2011 Minnesota Dairy Princess Edition

Dairy St r

★

Special Edition

Making an impact on others

May 14, 2011

Miron reflects on role as 57th Princess Kay of the Milky Way

By Krista M. Sheehan Staff writer

HUGO, Minn. – During the 12 days of the 2010 Minnesota State Fair, the newly crowned Princess Kay, Katie Miron, sat down on the floor of the dairy building next to the butter booth to talk with a family while they enjoyed their treats from the Dairy Goodness Bar. “The mother couldn’t believe I was sitting on the floor in my dress and sash to take the time to talk with her family.

To me it was no big deal,” said 20-year-old Miron from Hugo, Minn. “The biggest thing that moment taught me … is that if I can reach one person and make an impact on that one person’s life that day, my work is worth it.”

Miron has carried that memory with her throughout her reign as the 57th Princess Kay of the Milky Way. Since being crowned last August, Miron said the role of Princess Kay has been busy, memorable, inspiring and humbling.

“My year has been full of ups and downs, but as a whole I can’t describe how great it is to have the opportunity to represent dairy farmers in Minnesota,” said Miron, the daughter of dairy farmers, Fran and Mary Ann Miron.

Since starting her reign at the state fair, Miron has been busy with appearances, such as visiting with students, speaking at conventions and delivering Dominos pizza during Timberwolves games to fans at their home with the Timberwolves’ mascot, Crunch. Elementary schools have been her favorite visits.

“They (the students) really listen and take my messages in,” Miron said. “They are so excited, and their excitement is contagious. I don’t feel drained when leaving a school event. I feel ready for the next one.”

School visits are a big responsibility for Miron, who encourages kids to drink milk and eat three servings of dairy each day in order to be healthy.

“When I visit schools it

Photo Submitted

Princess Kay Katie Miron sat with students during lunch on April 29 at Bamber Valley Elementary School in Rochester, Minn., where she spoke at an assembly earlier in the day.

Miron said elementary school visits have been her favorite appearances as Princess Kay.

makes me appreciate the trust dairy farmers put in me. I hope I make them proud,” she said.

Miron is able to interact with these dairy producers when she speaks at events and conferences.

“It’s great to get back to talk to and connect with the producers across the state to see what’s happening on their farms,” she said.

During events such as the state FFA convention and the Minnesota Junior All-Breeds Convention, Miron is able to speak with farm kids.

“To see (farm) kids of all ages working together and older kids mentoring the younger one was great,” Miron said about attending the Minnesota Junior All-Breeds Convention. “It demonstrates … we’re all connected by one common factor, by the same priorities and core values.

We understand each other.”

That understanding is part of the reason why she is excited about the May Event.

“When I was a finalist it was like meeting best friends I never knew I had. We had a common connection,” she said.

When the 12 Princess Kay finalists are announced, Miron said she’ll be happy to meet them.

“More than making me sad, I’ll be really excited there are 12 energetic young women who will each do a wonderful job representing Minnesota’s dairy industry,” Miron said.

During her last few months as Princess Kay, Miron is looking forward to June dairy month with grocery store promotions, breakfast on the farms and other large events.

“I’m definitely ready for June. I’m looking forward to dedicating my time to traveling around to … bring my message of the dairy industry to the state,” Miron said.

Photo Submitted

Katie Miron has been serving as the 57th Princess Kay of the Milky Way since last August when she was crowned the night before the opening of the state fair. Miron said she is looking forward to the last few months of her reign as Princess Kay, especially June Dairy Month.

Before the end of her reign in August, Miron plans to have a Farm-City day at her farm, a community celebration where she will use her butter head for the sweet corn meal.

Although Miron said crowning the next Princess Kay this August will be bittersweet, she’s excited to see who will be the next one in the role. For the next Princess Kay, Miron gives some advice received from her sister, Ann. “Take a deep breath, step back, reflect upon and appreciate the opportunity you’ve been given. It’s so simple, but it’s so important because it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of everything,” Miron said.

After her reign is over, Miron will still keep a busy schedule.

This fall, Miron will be a junior at the University of Min-

nesota-Twin Cities where she is majoring in agricultural education.

“I want to fill my plate with extra curricular activities I wasn’t able to do this year,” Miron said.

She’ll also be able to spend more time helping with chores on her home farm.

“I think my dad and brother will appreciate that,” she said.

As the volunteer coordinator of the All-You-Can-Drink milk stand, all 12 days of the state fair will also be in Miron’s schedule. Although she won’t be wearing her crown and sash as Princess Kay, Miron will still be promoting the dairy industry and talking with consumers after her reign. Maybe she’ll be able to sit down on the floor of the dairy building again to talk to a family about the dairy industry.

Introducing Your County Dairy Princesses For 2011...

Page 2 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 14, 2011

Becker County

Benton County continued

room. I would present this product by saying how beneficial and nutritious this dairy product is. It has many essential vitamins in it, and it helps build strong bones and minds.

Parents: Albin and Carol I would also bring in samples, not just of white milk but Warling also different flavors that the class could enjoy. Showing a Town: Audubon young audience how important dairy products are in their What is your current diet is an important topic for me. status? I am currently at What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the tending Minnesota State dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you adCommunity and Technical dress the public when they ask about these topics? One College in Detroit Lakes of the biggest concerns on the farm that I have witnessed with a major in business for some time now is a fluctuating income. You never know management/ownership. how the prices are going to be from day to day and whether Tell us about yourself, this next check will help pay the bills in full. Off the farm the farm you live and/ is the portrayal of the dairy industry itself. Sometimes, on or work on, and your futhe news you see and hear negative stories about the dairy ture plans. I enjoy workindustry. Modern media today sends information to us, and ing on my family’s century Nicole Warling, 19 you never really know if you’re getting the whole story or old dairy farm. We milk 50 Dairy Star Sponsor: not. cows in a double-7 herringAudubon Co-op With a steady income for farmers, I have witnessed that bone milking parlor. I have Elevator & Feed Mill they are willing to strike a fair deal with companies and future plans to either work Audubon, MN their associates. It’s not a matter of how much money you on or own a dairy farm after 218-439-6111 get, but a matter of security with money you will get in the I graduate from college. My future. Eliminating the fear of such a fluctuating income involvement on the farm would be a big deal and greatly appreciated within the farmincludes taking care of the ing community. calves and milking the cows.

With the portrayal of the dairy industry by the media, Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell I can see how the general public may get the wrong imus how you would promote that product to that audi- pression. They should know that farmers give their all with ence. I would choose milk for the dairy product, and I everything that they do and would never imagine hurting would promote it to elementary students. I would inform their animals. Treating animals with care and producing them how milk helped build strong bones in me, and that safe products is of the utmost importance to farmers. That’s it helps to keep me healthy. I would show them that milk the message to get across. helps to soften a hard cookie, too.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I believe that the biggest concern in the dairy industry is the bad publicity that is sent out through the Parents: Jesse and Coleen Messer media.

I would answer questions about this by informing Town: Foley them that a dairy farmer cares about the land, animals What is your current and community because they understand the land pro- status? I am currently a sevides for us, so we need to provide for it. Animals depend nior at Foley Senior High on the farmers for survival, just as the farmer depends on School. I hope to earn a job the animals. Farmers also care about the community be- this summer to help pay for cause of the fact that communities depend on farmers for college. survival, and farmers also depend on their communities Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or as consumers of their products. work on, and your future plans. I was born and raised on our 40-acre farm that we still reside on to this day.

Kathrine Lynn After I graduate from high Messer, 18 Parents: Berne and Jerry school this June, I am planDairy Star Sponsor: Kroska ning to attend the UniversiFrandsen Town: Foley ty of Minnesota-Crookston, Bank & Trust What is your current this fall for animal science Foley, MN status? I am currently attendwith an emphasis on dairy 320-968-8774 ing South Dakota State Unicattle nutrition. versity. I am majoring in mu Choose a dairy prodsic education and minoring in uct and an audience, and tell us how you would prosociology and psychology. I mote that product to that audience. I would promote work as a cashier at Coborn’s milk to teen-aged students. I would begin by telling Inc. during the summer and them the advantages of milk. I would go on to share during the school year I work with them that milk is the most nutritious natural subat Burger King Inc. stance on the face of the earth. The proteins, fats and Tell us about yourself, sugars are all beneficial to good health. The proteins the farm you live and/or Angela Kroska, 19 repair and build muscle tissue, the fats are an energy work on, and your future giving portion and the sugar is also an energy giving Dairy Star Sponsor: plans. I am a 19-year-old colportion, but is less sweet than cane sugar and is more AMPI lege student. I love music, Paynesville Division easily digested by the body, therefore being better for and that is the degree I am you. All these things are good things that, hopefully, www.ampi.com pursuing. I play trumpet and will make students want to drink more milk. piano, and I sing. I live and What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing work on the Kroska family the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would farm. I have seven brothers you address the public when they ask about these and one sister. My brother, topics? The milk prices. The farmers are paid very Jay, will soon be taking over little and the big corporations taking the milk are makthe farm. We milk Holstein cows. There are about 30-35 of ing money. This is no longer a farming world of small them, and they all seem to have their own personalities. I farms sprinkled throughout the state; this is the kind of feed the cows and the calves, bed down the stalls and help world that the little farmers are now being pushed out my brother milk cows when he needs me to. We milk with of, and the family-friendly work environment is diminpipeline; Jay is setting up to install a parlor soon. ishing. There is no longer any use for the smaller farmer In the future, I want to graduate from college with a because the big-time farmer is making more money and bachelor’s degree in music education, and I want to get my can buy things to improve the quality of his milk while master’s degree at one of the finest music schools in the the small farm owners are struggling to make necessary nation. I would like to live in California someday. I want to improvements. raise a family, travel the world and live on a hobby farm. I would tell the public about the small-time farmer, None of these dreams would be possible without the love because I am one. I would attempt to tug at the heart and support of my family. They are my core and my every- strings of the people without gaining pity for myself. I thing. would call attention to what is really going on, on and Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us off the farm. The final product is not just something how you would promote that product to that audience. I that comes naturally, it is something that requires many choose milk, and I would present it to a fourth grade class- hours of hard work.

Benton County

Big Stone County Parents: Mark and Amy Blackwelder Town: Chokio What is your current status? I am currently finishing my senior year at ChokioAlberta High School. I work part time at the Country Corner Café in Graceville and on my farm.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I live on a 300-cow dairy farm. We grow corn, soybeans and wheat on 1,750 Katelyn acres. I have an older brother, Blackwelder, 18 Brett, and a younger brother, Dairy Star Sponsor: Kent. In high school, I participated in 4-H, volleyball, Mel-Grove Enterprises softball and was the football Melrose, MN manager and homecoming 320-256-7198 queen. I am also in band, speech, Business Professionals of America, knowledge bowl, and am an honor student. I am responsible for feeding and caring for calves, taking care of my show animals, helping with DHIA testing, vaccinating cattle and picking rock. I will be attending the University of Minnesota-Morris this fall to major in communications. I hope to have a career in planning and promotion, ideally in the agriculture industry.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. When talking with teenagers and adults, I would promote milk. Milk provides the body with essential nutrients.

There are studies that show that people who eat a diet with a high amount of dairy burn more fat and lose weight faster than those with a low dairy diet with the same amount of calories. Pour yourself a tall glass of nutritious, delicious milk to complement any meal, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, supper or a snack.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics?

