When conveying a message to consumers, it is important to have a smile on your face because you might be the first, or only farmer, they will meet in their life. We want to make a good impression, especially when representing the dairy community. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? Calf and cow care. Within my first week at college, I heard many misconceptions about how farmers treat and take care of their cows. This topic is personal to me because my favorite job on the farm is taking care of our calves. I would love to help consumers understand why cows and calves are separated from each other and the benefits that come along with it.
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Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I’ve been showing dairy at the Wright County Fair since I was a 4-H Cloverbud. I started out as a dairy ambassador in 2016. What has been your Brooklyn Decker, 18 greatest experience Dairy Star Sponsor: being involved in the Munson Lakes Nutrition dairy industry? I would Howard Lake, MN say growing up around 320-543-2561 the animals and being able to go to my greatgrandparents’ farm whenever I wanted. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I am good with kids and easy to talk to. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? How the animals are cared for and what we do to keep them happy and healthy.
Wright County continued
Parents: William and Renae Neumann Employers: G&K Family farm Buffalo, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I grew up on a five-generation farm with my parents. However, in 2013, we switched to a dairy steer operation, and my show Natalie Neumann, animals were housed 17 on another local farm. I Dairy Star Sponsor: started leasing cattle and Munson Lakes Nutrition working for G&K Family Howard Lake, MN farm in 2019. I plan to 320-543-2561 attend South Dakota State University to complete a bachelor’s degree in agriculture marketing and agribusiness. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? Growing up on a farm definitely has its perks of being involved in the dairy industry, but my greatest experience is actually being in the industry through the farm I lease from. I get the community feeling working on that farm that I felt when I was being raised on my family’s farm.
What is one dairy promotional event in your What qualities do you possess that make you a county that you are looking forward to? The Wright good dairy princess? I have a passion for dairy both County Fair. with farmers and the agricultural aspect of having been connected throughout many years both on and off the farm. Knowledge of the industry is key to the success of the production of delicious dairy products, Parents: Karl and Nicole and being a dairy princess helps promote the goodness Hills of the industry. Sharing my experience this coming Monticello, Minnesota year will strengthen my passion for the agriculture and farm aspects of the dairy industry. Tell us about your involvement with the What is one hot topic you look forward to talking dairy industry and about with consumers during your reign as a dairy your future plans. I princess? Farmers work continuously to provide the am pursuing a degree in freshest dairy products for the consumers. They treat animal science with an every consumer of dairy like family. They trust their emphasis on pre-veterinary animals and provide the best care for them as well. medicine, which I hope to take with me toward What is one dairy promotional event in your veterinary school. After county that you are looking forward to? I am most veterinary school, I want Katherine Hills, 19 looking forward to the summer library reading events to practice as a large throughout my county and serving delicious cold ice Dairy Star Sponsor: animal veterinarian. I lease Munson Lakes Nutrition cream after. I enjoy working with kids and love to be from my grandparents’ involved in the local communities in Wright County. Howard Lake, MN farm in Howard Lake, 320-543-2561 where they have a herd of Holstein cattle with a few Ayrshires mixed in. This Parents: Bobby and Sandra coming summer will mark my seventh year showing Roskowiak dairy goats in 4-H. I was one of my county’s dairy Employer: Charles Krause princesses last year as well as an ambassador the year at Krause Holstein prior. Maple Lake, Minnesota What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? My greatest experience has been showing at the county and state fairs. I show dairy goats, and working with them (and the occasional heifer for my cousins) is a process that is super cool to be a part of.
What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I am more than willing to try new What is one dairy promotional event in your things, and I have gained communication skills from county that you are looking forward to? Every 4-H and a year as a dairy princess. I love talking about year a dairy farm from our county hosts breakfast on the dairy industry, and I like meeting new people. the farm. I am looking forward to this event because families come out by the bus loads with kids who What is one hot topic you look forward to talking may have never been on a farm before or even seen about with consumers during your reign as a a cow in person. It is an opportunity for us as dairy dairy princess? I am looking forward to talking princesses to show them how a cow gets milked and about where milk comes from and the process to get what kind of labor and equipment goes into the job. the milk. It is a topic and process I don’t think many This is a great way to get consumers on a farm and people get the opportunity to see or learn about, so I help them understand what really goes on in the dairy would like to start turning that around. production process. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I absolutely cannot wait for Wright-Carver Breakfast on the Farm. It is an opportunity to see and educate members of my community as well as see how different farms are run.
Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I have been working at Krause Holstein for more than three years now. I love working there, being with the cows and doing chores. Autumn Roskowiak, I am planning on attending 18 University of WisconsinDairy Star Sponsor: River Falls for pre-vet to Munson Lakes Nutrition pursue being a large and Howard Lake, MN small animal vet. 320-543-2561
What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? My greatest experience is working on the farm. I’m always learning new things and experiencing new things every time. I love working with the cows. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I am an outgoing person with a passion to educate people about the dairy community. I love meeting new people as well, and being a dairy princess will give me lots of opportunity to do that. Wright County continued on next page
Page 24 • Dairy Star - MN Dairy Princess Edition • Saturday, May 14, 2022
Wright County continued What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? I am excited to talk to people about what actually happens on a dairy farm. Many people only have an idea of how a dairy farm operates, the people it takes and the work that goes into it. When I first started working, I knew nothing about what it takes to operate a dairy farm. Learning about and sharing what happens at a dairy farm every day in order to produce dairy products is a cool thing.