Dairy farmers are committed to producing a quality and wholesome product for the consumers. There are animal activist groups that want the public to believe that farmers mistreat their animals. An animal’s productivity and health is important to farmers, and they provide excellent care to animals so they remain healthy and safe.

If the public asked me about these topics, I would tell them the truth. I would tell them that farmers use the best practices on their farms and that they truly care about the well being of their animals. The animal activist groups only want the public to see or hear the negative in order to promote their agendas. They alter what is shown in the media to make animal care practices look inhumane. The public needs to be aware of what the animal activist groups are doing and that the majority of the money that they may be donating to these groups is not going toward the care of animals.

Brown County

Parents: Tom and Mary Portner Town: Sleepy Eye What is your current status? I am a senior at St. Mary’s High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I live on a dairy farm northwest of Sleepy Eye. We milk 265 Brown Swiss cows twice a day, and they are housed in bedded-pack barns. We also have an ag- Boston Portner, 18 gressive heifer raising proDairy Star Sponsor: gram. I will be leaving the River Region Co-op farm in the fall to attend of Sleepy Eye University of WisconsinSleepy Eye, MN Superior to major in art 507-794-3001 therapy.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. My favorite promotions are classroom visits because I love how the kids get so excited about learning new things. With that said, I would promote the importance of drinking milk to elementary kids, discussing Brown County continued on next page

Dairy Star • Saturday, May 14, 2011 • Page 3

Brown County continued

Brown County continued

Carver County continued

the important health values and of course the great new flavors using posters and personal stories to allow the kids to relate to my message.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? The rising expense of commodities needed to bring consumers our wholesome and pure product is a concern on the farm. Off the farm, consumers being misinformed by groups such as PETA and HSUS. I would explain to consumers that the rising prices in the store do not mean farmers are making more money. I would explain the rising cost of feed – particularly corn – and the rise in fuel prices – fuel that runs the tractors and the big trucks that haul our milk – are hurting the dairy industry, and that the prices have risen both in the stores and on the farms.

I would address consumers on these issues by explaining how farmers take excellent care of their animals and by answering any questions they have about certain farming practices.

Parents: Mike and Judy Sellner Town: Sleepy Eye What is your current status? I am a freshman at Minnesota State University-Mankato majoring in public relations.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I live on a 400-acre dairy farm south of Sleepy Eye where my family and I milk about 100 Holstein cows. On the farm, my daily chores include feeding calves and heifers. I also help my dad milk cows on the weekends.

My activities include 4-H, in- Kelsey Sellner, 19 Dairy Star Sponsor: tramural softball and showing Miller Sellner of dairy cows. When I’m not busy Sleepy Eye & with school work, my hobbies include playing softball, runBingham Lake ning, four-wheeling, watching Sleepy Eye, MN movies and spending time with 507-794-2131 family and friends. My future plans are to graduate from Minnesota State University with a degree in mass communications.

I hope to get a job working as a public relations specialist, possibly in the dairy industry.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. The dairy product I would choose is milk, and my audience would be teenage girls. I feel I would be best at promoting this product to them because, being a teenager myself, I can relate to them. I know, if given a choice, lots of girls my age would choose pop or juice to drink and completely lose out on all the benefits milk has to offer, including nine essential nutrients. Calcium is one of the essential minerals important in building strong bones, especially for women who may be prone to osteoporosis. To communicate milk’s value, I’d strive to speak to them about the importance of their health and that the choices they make now may affect them later in life. I would make known to women that milk is readily available in convenient bottles, and that there are no excuses for not drinking it. Whether it be fat free, reduced fat, chocolate or strawberry milk, the wide selection and availability of milk makes it easy to transport and drink on the go after a workout or during class.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I feel the biggest concern facing the dairy industry on the farm is the volatility of the milk price paid to the producers. Farmers work hard from sunrise to sundown to produce a wholesome and nutritious product with, at times, very little profit.

I feel the biggest concern facing the dairy industry off the farm is the idea that many consumers are so far removed from the actuality of where their dairy products originate. Many individuals have no idea of the diligence and care farmers practice in getting dairy products from farm to the refrigerator.

To address the public on the volatile milk price, I would explain that the farmer receives only a small percentage of the price consumers pay in the store. While opinions may vary on the best way to fix the issue, farmers need support in order to obtain the power to efficiently communicate with our government’s policy makers. I feel that educating consumers of the pricing issue is the first step in receiving their support.

Currently, Midwest Dairy Association’s People Behind the Product promotion is doing a great job of putting a face behind the product and showing consumers specifically who we are and what we do. This allows consumers to gain trust and confidence in the dairy industry. As a dairy princess, I am taking part in this sequence by educating the public through classroom visits, demonstrations and farm tours.

Cities campus. I have not decided on a major, but know I plan to minor in Spanish. After that, I am leaving my options open.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. Product: cheese. Audience: third and fourth graders.

String cheese is the key. Kids love to have fun with their food, and I cannot think of a dairy product that is more entertaining than string cheese. It tastes great, parents love it, and kids like to eat it. I would start by showing them how the milk gets from the cow to them, how it is made into cheese, and then hand out string cheese for a snack.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I think some of the biggest concerns our industry faces are the rapid decline in dairy farms and the high costs of operation. In the past few years corn and fuel have reached record high prices while land and milk have reached record lows. This makes operating a dairy farm challenging. Not impossible, but extremely difficult.

When asked about the decline in farms, I attempt to address the positives of the farms that are still in operation. Minnesota farmers work hard to keep their animals healthy, care for the land, and to get wholesome products to consumers in cost effective ways. As far as questions about the economy’s affects on the industry, I would have to point out that dairy farmers are not the only people struggling in today’s economy. Just like many Americans, dairy farmers are doing the best they can with what they have, and are doing excellent work.

Parents: John and Patty Rosenhammer Town: Sleepy Eye What is your current status? I am a freshman at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities majoring in animal science-dairy production.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. In college I am active in the Gopher Dairy Club and Collegiate Agri-Women Laura Club, as well as Lambda Delta Phi Sorority. At home, Rosenhammer, 19 my two most influential orDairy Star Sponsor: ganizations included 4-H Midwest Livestock and FFA, where I was acSystems tive holding many positions Pine Island, MN and participating in activities 507-356-8349 and continue to devote my AMPI time. I have been involved New Ulm Division in both 4-H and FFA dairy www.ampi.com cattle judging, have been a national finalist for my FFA dairy entrepreneurship proficiency, participated in dairy knowledge bowl, and enjoy being a county dairy princess. My favorite place in the world is Roseview Dairy, where 160 Holsteins and my family greet me each time I return home from school.

Along with milking cows, we manage 500 acres of corn, soybeans and alfalfa. We milk in a double-12 parallel parlor installed in 2009 and house all cattle in sand- or strawbedded freestalls. Throughout my college career, I intend to engage in as many networking and agricultural learning opportunities as I can, such as Ag Awareness Day and agri-women conferences. Upon earning my degree in dairy production in the spring of 2014, I plan to join the family partnership, incorporating new ideas to increase efficiency and genetically improve all aspects of our herd, thus fulfilling my passion as a full-time dairy farmer.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would choose to promote chocolate milk to athletes. I would say, “After a workout your muscles are tired and your body needs to replenish its fluids. A serving of low-fat chocolate milk rebuilds your strength with protein and calcium to keep your bones strong and healthy.”

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics?

The three biggest concerns are organic versus non-organic, the public’s perception of the treatment of our animals and milk prices.

Milk is milk. All milk undergoes numerous tests to ensure its safety for consumption. The differences between organic and non-organic exist in the methods by which they were produced, not in their safety or content. All farmers treat their animals with care. A cow that is mistreated cannot produce; thus farmers know the importance of caring for their animals. Animals on farms are housed in comfortable barns, with feed and water available, as well as adequate space to roam. Farmers are the hardest working individuals I know. They work 24 hours a day, seven days a week milking cows, treating illnesses, making decisions, keeping records, planting, harvesting, fixing equipment and so much more. The growing population, economic inflation and decreasing available land forces farmers to operate as efficiently as possible, yet unpredictable funds often limit their innovative expansions.

Carver County

Parents: Rick Haler, Connie Helget Town: Norwood What is your current status? I am currently a senior at Waconia High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/ or work on, and your future plans. I have lived on a dairy farm since I was 2.

Currently, we are milking about 80 cows. My favorite part of the dairy industry has been showing cattle for both 4-H and FFA, which I have done for a total of 10 years. When I am not working on my family farm, I enjoy performing in Show Choir, playing rugby, and volunteering. This fall I plan to attend the University of Minnesota-Twin

Chaneen Haler, 18 Dairy Star Sponsor: Hastings Co-op Creamery Hastings, MN 651-437-9414 Rick Haler ABS Global Norwood, MN 952-466-2054

Parents: Robert and Cheryl Rademacher Town: Cologne What is your current status? I am currently a freshman at Minnesota State University-Mankato and am majoring in psychology.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. We milk about 100 cows. We currently have 30 to 40 calves and around Jackie 30 heifers. Our farm is a Rademacher, 19 three generational farm; Dairy Star Sponsor: my great-grandpa, Joe Rademacher, first obtained Prairie Farm Supply Belle Plaine, MN the land and then passed 952-873-4234 it down to my grandpa, Gilbert. My grandpa then passed it down to my father who currently is working the land with my older brother.

My future plans include finishing college with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and obtaining a job, maybe in a school or as a mental therapist.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. If I had to promote a dairy product to a specific audience, I would choose cheese sticks. My campaign would be geared towards mothers with kids in elementary school. My claims behind the commercial would be that cheese sticks are a delicious and nutritious dessert choice for children. They are getting one of the ‘3-Every-Day of Dairy,’ along with the enjoyment of a dessert that is fun to eat.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? The feed prices are becoming a problem as farmers aren’t getting paid enough money for their milk to cover the costs of $7-bushel corn, not to mention the rising prices of gas. Right now farmers are forced to pay $4 a gallon for diesel fuel. All of this just doesn’t add up when they are getting paid $16 to $18 per hundred weight of milk.

To address the public, I would merely explain like I did above. The rising prices make it hard for dairy farmers to stay ahead. I would also include that all of the unrest in the economy adds a lot of stress to the individual budget of each and every dairy farmer, not just a few. It is something that affects us all.

Carver County continued on next page

Page 4 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 14, 2011

Carver County continued

Carver County continued

Parents: Stephen and Kim Wetzel Town: Chaska What is your current status? I am currently a freshman at North Dakota State University. I am studying animal science along with pre-vet. I work on my family farm where we grow cash crops. I am also a hired hand on my neighbor’s dairy farm and I have been there for two years.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or Becky Wetzel, 19 Dairy Star Sponsor: work on, and your future Tellers Dairy Farm plans. I am a person who has loved animals all her Chaska, MN life. I love the outdoors, going horseback riding, dirt biking, four-wheeling, fishing and hanging out with friends. I also enjoy working on the farm at home and my neighbor’s farm. My family grows cash crops. We grow corn, soybeans, wheat, and grass alfalfa hay mix. At home I help by driving tractors and working in the fields. I also help fix equipment when machinery breaks down. I stack hay in the hay barn and help with harvest in the fall. On my neighbor’s dairy farm I am a hired hand. We milk 50 head, and raise heifers. I milk, feed, bed down, and do anything else that needs to be taken care of. I plan on going to veterinary school for large animal medicine after finishing my undergraduate schooling.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would promote milk to elementary school children. I would make sure to tell them about all the nutrients that are in milk that will help make them big and strong as they get older. I would make sure to tell the children how dairy products such as milk help make a balanced diet for all ages but especially for growing children because calcium which is a main nutrient in milk will help them be healthy and in good health. I would also tell the children that milk comes in different flavors like chocolate and strawberry which are just as good for you as regular white milk. Making sure that dairy is a part of their diet every day will help the children remain healthy throughout their lives.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I feel that the biggest concern the dairy industry faces is the negative views toward the industry about some of the practices that are carried out. People who are outside of the industry may not know the full reason or the benefits that go along with some of the methods that are continued.

I would tell the public the truth and reasons why the methods are carried out. I would explain what goes on in the industry so the public has an understanding and knowledge of the practices that are carried out.

these topics? I feel the biggest concerns are the milk prices and the cost of land. At this point, everyone is trying to save as much money as they can.

In order for a farmer to expand or a new farmer to start their business, the price of land needs to come down. Also, in order for farmers to make a profit, milk prices need to stay at a consistent level.

Parents: Ron and JoAnn Wickenhauser Town: Cologne What is your current status? Currently, I am going to Ridgewater College in Hutchinson for my generals.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. My family farm consists of about 130 head of Holsteins, and we are currently milkChelsea ing around 50. We are the Wickenhauser, 19 second generation on this Dairy Star Sponsor: family farm. In the future Waconia Veterinarian I plan to either go into ag Clinic business or nursing.

Waconia, MN Choose a dairy prod952-442-2119 uct and an audience, and www.waconiavet.com tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I pick milk and an audience of children. I would promote milk by saying how yummy it is and by telling children milk is good for them, too. Milk has many good nutrients in it such as calcium and vitamin D to help produce strong bones.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about

Chisago County Parents: Ann and Dale Sandberg Town: Taylors Falls What is your current status? I am currently a sophomore at UW-River Falls majoring in dairy science-managment.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I live on a 100-head Holstein dairy. The farm is a partnership between my dad and two uncles. In the fuJennifer ture I would like work for an A.I. company and eventually Sandberg, 20 come back and help manage Dairy Star Sponsor: my family farm.

Federated Co-ops Choose a dairy product Osceola, WI and an audience, and tell 800-294-7661 us how you would promote 715-294-2789 that product to that audience. My favorite dairy product by far is cheese. I think the best way to promote cheese is by simply stating the facts about it. It is a wholesome nutrient-rich dairy product that has large amounts of calcium and phosphorus. Like many other dairy products, it is dollar for dollar on what you are getting when you purchase cheese. Not to mention the many flavors and great taste of it.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I think one of the biggest issues facing the dairy industry today is the image and education the consumers are getting about dairy farms and products. If the consumers receive a positive image about dairy farmers and the industry, they will be more willing to purchase dairy products. Educating the public on how important animals are to us, as well as how well cared for they are, is just as important as educating them on the nutritional values of the products.

Parents: Ann and Dale Sandberg Town: Taylors Falls What is your current status? I just completed my senior year at Chisago Lakes High School. I work at many jobs including nanny work, mowing lawns and working around the farm.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I live on a 100-head Holstein dairy farm. I am Teresa planning on attending either the University of WisconsinSandberg, 18 River Falls or South Dakota Dairy Star Sponsor: State University next year, Federated Co-ops majoring in dairy science.

Osceola, WI Choose a dairy product 800-294-7661 and an audience, and tell 715-294-2789 us how you would promote that product to that audience. The product I choose is yogurt. I believe a very important group of consumers to educate is children. Yogurt is so great for kids because they can choose from so many different flavors and still get the benefits of a wholesome nutritious product.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I believe off the farm consumer image is a huge issue. We have to show the consumer we are producing a good, wholesome product, which is also very healthy and nutritious.

I would start by showing and telling the public how much pride dairy farmers have in making a product that is healthy and nutritious. Farmers are dedicated to their cows and work all year long to ensure the consumers are provided with the best products possible.

Cottonwood County Parents: Dean and Elizabeth Johnson Town: Heron Lake What is your current status? I am a junior at South Dakota State University in Brookings, S.D., double majoring in dairy production and agriculture education.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. My family and I own and operate an 80-cow dairy and farm 320 acres of land. On the farm my main responsibilities include milking, caring for calves, and April Johnson, 21 Dairy Star Sponsor: keeping dairy records. Off the Blue Hilltop, Inc. farm I have been involved with Lake Wilson, MN 4-H, FFA, band, choir, Little International, and the SDSU Dairy 507-879-3593 Club. Upon completing college, 800-821-7092 I would like to work within the dairy industry or work as a high school agriculture education instructor.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. Milk is the product I would choose to promote to elementary students because milk is a nutrient-dense product providing nine essential nutrients. Additionally, milk is a very versatile product that can be consumed at any time of day and with any meal. Since the school environment is an ideal setting for teaching healthy eating behaviors, I feel promoting dairy products in the classroom is important.

Furthermore, it is vital to teach students the importance of consuming dairy products to encourage them to develop health eating habits when they are young so they remain lifelong consumers of dairy products such as milk. To promote milk to elementary students, I would visit their classrooms and describe how dairy farmers like my family work hard to take great care of our cows so they produce high quality dairy products. Then I would explain how milk is important in their diets and how it can help them to build strong bones and teeth.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? With fewer and fewer people directly involved with agriculture and food production, I feel the biggest concern is the lack of knowledge about farming practices. People are concerned about how their food is produced, and they want to be able to put a face to the product. Consumers want to make sure dairy products are safe and are coming from healthy and well cared for cows. Also, consumers want to make sure the products they are buying have been produced using environmentally friendly practices.

I would share with consumers that we as dairy farmers are committed to providing them with safe, high quality dairy products while being responsible caretakers of the land. Also, I would explain what my family and other dairy farmers do to provide our cows with top-notch care. Finally, I would encourage consumers to learn more about dairy farming by visiting a dairy farm or by visiting Web sites such as Midwestdairy.com or dairyfarmingtoday.org.

Parents: Dean and Elizabeth Johnson Town: Heron Lake What is your current status? I am a freshman at South Dakota State University majoring in ag communications and English education.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I live and work on an 80-cow dairy operation near Heron Lake, Minn. Growing up on a dairy farm has encouraged me to pursue a career in Chelsey the dairy industry. I have a Johnson, 19 passion for dairy and writing; Dairy Star Sponsor: therefore, I am majoring in ag communications in hopes of Blue Hilltop, Inc. pursuing a dairy communicaLake Wilson, MN tions related career. I am also 507-879-3593 majoring in English education 800-821-7092 to further my communication skills and to open the option of a career in teaching someday.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would like to promote chocolate and other flavored milks.

The audience I would target would be high school and college athletes. Today, many beverages are available to quench thirst after athletic activity; however, few of these beverages truly replenish and refuel the body with nutrients. I would promote this beverage by explaining that flavored milks have the same nutritional benefits as non-flavored milk – it just offers great taste options. I also think it would be beneficial to talk to

Cottonwood County continued on next page

Cottonwood County continued school officials or student council groups to encourage them to take action with making milk available at sporting events and after practices. This could be made possible through milk vending machines and offering flavored milk at concession stands.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? Off the farm, today’s society is in a food movement that has resulted in consumers’ demand to know where their food comes from and how it was produced. Many consumers want food that is nutritious, natural, produced sustainably, and from humanely treated animals. Society today is becoming farther and farther removed from agriculture, so fewer consumers completely understand management practices that are used on today’s dairy farms. Therefore, many consumers are vulnerable to being misled about dairy farming’s image.

On the farm, the dairy industry is continuing to adjust to a changing landscape of farms in Minnesota. As technology continues to develop and prices continue to fluctuate, many dairies are faced with tough decisions regarding expansion, remodeling, or leaving the industry.

Consumers are willing to hear dairy’s story as long as we are willing to share it. As a dairy princess, I already share the messages that reassure consumers that dairy products are in fact produced using sustainable agriculture and dairy farmers take excellent care of their cows. I will continue to assure consumers that all dairy products are natural and nutritious regardless of farm size and varying management practices.

Dairy farmers are some of the most dedicated workers in our state. So regardless of the challenges dairies are faced with, dairy products will continue to be produced in the best way possible for consumers. I would remind the public that each dairy farm is different and uses the management practices best for their farm. Whether a farm chooses to expand, remodel or continue to operate as they are, the product they produce is the same wholesome and nutritious product. With continued support of consumers the dairy industry will continue to thrive in our state.

Parents: Gary and Linda Remmers Town: Heron Lake What is your current status? I attend Minnesota West Community and Technical College where I am majoring in accounting and will graduate with an associate’s degree. I have been employed at The Shady Drive Inn in Storden, Minn., for four years as a waitress and cook.

During the summer I also Emily Remmers, 20 babysit and work at the loDairy Star Sponsor: cal gun club.

Blue Hilltop, Inc. Tell us about yourself, Lake Wilson, MN the farm you live and/or 507-879-3593 work on, and your future 800-821-7092 plans. I love living on our farm. I have a horse that I like to ride as much as I can. Our farm consists of 25 cows, heifers, our dog, cats and my horse. My grandparents help with the milking and farming. My future plans are to get my bachelor’s degree in accounting and live on a farm of my own with all sorts of animals.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would like to talk to first graders during classroom visits about drinking milk every day. The first question I would ask is if the students had milk on their cereal for breakfast. Most of the time, they would all say, “Yes.” Then I would ask them what other times they drink milk. Their answers would usually be at milk break, lunch and at supper. I would tell them that is great and they are on a good start to growing strong bones and teeth, and some day they will be as big and strong as their parents, older siblings, cousins and even their favorite sports player. Also, I would ask what flavor is their favorite because no matter what flavor it is, they still get all the essential nutrients they need.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? Milk prices are a problem on and off the farm.

The price of milk changes as much as the price of gas.

People get upset about paying too much for gas and milk while the farmers say the prices are not good for milk. Farmers have to find alternatives to make up for the money they are not getting for milk. But the biggest thing to remember is that the cows produce a very wholesome and nutritious product that everyone needs to stay healthy.

Dakota County Parents: Pat and Darlene Donnelly Town: Farmington What is your current status? I will graduate from Farmington High School this spring. I also work part time at a local hardware store.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I live with my parents on a dairy farm in Farmington. I have four brothers who all help Beth Donnelly, 18 Dairy Star Sponsor: in some ways with the Ross Equipment farm. In the fall I will be Lonsdale, MN attending the University of 507-744-2525 Minnesota-Twin Cities to major in accounting and finance.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would promote milk. It has so many health benefits, providing people with vitamins and nutrients. I would stress the importance of drinking milk and the positive longterm affects it will have on a person, such as building strong bones.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I think the biggest concern consumers have with dairy products is safety. They are concerned about things that may not be organic.

I would explain to them the rigorous process and continued testing farms and the milk they produce go through. I would also help them see and understand the pros and cons of organic products.

Parents: Roger and Julie Janak Town: Northfield What is your current status? I am attending the University of Minnesota as a freshman majoring in animal science, with a pre-veterinary emphasis.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I live with my parents and two younger siblings on a small hobby farm in Northfield. I attend the University of Minnesota, where I am Jennifer Janak, 19 Dairy Star Sponsor: involved with the Gopher Udder Tech Dairy Club and am a member Lakeville, MN of the Beta of Clovia Sorority. Outside of school, I fill 888-438-8683 my time participating in the 952-461-2890 county and state 4-H programs. Since seventh grade, I have been working at Mohn Dairy Farm in Lakeville where I milk 50 head of cattle and do the calf chores, along with multiple miscellaneous tasks around the farm. In the future, I plan to finish school and become a large animal veterinarian. From there, I will work with several local farms to ensure that the animals are healthy and able to create wholesome products for consumers.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. Milk is a healthy, wholesome product that should be consumed daily by everyone, especially children. The adolescent years are the most important for bone development and growth, and milk is a great way to assist with that because it contains vitamins and nutrients, including calcium, that help build strong bones. Children look up to adults as role models and admire their actions, right down to what they consume. The best way to promote milk to the younger generation is to consume it ourselves and show how it is a healthy product that positively impacts our lives and also tastes great.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? The dairy industry is constantly facing challenges on and off the farm. With the economy today, the cost to run and operate a farm is continuing to rise, making it difficult for small farms to compete with the larger, more industrial-based farms that have the technology and numbers to produce milk at a reasonable price. Another key issue is the welfare of the cows on the farms. There are several organizations around the nation that focus their efforts on showing the public how dairy cows are being mistreated and abused.

Dairy Star • Saturday, May 14, 2011 • Page 5

Dakota County continued It is very important to realize that these groups spend their time finding the worst of the worst.

I would address the public about these topics by informing them that the life of a dairy farmer is difficult and time consuming. They spend their time, day in and day out, caring for the cows that sustain their lives. Dedication and hard work 365 days a year, no matter what the weather conditions may be, are ways that our dairy farmers ensure they are producing a nutritious, wholesome products for consumers.

Parents: William and Juanita Sorg Town: Hastings What is your current status? I am a senior at Hastings High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am active in 4-H, FFA, the swim team, alpine ski team, National Honors Society and Spanish honors society. I live on a 200-cow dairy and crop farm with Janna Sorg, 17 my family. In the future I Dairy Star Sponsor: plan to attend the Univer- Werner Implement sity of Minnesota-Twin CitVermillion, MN ies to study pre-veterinary 800-770-4634 and animal science.

651-437-4435 Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I choose milk to promote to teenagers. I would tell them it’s the wise, healthy choice for a strong body. It has protein and calcium to help build strong bones and muscles.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? The biggest challenge on the farm is to produce a quality product in an efficient manner to guarantee an abundant supply of quality dairy products for consumers and still leave a little profit for the farmer so they can continue to be in business. Off the farm, the biggest challenges the industry faces are the promotion of our industry and countering the negative views on our industry.

With a farming background, I think I am well prepared to tell the story of how farming works and to promote the dairy industry in a positive way.

Dodge County Parents: Paul and Ruth Daley Town: Byron What is your current status? I am a senior in high school.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am a senior at Byron High School and will be attending the University of Minnesota next year. I am a very active member of the student council and various Alyssa Daley, 18 other school and community Dairy Star Sponsor: organizations. I also have a Pro Feeds part-time job at Panera Bread in Rochester. My dad and his Kasson, MN three brothers run a 900-cow Pine Island, MN milking operation and raise Plainview, MN all replacement heifers. We 800-356-8313 own about 1,200 acres of land on which corn and alfalfa are grown to feed all our livestock. I help on the farm by stacking hay bales, driving tractor, feeding calves and covering the silage piles with plastic and tires.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience.

The dairy product I would choose to promote would be ice cream, which happens to be my favorite. I would promote this to kids and the younger generation because they are the future of the dairy industry. They are future consumers as well as employees. It is our job to prepare the younger generation to be ready for the working world. We can do our part by positively promoting the dairy industry and getting them excited about what it has to offer.

Dodge County continued on next page

Page 6 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 14, 2011

Dodge County continued

Douglas County continued

Douglas County continued

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I believe the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry begin with the public’s perception. In most cases, I think the general public is undereducated about several components of the dairy industry. I think the perception of animal rights and the increasing use of technology to be able to produce a large amount of quality dairy products that will satisfy the average American consumer are the biggest concerns currently facing the dairy industry. I also think there is a general concern about whether or not the younger generation will have the ability or the interest to become involved in the dairy industry.

When addressing the public, we have to stay positive about the dairy industry and do our best to promote it. Personally, I will use facts and personal, first-hand experience to express my passion for the dairy industry.

been showing at local, county and state levels with my Limousin and Jersey cattle throughout the years. I have worked at Little Brook Dairy for four years and at the NDSU Dairy Barn since I have started college. With my veterinary technician degree and a double minor, I hope one day to work with Select Sires and start my own farm.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. With obesity awareness becoming more publicized, I believe that not only do we need to educate children, but we need to educate adults, also. As a dairy princess, my goal is to educate the public about dairy farms and the healthy products which they produce. Milk is full of very important nutrients needed by the body daily. To help promote milk, I would visit schools and give a presentation to the different age groups about how important milk products are for them. I would also explain the food pyramid and show them how easy it is to get their recommended servings every day.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I believe that the biggest concern facing the dairy industry is people think the antibiotics which farmers treat a sick cow with get into their milk and the consumers drink it. Dairy farmers are committed to providing high quality milk.

Cows get sick just like humans, and they need antibiotics.

As a consumer, you should never worry about the antibiotics in milk because milk goes through strict testing at the farm and at the processing plant. If any milk tests positive for antibiotics, the milk is disposed of immediately, so it will never reach any consumers.

protecting natural resources. I would also inform them that with recent research dairy farmers are working on ways to reduce their greenhouse gas emission, which is only at about two percent. I would like to make it clear to the public that dairy farmers live and work on the land. They know the importance of protecting all aspects of the environment. After hearing my side, I would like to hear the public’s response and clarify any questions they may have regarding other ways we protect the environment.

Parents: Lisa and Mike Sullivan Town: Kasson What is your current status? I am currently a senior at Kasson-Mantorville High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. The lifestyle of living on a dairy farm has made me the person I am today. It has nurtured discipline which Siobhan enables me to identify tasks, Sullivan, 18 maintain focus and complete Dairy Star Sponsor: goals. These lessons have Dodge Vet Clinic helped me with my figure skating, F.F.A. and showing Dodge Center, MN my cattle at local and state 507-374-2125 fairs. I plan to become a reg- Carriage House Animal istered nurse practicing in a Hospital hospital on a medical surgery Kasson, MN floor. After gaining experi507-634-6781 ence, I intend to pursue the training and education to become a nurse anesthetist.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience.

The product I would like to promote in the dairy industry would be milk. Milk is my favorite dairy product. It tastes great; it is heathy, and there is a variety of different flavors and types. The best way I would be able to promote milk would be talking to people and going to public events and into schools. I would tell my audience how the farmers take pride in making the milk, how the milk goes though a pasteurization process, and the health benefits of drinking milk.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? The biggest concerns I have on and off the dairy farm is how some people think we treat our cattle poorly. In order to be a successful dairy farmer and stay in business, dairy farmers must treat their cattle with love, pride and respect. Every dairy farmer loves doing what they do and takes great pride in their work. I want the public to understand the pride every dairy farmer has for the cattle and how proud they are to be dairy farmers.

Douglas County Parents: Jim and Julie Bosek Town: Garfield What is your current status? I am a freshman at North Dakota State University, majoring in veterinarian technician and double minoring in animal science and large animal reproduction. I am employed at Little Brook Dairy and the NDSU Dairy Barn.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/ or work on, and your future plans. I live on a 225 Crystal Bosek, 19 Dairy Star Sponsor: acre farm south of Brandon, Little Brook Dairy Minn., with my parents and four siblings. In college I am & Fernholz Farms involved in the Saddle and Kensington, MN Sirloin Club and the Bison Dairy Club. I have been involved in 4-H for 13 years and I am very active in both my club and the county level. I raise Limousin beef; also I am very active in the Limousin Junior Association. I have

Parents: Robert and Roxanne Massmann Town: Osakis What is your current status? I am currently a sophomore at the University of Minnesota-Morris (UMM).

I am double majoring in elementary education with a pre-primary emphasis and psychology. I worked as an elementary tutor at Morris Elementary School in an after school program called TREC/ Zone.

Tell us about yourself, Samantha the farm you live and/or work on, and your future Massmann, 19 plans. My family has owned Dairy Star Sponsor: and operated a dairy farm near Osakis Creamery Osakis for over 60 years. We Association currently milk about 58 HolOsakis, MN steins. We also raise our own 320-859-2146 replacement heifers and feeder steers and grow an assortment of crops. My favorite part of living on a family farm is working alongside my parents, brothers, sister, uncle, and grandparents throughout the year. In the future, I will continue to share my passion for the dairy industry with everyone I meet by telling them about my experiences about growing up on a dairy farm. I plan on maintaining my involvement in the community and on our family farm. I hope to one day live on a family dairy farm.

At UMM, I am a secretary/treasurer for Education Minnesota Student Program (EMSP), a chapter core member of Students Today Leaders Forever (STLF), and am a part of the Big Friend Little Friend program. Through these programs, I have become very involved in the community and developed leadership skills that are beneficial to becoming a role model and a representative of the dairy industry.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience.

I would promote milk to elementary students because milk is an essential part of their diet, and it is important to instill the nutritional value in elementary students early. I would promote milk by informing the students about the milk production process – how milk gets from the cow to the kitchen table. I feel this is beneficial for all students to know, especially about how milk is a safe and healthy product to consume. I would also offer the students a hands-on opportunity to make other foods using milk as one of the key ingredients.

The last step would involve sharing personal stories about milk and talking about others who could serve as role models for the students.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? With the current push for people to be ‘environmentally friendly,’ I think the main concerns facing the dairy industry are related to the environment and sustainability of resources. By being at UMM where sustainability is a big focus, I have seen the concern that people have for the environment and taking the necessary steps to do their part. On the farm the concern is keeping up with the technological advances that are aimed at conserving natural resources and protecting the environment even more than they do already.

When addressing the public, I would talk with them about the steps that dairy farmers take to ensure that they are

Faribault County

Parents: Mark and Vickie Sohn Town: Blue Earth What is your current status? I am finishing high school and working at a nursing home as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. Our farm is family owned and operated. My dad and his two brothers operate the farm while my Corin Sohn, 17 cousin and I step in anytime Dairy Star Sponsor: help is needed. Our farm Wingert Sales milks about 100 cows twice a day. Along with the cattle, & Service we also have acreage. I am Plainview, MN one in a family of six: my 507-534-4386 parents, me, my sister, Amy (15), my sister, Rachel (5), and my brother, Dane (3), as well as three puppies. After high school, I will be attending Presentation College in Fairmont, Minn., for the radiology tech program.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would choose milk and the audience of young children. I would stress the importance of milk and how it helps them grow big and strong.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? The biggest concern is the increasingly disappearing numbers of dairy farms in southern Minnesota. It will cause more stress on the small farmers as bigger corporations come in and try to buy out the smaller dairy farms.

I would inform them to the best of my knowledge and keep it real and not try to make things sound worse or better than they are. If I don’t know the answer to one of their questions, I would direct them to my dad or someone with more knowledge on the particular subject.

Fillmore County

Parents: Jeff and Carolyn Freese Town: Lanesboro What is your current status? I will be graduating from Lanesboro High School on June 5 and plan to attend University of WisconsinRichland in the fall.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. My family and I live on a 60-cow dairy farm outside of Whalan, Minn., near Sarah Louise Lanesboro. We also raise many other animals, which we Freese, 18 bring to area festivities in the Dairy Star Sponsor: form of a petting zoo. I someAMPI times milk the night shifts or Rochester Division feed the calves. I am undecidwww.ampi.com ed on what I want to pursue in college.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would like to promote the importance of drinking and eating all dairy products to younger people. This is because they need their three servings of dairy every day to stay healthy. Dairy products prevent many health problems for the future as well.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? There is a concern that dairy farming is a bad thing and that farmers abuse their animals.

Fillmore County continued on next page

Dairy Star • Saturday, May 14, 2011 • Page 7

Fillmore County continued I have kept a close eye on some of the articles and videos that are out for the public to watch about these accusations.

The majority of dairy farmers treat their animals very well because they need the cows to milk in order to get paid. On my family’s dairy, we have rubber mattresses, and we bed the cows with shavings every day so they are comfortable. This is an important for people to realize so they do no make false accusations against the dairy industry.

Parents: Jonathan and Lori Peterson Town: Peterson What is your current status? I attend Rochester Community and Technical College for general education classes and work part time as a nursing assistant at Good Shepherd Lutheran Home.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I have spent a lot of my time being involved in 4-H for the last six Kaitlyn years and FFA for the past four Peterson, 17 years. Our family owns and operates a large organic farm beDairy Star Sponsor: tween Rushford and Peterson. Hammell Equipment My parents have had the farm Chatfield, MN for 24 years and have been certi507-867-4910 fied organic for 11 years. In the Rushford, MN fall, I plan to transfer to Min507-864-2845 nesota State College-Southeast Eitzen, MN Technical in Winona to major in 507-495-3326 practical nursing but will still be Harmony, MN very involved with the farm.

507-886-2255 Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. If I were to promote a dairy product to a group of elementary school students, I would choose milk because it’s in cake, chocolate, cookies, ice cream, meatloaf, pancakes and many more foods. It’s the primary ingredient in a lot of different foods that kids enjoy the most.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? One concern people have off the farm is the safety of dairy products, and one concern on the farm is the way producers treat the animals and the environment.

When I address the public about these two topics, I tell them that the products are 100 percent safe because milk never touches human hands and the machines it goes through have to be cleaned thoroughly after every time they’re used. If there is any product found to have any type of bacteria in it, it’s tossed out to keep consumers safe and healthy. When the public is concerned about the way producers treat their animals and the environment, I assure them both are in our best interest because the cows make our career, and we don’t get milk checks for milk that has any bacteria in it. So to make sure our milk is healthy, we first take care of our environment. If we don’t have well-managed land and water, we don’t have healthy cows, which don’t produce healthy milk. So if you’re drinking a tall glass of milk right now, it is healthy, which means the cows that it came from were treated with respect and the environment was not harmed.

Parents: Bryan and Dawn Vrieze of Racine, Minn.

Town: I live in Spring Valley.

What is your current status? I graduated from Rochester Community and Technical College with a veterinary technician degree and am currently working at Mayo Clinic.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I grew up on a hobby farm on the edge of town. I started my own dairy goat herd when I was 12. I was Alyssa Vrieze, 21 Dairy Star Sponsor: milking, raising, breeding, showing and selling goats. I Marzolf Implement started milking cows for my Spring Valley, MN uncle, Ron Vrieze, when I was 507-346-7227 15. I milked numerous week nights and weekend mornings throughout high school.

I did not milk during college; I concentrated on school. I earned good grades and got a great job at Mayo Clinic. Something was missing, though, so I went back to milking cows part time for my uncle. We milk around 110 cows in a stanchion barn. I milk with a few of my cousins and my uncle. I plan on milking cows as long as I can; I tell everyone it is my fun job. I plan on going back to school for an ag business degree and switching my career from biomedical research to agriculture research for the USDA. Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I

Fillmore County continued

like promoting all types of dairy products. My favorite audience is elementary school children. A fun hands-on way that I have introduced dairy to kids in the past was to bring in small jars and fill them with a little cream and salt and let the kids shake the jars to make butter for themselves that they could spread on crackers. I also set out cheese so the kids can have different options to choose from. Crackers can get pretty dry, and nothing tastes better than to wash it all down with a cold glass of chocolate milk.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? One topic of interest is the lowering of an acceptable somatic cell count. The new SCC requirement is a good regulation; because of this regulation change, the consumers will benefit from having a healthier, more consistent product. Another topic for dairy farmers is the sale of raw milk. I think it is important for consumers to know all of the health risks that come along with having the option of purchasing raw milk from a farmer. It is great to have options, but they need to consider all the health risks that come along with consuming unpasteurized milk. A lifelong challenge that dairy farmers face are milk prices. What dairy farmers get paid for a hundred pounds of milk varies. Prices can be low or high, but a dairy farmer is persistent and dedicated to getting a high quality product to the consumer, no matter what the market is.

Freeborn County

Parents: John and Alana Miller Town: Oakland What is your current status? I will graduate from Austin High School this June.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I live on a dairy farm north of Oakland with my mom and dad. I have one brother who is currently a freshman in college at the University of Wisconsin- Lindsey Miller, 18 Dairy Star Sponsor: River Falls. On our farm DFA we milk about 125 Holstein cows. Every night, I help Bruce Steege with the chores by feeding Zumbrota, MN calves grain. Next fall, I 507-732-8894 plan to attend the University of Wisconsin-Stout to major in graphic communications management.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would choose elementary-aged kids, and the product I choose is milk. I chose elementary-aged kids because my family has hosted the Freeborn County third grade farm tour, and I have had the opportunity to educate and teach the younger kids about the nutritional benefits of dairy products, especially milk. Elementary-aged kids are eager to learn, and it is also important to get them on the right track in order for them to make healthy life long decisions. If I had the opportunity to visit a classroom, I would teach the kids about the health benefits of drinking milk including the benefits of calcium, vitamin D and protein.

We could talk about how milk helps build strong bones and muscles and provides energy. As an added bonus, we could all drink chocolate milk at the end.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? One of the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm are the high costs of production. This is making our product more and more expensive to purchase for the consumer, which is making it hard for the farmer to stay in business. Another big concern that is facing the dairy industry is the animal rights groups such as PETA and the Humane Society of the United States who are trying to make the dairy farmers look bad. These animal rights groups find one bad situation and generalize it to all dairy farms.

We can’t control the costs that influence this business, but I could inform the public about how hard the dairy farmers work to produce this wholesome product.

I would invite the public to come and see our farm. I would show them how important cleanliness and cow comfort are to my family and our business. We work very hard every day to do all the little things right by providing fresh air to our cows, along with feed and bedding, to keep our herd healthy, comfortable and productive. Some people forget that we are trying to make a living, too. A family cannot make a living with just 10 cows. You have to have a certain percentage of volume in order to make a good family living.

Goodhue County

Parents: Mike and Hettie Carlson Town: Welch What is your current status? I am a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls majoring in agricultural marketing communications with a minor in dairy science.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am proud to say I hail from a 70-cow registered Amanda Holstein dairy farm where my Carlson, 19 family and I strive to improve Dairy Star Sponsor: the quality of our farm each Merchants Bank and every day. We use sound environmental practices to susCannon Falls, MN tain our 250 acres of crop land 507-263-4281 where we produce the feed that our cows enjoy for breakfast, supper, and all the meals in between. My favorite chores are milking and feeding the cows because of the connection I have with each one of them.

I am involved in dairy club and Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow at the UW-River Falls where I am able to share my passion for the dairy industry with others. After completing my degree, I hope to promote the dairy industry by speaking with consumers on how important dairy is in their life, and show them how much dedication and hard work goes into creating nature’s most perfect product.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I love promoting dairy products to moms. Showing them how to use milk and cheese in their cooking by handing out recipe books and samples will allow them to see how easy and important it is to get three servings of dairy every day. I would also stress the excellent economic values involved in having milk in the diet compared to other non-nutritional beverages.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? As the daughter of a dairy farmer, we take great pride in caring for our animals and providing them with nutritious diets, safe living conditions, and monitoring them daily. I believe the public is often misled into believing the opposite. There are steps we can take to prevent these negative view points toward dairy farms such as speaking with consumers, opening our farms to tours, and using social media to our advantage.

Helping to further educate the public on the dedication and care that goes into raising each calf through positive reinforcement methods is a great way to show the consumers the passion dairy farmers have in caring for their animals. Using social and multi-media, the consumer can view the care we are giving our animals through routine veterinarian checks, help during birthing, and the constant availability to water and feed.

Parents: Ken and April Forss Town: Zumbrota What is your current status? I am a senior at Kenyon-Wanamingo High School.

I work on my parents’ dairy farm every day after school and on weekends. I also have a part-time job as a waitress.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. My parents and I live and work on a dairy and crop farm just north of Zumbrota. I have two sisters, Ashley (23), Nicole Forss, 18 and brother-in-law, Adam (23), Dairy Star Sponsor: and Kristin (21). We milk 85 grade Holstein cows. We also Security State Bank of Wanamingo raise heifers and calves on our farm. In addition to this, our Wanamingo, MN family runs about 700 acres 507-824-2638 of cash crops and feed for the livestock. I plan to attend the University of Wisconsin-River Falls this fall. My major will be agricultural business with a minor in dairy science. I will continue to work on my parents’ dairy farm during my four years at River Falls.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would choose milk and elementary students. Milk has the same importance in children as it does in their pets. Puppies, kittens, calves, and piglets are just a few animals that get their nourishment from the milk of their mothers. It is very important that children receive the recommended amounts of dairy foods every day to stay healthy. There are many ways children can get their fulfillment of dairy products; milk being one of the best.

Have a bowl of cereal in the morning and pour in extra milk.

This is one very simple way to receive your milk. Chocolate

Goodhue County continued on next page

Page 8 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 14, 2011

Goodhue County continued milk is also very delicious! Who doesn’t love chocolate? And when it’s in milk, you are able to enjoy the chocolate flavor and receive the essential nutrients needed. If chocolate isn’t your thing, there’s always strawberry and banana flavorings for your milk. Whichever way you choose, indulge in a cold glass of milk.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? A huge issue facing the dairy industry on the farm is high feed costs.

High feed costs are affecting farmers everywhere. Farmers are having trouble buying feed at such a high cost, but it is necessary to buy the feed to keep their cows healthy. If their cows aren’t healthy, they simply won’t be as productive. If the cows aren’t productive, the farmers lose money and sometimes even their cows. Our hard-working farmers are dedicated to their farms, health and well-being of their animals.

Public perception is a big concern off the farm. Media makes things seem worse than they are, which portrays a false message. Organizations have been using the media to show conditions of horribly treated cattle. This makes society think that all cattle are treated this way when in reality, there are very few farms that provide bad conditions for their cattle.

Society doesn’t realize we need to keep our cows safe and healthy to produce milk. If our cows aren’t producing milk, our farmers aren’t making any money. The media comes down hard on farmers, which is why we are working hard to show our communities the importance of health and cleanliness on our farms.

When the public asks me about these topics, I simply say the farmers are devoted to their farms and dairies and they find ways to surpass the bad publicity. When it comes to high feed costs, farmers are able to take out loans or invest in their own land to grow their own feed. They always find a way to provide the nourishment needs of their cows. When it comes to public perception, I would have the same answer as before.

Farmers are the hardest working people who work from sunup to sundown to insure the production of their industry. They are devoted to keeping their cows happy. Happy cows produce more milk. In reality, we treat our cows better than we treat ourselves. There are days when we skip meals or just grab a snack because we don’t have enough time to eat. Our cows always have fresh food and water on their tables (bunks/feeders) and definitely don’t have leftovers. They are bedded at least twice a week so they can lie down and relax as long as they want. How often do you get new bedding twice a week?

These are just little things that are needed to keep our cows stress-free and relaxed so they are able to peak at production.

Parents: Kent and Debbie Mills Town: Lake City What is your current status? I am currently a senior at Goodhue High School and work on my family’s dairy farm.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am active in 4-H and FFA. Our dairy farm is located in Lake City, Minn.

Our family has been milkAbby Mills, 18 ing for four generations. We Dairy Star Sponsor: milk 250 Holstein cows in a Ag Partners double-10 parlor three times a day. We also farm 120 Goodhue, MN acres. I will be attending 651-923-4496 South Dakota State UniverArden Vangness sity in the fall and majoring DHIA Field Rep in early childhood educaKenyon, MN tion.

507-210-2743 Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. In promoting milk to parents and their children, I would demonstrate creative ways to consume milk. In an early childhood/preschool setting, I would encourage parents to think outside the box when coming up with fun and creative ideas that would make milk a treat to drink.

For example, adding flavor combinations and/or color to white milk is an imaginative idea. In an early childhood setting, I would do a sample survey where I would give the kids a choice of white, flavored or colored milk during snack time and would allow the kids to make the choice.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? Every farm is different. However, I feel that money has become the biggest concern that we face on and off the farm. On the farm, we face the daily struggles of staying financially stable and maintaining a positive cash flow. Off the farm, consumers are finding it difficult to pay for dairy products at their local grocery store.

I would respond that farmers need a price that is high enough to cover the costs of production while consumers require a nutritious and affordable product. It is the goal of the dairy industry to create this balance between producers’ and consumers’ needs.

Houston County

Parents: Scott and Deanna DeWitt Town: Caledonia What is your current status? I am currently in high school and working part time on my neighbor’s farm.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am a member of the National Honor Society, so I do a lot of volunteer work like volunteering at blood drives, highway cleanups, working at concession Jennifer DeWitt, 18 Dairy Star Sponsor: stands, helping at summer Farmers Co-op school programs, etc. I am very polite and am an exElevator tremely hard worker. I work Caledonia, MN on my neighbor’s farm, and 507-725-3306 we milk about 2000 cows.

They have a double-8 milking parlor. My future plans include completing my general education at either Winona State University or Southeast Technical College in Winona until I am able to attend Palmer School of Chiropractics to become a chiropractor.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. The dairy product I would promote is milk, and I would promote it to young children.

I would begin by explaining all the benefits milk has to offer, like building strong bones and balancing their diets. I would also explain where milk comes from and how delicious it is. I would give them a fun quiz on what they learned and let them have a milk break.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I feel the biggest concern is the unstable milk prices.

I would address the public by saying it has a big impact on our communities and our world. These unstable milk prices can really affect our farms. A small farm can go out of business because of these prices. Their income can be less than their expenses. Farms depend on milk prices to make a living, and if the prices are not stable, they will not be able to support themselves and their families, which in turn will cause them to shut down.

We need to address this problem and work out a solution. One thing we can do is help farmers with feed costs by creating an insurance program that would pay farmers when the difference between milk and feed prices becomes too small. This would help because with today’s economy, it is extremely hard for farmers to feed their cattle. This will help them from going into too great of debt and will help them get back on their feet.

Parents: Allen and Jody Krueger Town: Caledonia What is your current status? I am a senior at Caledonia High School and am employed on my family’s dairy farm.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am the oldest of three children. My dad co-owns and operates our 45-cow dairy century family farm along with his father and brother. We milk Holsteins, registered Brown Swiss, and crossbreds. Our Caitlyn Krueger, 18 Dairy Star Sponsor: cows are milked in a doubleNational Farmers four herringbone parlor and Organization housed in freestall barns. Besides dairy cows, we also raise Caledonia, MN dairy steers. I help with feeding 507-725-3286 calves, washing the feeding utensils and scraping sheds.

During the summer, I prepare heifers and cows for 4-H shows.

I help with leading, washing and clipping. My future plans consist of going to North Dakota State University this fall and exploring the possibility of majoring in education, agriculture or health communications. I plan to minor in Spanish.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I believe milk needs to be promoted more in schools, especially in the elementary and middle schools. I would inform students of how important milk is for their body. The key to a healthy life is by starting at a young age to maintain a healthy diet.

Milk will help them do this. It provides essential vitamins and nutrients naturally, that are not naturally found in many other products. Informing kids about healthy dietary choices at the elementary and middle school ages ensures a good jump-start to a healthy lifestyle. They will then help their families begin a healthy life, too. Children are usually along for the grocery

Houston County continued shopping so if we tell them how important milk is, they will encourage their parents to buy it. I would continue by telling the students to choose chocolate milk instead of a sports drink after exercising. It tastes good, is less expensive than the current sports drinks on the market, and has beneficial qualities.

Chocolate milk aids in the recovery of fatigued muscles and continues to help their body grow, whereas sports drinks are only known to just hydrate the consumer.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I feel the biggest concern facing the dairy industry is how the public views dairy farmers and the products they produce. Consumers have various ideas about how we dairy farmers run our operations. Some of their views are seen as positive while others are negative towards the industry. As a dairy princess, I am privileged to better inform the public about the choices we dairy farmers make every day to ensure a safe, wholesome product consumers can enjoy.

As dairy princess, I assure the public that dairy farmers do whatever it takes to produce safe, wholesome products that are healthy for them such as milk, cheese and yogurt. Consumers need to understand dairy farmers care for the cows by providing safe, comfortable living environments, healthy diets, and health care when it is necessary. Dairy farmers, along with other farmers, also strive to conserve the land we use. Farmers use many different farming methods to reduce erosion and lower their carbon footprints. We understand the importance of working hard to create a product we can be very proud of. The public needs to understand three important concerns farmers are faced with everyday. 1.) They care about the health and well being of their animals, 2.) Farmers are conservationists of the land on which they work, and 3.) They are concerned about the safety of the products they produce for consumers, dairy being the most important product.

Parents: John and Dianne Welscher Town: Caledonia What is your current status? I am at senior at Caledonia High School Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am 18 years old.

I have worked at Hendel Farms just outside of Caledonia for the last four years.

Next year I plan to attend the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire for business Elyse Welscher, 18 Dairy Star Sponsor: finance.

Wingert Sales & Choose a dairy product and an audience, and Service tell us how you would proPlainview, MN mote that product to that 507-534-4386 audience. I would promote yogurt to little kids. Yogurt is very healthy and a good snack. It is better for you than candy and cookies because it has milk in it.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I think the biggest concern for farmers is that milk prices are not the best right now. To the public, I would not answer negatively.

Kandiyohi County

Parents: Gene and Shelly Gatewood Town: Willmar What is your current status? Currently, I am finishing up my first year at Ridgewater College in Willmar, taking general studies. I am employed at the YMCA childcare center in Willmar and also by Gatewood Farm.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future Julie Gatewood, 19 plans. I live and work on Dairy Star Sponsor: my family’s farm southeast D & D Ag Supply of Willmar. We milk 66 & Construction cows and raise all of our rePennock, MN placement heifers. We also 320-599-4466 raise sheep and many other assorted animals. In addition to work and school, I am active with 4-H as the club secretary and with church activities. In my spare time, I enjoy relaxing with friends, singing karaoke,

Kandiyohi County continued on next page

Kandiyohi County continued four-wheeling and playing pool. Next fall, I am going to start the dairy management program at Ridgewater College in Willmar.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. The dairy product of my choice would be cheese, which I would promote to middle-aged men and women. I would tell them just how delicious it is and let them know that there are many different kinds, varying from bacon to horseradish. I would go on to say that you could have mozzarella cheese on pizza, ricotta in lasagna, Parmesan on spaghetti, Swiss on hamburgers, any kind of cheese with crackers and in dips. To sum it up, if you want to spice up any food, you can always find a cheese to make it taste and look delicious.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? One of the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry is animal welfare. I would tell them that animal care is one of the most important pieces of a dairy farmer’s job. Dairy farmers guarantee to provide high-quality milk; it starts with taking proper care of their cows. Further, I would include that dairy farmers work closely with veterinarians to keep their cows healthy and comfortable. Environmental concerns also face the dairy industry. Pollution and manure odor are two common concerns. It would be explained that there are some things that a working dairy farm has to do and cannot be changed. I would explain that manure is applied to fields according to a manure management plan to avoid pollution. Lastly, it is important to make sure people are drinking milk and continue to enjoy dairy products.

Parents: Kathy and Craig Hinseth Town: New London What is your current status? I am currently studying at Ridgewater College to be a Legal Administrative Assistant. I work at home on the farm and have a part-time job at Kandiyohi County Park #7 on Games Lake.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am Brenda Hinseth, 18 Dairy Star Sponsor: a 2010 graduate of New D & D Ag Supply London-Spicer High & Construction School. In high school Pennock, MN I was involved in choir, 320-599-4466 4-H and teaching Sunday School at church. I am currently still a member of the FFA and the New London American Legion Auxiliary. I plan to graduate from Ridgewater College in December and want to find a job close to the farm so I can still help out.

My family and I work together on our farm where we milk 40 head of black and white Holsteins in our tiestall barn. We run about 160 acres of land where we raise corn and alfalfa. We also raise Black Angus Beef cattle, chickens and have a goat.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I’d sell chocolate milk to elementary school students’ parents. To promote chocolate milk to them, I’d explain that there are nine essential nutrients including calcium, which is crucial for strong bones. Also, parents can be confident chocolate milk is safe for their growing children because of the strict safety regulations. Lastly, their children will want this nutritious beverage because it tastes so great!

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I feel one of the biggest concerns both on and off the farm are the prices. Low milk prices and high input prices make dairying today a challenge.

When addressing the public about this challenge, I’d explain that the love and pride dairy farmers have for what they do is a key component. There are ups and downs in everything, but when you really love what you do and are proud of your work, you will work your hardest through anything.

Le Sueur County Parents: Robert and Carol Holicky Town: Le Center What is your current status? I attend Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Detroit Lakes, Minn. I work at Hoefs’ Dairy in Montgomery Minn.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am the youngest of eight kids and really enjoy every minute I spend Anna Holicky, 20 Dairy Star Sponsor: with my family. I like to go Hoefs’ Dairy hunting, fishing, bowling, and pretty much anything New Prague, MN outside. I also love playing 507-364-7785 with my pets. I have a husky, named Jack, that is turning three this year. We have many cats, a few cows and a rabbit. The farm I work at is now milking about 210 cows. In the future, I would like to work for DHIA like my sister. I will be working there part time this summer, which I’m very excited about.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would choose milk and I would have my audience be kids in first and second grade. I would tell them milk has things that are good for them in it. Drinking milk every day will help make their teeth and bones a lot stronger.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? The biggest concern facing the dairy industry off the farm is the high cost of dairy products in stores, and on the farm it is the milk prices that farmers get do not compensate for all of the costs they have to produce the milk. Farmers should get better pay than the store, getting the high prices for their hard work producing the milk.

In the future we may have to pay two to five times the price we pay now for the dairy products that we buy in stores, with farmers getting paid the same prices, which isn’t fair. If we don’t want that to happen we need the public’s help to somehow to change this.

Parents: Patty and Dale Krekelberg Town: Le Sueur What is your current status? I am a sophomore at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities where I am pursuing a degree in animal science with an emphasis in dairy production. This summer, I will be interning with Boehringer-Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. as a dairy sales intern.

Tell us about yourself, Emily the farm you live and/or work on, and your future Krekelberg, 20 plans. I am from a small, Dairy Star Sponsor: family-run farm in rural Le United Farmers Co-op Sueur. We milk about 60 Winthrop, MN cows, raise our own young507-647-6600 stock and farm about 100 acres. In the future, I would like to work in the dairy industry either in an on-location job with cattle or doing promotions.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. The dairy product I would choose is sour cream (one of my personal favorites), and my target audience is parents. Sour cream slips a lot of people’s minds as a dairy product, as well as one that still offers nutritional benefits. Like milk, sour cream contains both calcium and phosphorus-important nutrients for any diet. Sour cream is a great way to add some flavor to many meals, and it’s a swift way to add a little extra dairy to their children’s diets.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? Now more than ever, people want to know where their food comes from, how it’s manufactured, and they want to ensure that it is safe and healthy. While this provides farmers with a great opportunity to share our story, it also places the industry under a certain level

Dairy Star • Saturday, May 14, 2011 • Page 9

Le Sueur County continued

of public scrutiny. Every day, consumers are faced with a two-sided story of the dairy industry, and the challenge of picking a side.

The most important thing dairy producers can do is get out there and communicate with consumers. Yes, they can read all about how milk is processed but it becomes more real when they can hear actual stories from actual farmers. We need to remind the public that, as dairy farmers, our top priority is animal care. We spend our lives taking the best care possible of our cows. Our commitment to our animals allows us to produce a safe, wholesome product for all consumers to enjoy.

Lincoln County Parents: Lane and Jill Petersen Town: Tyler What is your current status? I am a senior at RTR high school in Tyler, Minn. I work at a gas station in Tyler.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/ or work on, and your future plans. I live on Maple Grove Farms, which is southwest of Tyler. I live there with my parents and Kaitlin my two sisters, McKensie (14) and Rhaegyn (9). Next Petersen, 18 fall I plan to attend the UniDairy Star Sponsor: versity of Minnesota-Morris Gorter’s Clay & Dairy for mathematics.

Equipment Choose a dairy prodPipestone, MN uct and an audience, and 507-825-3271 tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would inform my fellow teens and also younger children on what nutrients are in dairy products and what these nutrients do for the body.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? With all of these new forms of technology, like sexed semen, there will be more heifers being born and also more milk being produced. The demand for milk will go down since there is a lot more milk being produced and also the milk price will drop. So no matter what farmers do, that milk price will just keep on dropping.

Since the demand for milk is going down, people should also assume the price for dairy products on the grocery store shelf will go down as well. This will allow more people to consume more dairy products and allow people to live healthier lives.

McLeod County Parents: Kevin and Lori Buss Town: Hutchinson What is your current status? I am currently a freshman at Ridgewater College and majoring in dairy management. I currently work with my family on our farm, Kev-Lor Farm.

I am involved in Postsecondary Agricultural Student Organization (PAS) and am active in McLeod County 4-H. Kelsey Buss, 19 Tell us about yourself, Dairy Star Sponsor: the farm you live and/or First District work on, and your future plans. I am 19 years old, Association the youngest sibling of three Litchfield, MN and enjoy spending time 320-693-3236 with my family, sewing and caring for my animals. During the summer when I am not promoting the dairy industry, I help teach county 4-H camps and work with my animals prepping them for cattle shows. I work on our family farm, milking 55 Holstein and crossbred cows, feeding calves and managing the farm record system.

I help with the field work, where our family runs 160 acres of corn, soybeans and alfalfa. After college, in the

McLeod County continued on next page

Page 10 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 14, 2011

McLeod County continued fall of 2012 I will return to my family’s farm where I will take part in many of the different aspects of management.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. The dairy product I would choose to promote is flavored milk, the audience is parents. When it comes to nutrition and great taste, flavored milk is great at delivering both. It’s packed with the same nine essential nutrients as white milk, in a variety of flavors kids love.

Drinking low-fat or fat-free flavored milk helps youth get the three daily servings of milk and milk products recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans by keeping children away from obesity.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? The biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on the farm is the increasing input costs and unstable milk prices. Off the farm concerns are the increasing prices of products and consumers being unsure of animal care on the farm.

I would tell them that dairy products are a nutrient rich product containing nine essential nutrients and dairy products are one of the safest products that a person can buy for their family to eat. Also dairy farmers are committed to caring for their animals and land no matter what the price of milk is or how much the feed costs. All dairy farmers care for their animals so the cows produce pure and wholesome milk daily.

Parents: Tim and Ann Nix Town: Plato What is your current status? I am currently attending Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, Minn. I have two majors, the first is radio/TV broadcasting and production, and the second is public relations with a minor in marketing. Along with helping my family out on the farm I am also employed at Hillcrest Café in Elizabeth Nix, 20 Norwood, Minn.

Dairy Star Sponsor: Tell us about yourself, AMPI the farm you live and/or work on, and your future Paynesville Division plans. I am 20 years old www.ampi.com and live on a farm near Plato, Minn., with my family.

My family consists of my parents, Tim and Ann, and older brother, Joe, a younger sister, Shannon, and a little brother, Andrew. I have many hobbies such as reading, listening to music and playing sports just to name a few. In the future I would like to lean towards the radio/TV side of my major with a career in TV production.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. The diary product I choose is flavored milk and I am targeting the product towards kids. I would promote this product by telling and showing kids how it builds strong bones. Also how it gives them all the nutrients and vitamins that you need to refuel your body after you exercise. With all the different and delicious flavors, you are sure to find one that will be your favorite. Not only that but it is a “Mom approved” drink, so you don’t have to worry about her scolding you that it isn’t healthy, because milk is healthy for you.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I believe that there are two big concerns that face the dairy industry. One is the safeness of our products. With the recent events of the raw milk purchase, and the tsunami in Japan and the problems with the nuclear plants, people are going to want to know if the products they have are safe. To address this, consumers need to be informed that all dairy products are 100-percent safe. Milk is the most tested food product, with at least six different tests that are done before it’s made into cheese, yogurt and other products. It is also the most regulated product by the USDA. The second, and biggest, would be the diminishing knowledge of dairy farms. With towns growing bigger and less farms out there, the knowledge of where the dairy products in the store come from, is not being taught. In order for people to become aware of this I believe that more farmers need to step forward to show the consumer what they do every day. How they take pride in producing a wholesome nutritious products for everyone to enjoy. Also how farmers care for the land and the animals on their farm. Getting the consumer up close and personal with farmers will help them gain that knowledge of where the dairy products, they have every day, are coming from.

Meeker County Parents: Joseph and Karen Becker Town: Eden Valley What is your current status? I am a junior at South Dakota State University in Brookings, S.D., studying dairy production and dairy manufacturing. I plan on graduating in May 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in both. I stay active with Collegiate 4-H and Dairy Club. I also have a part-time job at Syngenta Jessica Becker, 21 Seed Company.

Dairy Star Sponsor: Tell us about yourself, Centra-Sota the farm you live and/or work on, and your future Cooperative plans. I grew up on a 150Watkins, MN cow dairy south of Eden 320-764-9635 Valley, which was eventually expanded to 350 and then to 700 cross bred dairy cows west of Eden Valley.

My dad, Joseph, also farms with his brother, Vern, and his wife, Mary Kay. Between the two families, there are six daughters, four of who are aspiring to stay in the dairy industry. After graduation, I plan on working in a dairy manufacturing plant, processing the raw milk product into the variety of dairy products available today. I would also like to obtain a connection to the home farm site that I grew up on.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would like to promote milk as my dairy product, and I would promote it to middle school-aged children.

I would go into the classroom of the students to explain the health benefits of milk such as the calcium and protein that are in milk and describe how they are essential to a healthy lifestyle. Not only would I show pictures and posters explaining the benefits of milk, I would show different ways to use milk, such as adding flavors like chocolate, using it in shakes, or as an additive in other food products to make the food more delicious and healthy. In addition, I would take the classroom of students to a dairy farm, explaining that this is where milk actually comes from, and try to let the students become hands-on with what goes on at the farm. I believe it is important that we target young students to impact their futures in a positive way so they can use dairy products and grow up to be healthy and strong.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I feel the dairy industry does not get the recognition it deserves and that people get a negative feel for the dairy industry and would rather buy other non-dairy products for consumption, and this decreases dairy sales. This turns around to the farmers who strive to make quality products, and it can decrease the milk price that the farmer receives.

I would address the public in different promotional events like the ones that the dairy princess program sponsors, using radio, newspaper and television ads.

I want the public to know that dairy products are one of the safest products in the market, and they are filled with many essential vitamins and minerals that the body needs.

Dairy products are not only nutritious and delicious, but they are also wholesome and safe. Consuming the recommended amount of dairy can lead to health benefits such as preventing weak bones and teeth and reducing osteoporosis. Milk is high in protein and also low in fat, making it even more healthful. Milk is an essential part of every person’s day, and should be consumed at least three times a day.

There are 60,000 dairy farms in the U.S. with 11,000 dairy farms in the Midwest.

Meeker County continued Parents: Vaughn and Joan Euerle Town: Litchfield What is your current status? I am currently a senior at Litchfield High School. In the fall, I will be attending Southwest Minnesota State University, and I am undecided on a major at this point. I am employed on my family’s farm and milk cows after school.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future Emily Euerle, 18 Dairy Star Sponsor: plans. I live on a farm five miles north of Litchfield. Center National Bank We milk 75 black and white Litchfield, MN Holsteins twice a day. Al800-893-3255 though I don’t know where college will take me, I plan to spend four years in college and work hard to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. If I had to promote a dairy product, I would choose milk and teach children the importance of having milk in their daily diet. Children are so intrigued by animals, so if they could visit a farm and see where their milk comes from, I believe it would intrigue them to drink more milk.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I believe the biggest concern facing the dairy industry is the decrease in farm numbers. Years ago, most farms were small family farms. Now the small farms are forced to sell to larger corporations. I think growing up on a family farm has given me a strong background, and it’s sad that children in future generations will not have the opportunity of being raised on a farm.

The public can not do much about the decreasing number of small farms. I just hope there will always be some farms to keep the tradition alive.

Parents: Jim and Lisa Turck Town: Litchfield What is your current status? I am currently a senior at Litchfield High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am active in my school’s student council, National Honor Society, choir and varsity fastpitch softball team. Outside of school, I enjoy life guard- Amanda Turck, 17 Dairy Star Sponsor: ing, teaching Sunday school Valley Dairy and helping on my family’s dairy farm. My roles on the Supply, Inc. farm include feeding calves, Eden Valley, MN feeding cows, milking cows 320-453-6695 and other various projects my dad has planned for me.

After graduating from LHS this spring, I plan to attend St. Cloud State University in the fall for an intended nursing major.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. To an audience of elementary students, I would choose to promote milk by planning a field trip out to my farm. I would split the group into two. One would go with my dad to be shown around the milking area, and the other group would go with me to be shown around the calf area. The kids would learn how and where the milk they drink comes from and the process it goes through from the cows to their dinner tables. After the tour, the class would head back to the school where they would be able to ask me any questions they have. We would end the day by having a trivia activity with prizes being dairy products for them to enjoy.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? Major concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm are animal care and product wholesomeness.

I would address the public by telling them the simple

Meeker County continued on next page

Dairy Star • Saturday, May 14, 2011 • Page 11

Meeker County continued

Morrison County continued

Morrison County continued

facts of animal care. Dairy farmers’ commitment to providing high-quality milk begins with taking good care of their cows. Dairy farmers work closely with veterinarians and animal nutritionists to make sure their cows are always healthy and comfortable. For the assumptions concerning wholesomeness, I would state, ‘Milk goes through strict quality controls to ensure freshness, purity and great taste. From the process of leaving the cow to the refrigerated holding tank, to being finally transported to the processing plants, the continuity of the milk staying fresh and safe is never lost.’

doesn’t like ice cream? I choose younger kids because it is important to start telling kids younger the importance of eating and drinking dairy products. Then, after they have their ice cream cone, I would start telling them the important things. Examples would be that milk provides a lot of nutrients and calcium that your body needs to grow. Also, I would tell them milk builds strong bones, and if they drink milk, they can grow up and be big and strong like their parents.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I feel the biggest concern for the dairy industry right now is the negative image people are giving to the hard working dairy farmers.

I would address this issue by telling them facts about the dairy industry and hard working farmers. For starters, according to the USDA, 98 percent of U.S. dairy farms are family-owned and operated, so they are not all corporate. Dairy farmers work with animal nutritionists and vets to make sure the cows are getting good nutrition and good medical care. Then I would tell them that dairy products are one of the most highly regulated foods; they have to pass standards to ensure that it is safe to consume and also nutritious. If they do not meet these goals, the milk cannot be sold. The dairy industry is a good thing and needs to keep going forward to better America, because dairy products are simply the best.

Farmers work hard and sometimes do not get recognized for it.

Parents: Chuck and Pat Tax Town: Pierz What is your current status? Currently I am a senior at Pierz Healy High and have two jobs outside of the farm at Meadow Ponds and Subway. I am highly involved in school activities including cross country, dance, track, National Honor Society, Business Professionals of America and student council. I enjoy keeping busy, and my favorMary ite hobbies are reading and running.

Zahurones, 17 Tell us about yourself, Dairy Star Sponsor: the farm you live and/or Morrison County work on, and your future Tractor & Equipment plans. My family moved to Pierz, MN Pierz when I was 10 years 320-468-2161 old, and although it was a tough change, it was a great one. Living on a farm has been very eye-opening. There are constantly opportunities to learn. Our dairy farm milks 61 Holsteins in addition to having a chicken barn. My chores mainly involve feeding the cows and calves and keeping the barn clean by sweeping and scraping the aisles. I plan to attend the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in the fall to double major in biology and chemistry and to continue on to medical school.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would choose yogurt as my dairy product because it is one of my favorites. My audience would be 16- to 24-year-olds who have a busy schedule and don’t always have time to sit down for a meal and like to eat on the go.

I would show them that yogurt is a great healthy snack that is quick to grab and has many benefits. The protein can give you extra strength along with the bone-building calcium. Both are included in this great-tasting treat.

Also, there are many flavors, all of which help to prevent bad bacteria from building up in your body. Eating yogurt is a fast and easy way to stay healthy and prevent hunger cravings in between meals.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I think the biggest concerns facing the industry right now are the rising costs of feed and the instability of milk prices. Also, PETA is really harming the image of the dairy industry by showing animal cruelty and generalizing all dairy farmers in that category. I would tell the public that our animals are treated kindly and humanely.

They are given fresh straw to lay in, fans to cool them off when it is too hot, shelter to protect them from bad weather and to shade them, and many more amenities to ensure their comfort and safety. Dairy farmers want cows to be comfortable so they can produce more milk.

Animal cruelty does not happen on my farm, nor the vast majority of all dairy farms, and the public should know that.

Mille Lacs County Parents: Mark and Brenda Winkelman Town: Princeton What is your current status? I am currently attending the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities working on my bachelor’s degree in animal sciencepre-vet.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I have lived on our family farm my entire life Denise and have been an employee the past five years. We have Winkelman, 18 a dairy farm of 100 head. I Dairy Star Sponsor: plan to attend the School of Federated Co-ops Veterinary Medicine at the Princeton, MN University of Minnesota to 763-389-2582 become a large animal veterinarian.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would promote butter by emphasizing the benefits of using butter instead of margarine. I would also explain how when making homemade butter, which is simple and fast, you can add additional flavors that are not found in stores.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? One large concern for the dairy industry today is the small dairy farms not being able compete with the large scale farms.

I would explain that although some farms have had to close many others have been able to stay in business.

Morrison County Parents: Alan and Tina Gunderson, Scott and Brenda Bollig Town: Upsala What is your current status? I am attending Upsala Area School, and I graduate on May 28, 2011.

I work at Paul and Kathy’s Supermarket in Upsala and Jordie’s Trailside Café in Bowlus.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/ or work on, and your future plans. In my free time Kaitlynn Bollig, 18 Dairy Star Sponsor: I like to hang out with my ElmDale friends and boyfriend. I enjoy scrapbooking, and I Creamery & Locker love to go shopping. I love Elmdale, MN to play with my two young320-573-2607 est brothers, Jacob (4) and Daniel (1); they are so adorable. I also like to go ice fishing and mudding with my boyfriend.

After high school I am going to Central Lakes College (CLC)-Brainerd Campus for my AA degree. After finishing at CLC, I plan to go to a university for a career that I am still undecided about.

I live on Gunderson Brothers Farm, about two miles out of Upsala. We milk about 70 Holstein cows and farm about 400 acres.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would choose ice cream and my audience would be younger kids. I choose ice cream because what kid

Parents: John and Lori Kokett Town: Little Falls What is your current status? I am currently attending Upsala Area Schools where I will graduate this coming May. From there, I will be attending St. Cloud State University where I will be studying language arts to become a teacher. I also currently work at Lange Oil gas station in Upsala.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future Carolyn Kokett, 18 Dairy Star Sponsor: plans. My family lives on a ElmDale century dairy farm. We have 254 acres and we milk 56 Creamery & Locker Holstein cows. I have five Elmdale, MN brothers and one sister. I am 320-573-2607 the fourth child and am currently the oldest living on the farm. My main duties on the farm are taking care of the three little kids and cleaning the house. My future plans include attending St. Cloud State University after graduation and getting a teaching degree in English education.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience.

The dairy product I would choose would be milk, and I would want to speak to teenagers. With all of the pop and energy drinks that are in the market, teens will typically take these over something healthier like milk. They take pop and energy drinks based on taste, or it gives them a boost of energy that they need for the day. But what do caffeinated drinks provide health-wise? My answer is nothing.

These drinks provide an unhealthy dose of energy, and they contain chemicals that could later cause harm to the body.

Milk, however, has the essential nutrients that one needs in order to stay healthy. It tastes good naturally, or one can add flavors to make it taste even better. Milk contains calcium to promote bone growth to keep kids strong. If milk consumption increases, we could have a healthier tomorrow.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics?

The biggest concern facing the dairy industry on the farm would be maintaining profitability; off the farm it would be maintaining a good public image that farmers are responsible.

I would address the public by informing them that farmers do the best they can to be efficient in their business. For animal welfare, farmers wouldn’t mistreat their animals if they wanted to run a good business. Those people need to try to understand that. They can’t just jump to conclusions.

Parents: Gary and Kim Zehowski Town: Swanville What is your current status? I am a senior at Little Falls Community High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am one of six kids in the Zehowski family. I have two brothers and three sisters. I live on a dairy farm with my little sister and parJessica ents. We milk 55 Holsteins on a 300-acre farm. I get up Zehowski, 17 every day to do chores in Dairy Star Sponsor: the morning at 5 a.m. FarmAMPI ing is a 24/7 job, and I love Paynesville Division it. My favorite thing to do www.ampi.com is driving the Bobcat in the fields in the summer picking up bales.

My future plans are going to the University of Minnesota-Crookston for animal science for four years. After Crookston, I plan to go to the U of M-Twin Cities for the vet program to become a large animal veterinarian.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell

Morrison County continued on next page

Page 12 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 14, 2011

Morrison County continued

Mower County continued

Mower County continued

us how you would promote that product to that audience. The dairy product I would promote would be milk to younger kids. I would tell them that milk helps them grow strong bones and muscles so they can get as tall and muscular as their moms and dads are.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? The fluctuation in milk prices is a big concern.

When milk is high and then takes a drop, it is hard for farmers to break even for paying to get diesel and feed and whatever else is needed for the farm.

I would address the public by telling them that we need to find a way not to have big drops in milk prices from month to month. Farmers are struggling to keep their farms going with the prices.

Parents: Ann and Brian Reinartz Town: Rose Creek What is your current status? I attend Southland High School in Adams, Minn. I will graduate on May 3, 2011. After school, I babysit for Lynn Helgeson.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am 18 years old; I live one-half mile south of Rose Creek with my parBrianna ents, two brothers and my twin sister. I work for Lester Reinartz, 18 and Steve Heller on Triple Dairy Star Sponsor: H Dairy Farm near Adams. Meyerhofer Bagging I milk cows every morning.

Stacyville, IA I am thinking of attending 507-259-5863 Riverland Community College in Austin for my general education classes.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would promote yogurt to elementary students. I would talk about why yogurt is good to eat, and how yogurt is a great source of protein, fats, carbohydrates, and minerals. Most kids also love the taste of yogurt so I think it would be a great product to promote to young children.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I think one concern is the high price of corn, which makes it difficult for farmers to feed their cows for the price they are getting for their milk. The food price in the stores is also going up. Many of the smaller dairy farmers are having troubles trying to make ends meet.

I would talk about how much work farmers go through and how we need to keep the dairy farmers in Mower County going so we do not have to get our dairy products from another country.

comfort for their animals.

I would use personal examples. I think it is important to tell people how well dairy farmers take care of their animals. My family’s cows get feed every day before I eat. They get vaccinations and regular health checkups at prescribed times. They get to lie in a bed of sand and are free to roam their pens aside from the three times they leave to be milked at their scheduled time. They have fans and sprinklers working to keep them cool during the hot, muggy summer days we experience here Minnesota. These are all practices many dairy farmers use to keep the comfort of their cows at the highest level to reduce stress.

Mower County Parents: Pat and Kris Mullenbach Town: Adams What is your current status? I am a senior at Southland High School. I work on my family’s farm and I also work at a neighboring dairy farm after school milking cows.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I grew up on a dairy farm south of Adams. I have Claire milked cows and taken care of calves my whole life. It Mullenbach, 18 has been the best job I could Dairy Star Sponsor: ever have. My family sold Foremost Farms USA our cows in the September Baraboo, WI 2009 in the dairy buyout. I 800-362-9196 now work on my neighbor’s dairy farm milking cows after school. I just can’t get away from milking cows.

On the farm where I work they milk 200 Holstein cows.

My future plans are to attend the University of Wisconsin-River Falls for animal science with an emphasis in dairy. I plan to become a dairy nutritionist and help dairy farmers with their feed rations for their cows.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. The dairy product I would choose would be milk and my audience would be younger children. I would inform them that milk is what gives them strong bones and helps them grow. I would also bring different flavored milk with me so they can try different kinds. I would tell them if they didn’t like the taste of white or chocolate milk, there are many other flavors they may choose. I would also inform them where and how the milk is produced, from the farm to the store to their fridge at home and in the coolers at school.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? An off-the-farm concern would be how many people are generations removed from the farm and don’t understand where their food comes from anymore. They know they can buy their food in a store, but they don’t have the background or understanding of how that food got into the stores in the first