What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? I am looking forward to breakfast on the farm. I go most years with my family, and I am excited to be there as a representative of the dairy community and talk with all the people who attend. Parent: Amy Schermer Employer: New-Vue Ayrshires Maple Lake, Minnesota Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I got into the dairy industry in 2015 when my neighbor introduced me to the cattle on the farm and told me about 4-H. Since then, I have been in 4-H for going Kieya Sargent, 18 on eight years, working on Dairy Star Sponsor: the farm for about three Munson Lakes Nutrition years and been a dairy Howard Lake, MN ambassador for my county 320-543-2561 for five years. After going to college at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and obtaining my degree to become a large animal veterinarian, I hope to have my own hobby farm where I can be a part of the dairy industry. What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? My greatest experience thus far has been leasing cattle for 4-H.
Wright County continued I have met so many new friends and traveled to so many shows. Leasing cattle even brought me to the state fair for the first time. It definitely has made an impact and will forever hold a spot in my heart. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? Some qualities that stick out to me are being passionate, kind and brave. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? I’m excited to be able to go out there and represent the dairy farmers of my county and everywhere. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? The county fair is always one I look forward to every year. Getting to be in the dairy barn all day, every day and talking to consumers is one thing I look forward to every summer. Also, the milk booth is fun as I can serve milk to all the kids and see their big smiles.
Parents: Chris and Amanda Zeidler Employer: Chanlore Farms Inc. Cokato, Minnesota
Wright County continued What has been your greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry? My greatest experience being involved in the dairy industry is definitely working on the farm. What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I enjoy talking to people about the dairy industry. I am able to communicate my thoughts well, and I am willing to listen and learn new things. I also enjoy promoting the dairy industry and look forward to sharing my passion with others. What is one hot topic you look forward to talking about with consumers during your reign as a dairy princess? Small family farms have been the backbone of the dairy industry for many generations, and as the average age of dairy farmers increases, and there are fewer opportunities for young farmers to get into the business, it is becoming more and more challenging to sustain family farms. What is one dairy promotional event in your county that you are looking forward to? My county’s annual breakfast on the farm. It is one of my favorites because we get the opportunity to network with farmers and industry representatives. We also get to educate people who have never been to a farm, know nothing about a dairy farm and do not know where their milk comes from.
Tell us about your involvement with the dairy industry and your future plans. I grew up in the small town of Cokato. I am attending Ridgewater College in Willmar for dairy management. I plan to graduate in May. I work Grace Zeidler, 20 at Chanlore Farms Inc., a Dairy Star Sponsor: local dairy farm in Cokato Munson Lakes Nutrition where I began working Howard Lake, MN in June 2017. From my 320-543-2561 time working at Chanlore Farms, I found my passion in the dairy industry and love for dairy cattle.
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come. “I love to share about how we are sustainable on our farms either in the field or in the barn,” Euerle said. “I want to make sure everybody knows how much dairy farmers care.” When attending an event, Euerle wants to make sure questions can be asked. “I never want someone to shy
they are in the numbers of farming. “I get to tell them how much an entire tanker of milk is worth or how much a cow produces in one month versus one day,” Euerle said. As classroom visits slow down with the end of the school year, Euerle is preparing for a busy June Dairy Month. She plans to attend breakfast on the farms and dairy days all across the state, Curd “I love to share about how Fest at Redhead Creamery Brooten, and many other we are sustainable on our in June Dairy Month activities. just love being on the farms either in the field or farm“I and interacting with individuals are there in the barn. I want to make to visit and who learn,” Euerle sure everybody knows how said. “And I’m also excited that I get to do different much dairy farmers care.” things throughout the month like going from a farm to a ANNA EUERLE, PRINCESS KAY OF THE MILKY WAY creamery to a restaurant.” Throughout this year, Euerle advises other dairy away from asking me a question because a lot of times this might be princesses to share quick, honest their only chance to interact with a messages about what dairy farmers do each day on their farms and why dairy farmer,” Euerle said. The questions are vast. they do what they do. “Social media is huge right now Consumers have asked Euerle, “Why are farmers separating the and it’s so easy for us to pop up a calves from the cows?” and “What quick story about feeding calves or happens to the boy cows?” as a few milking cows,” she said. “It doesn’t need to be a big lengthy post. Just examples. “They really caught me off guard share about why we milk our cows at first,” Euerle said. “But I’ve really and why we love what we do. It’s enjoyed being able to answer those OK to go the simple route.” questions.” She also learned that the younger the people are, the more interested
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Anna Euerle stands with her likeness sculpted in butter Aug. 27, 2021, in the Dairy Building at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds.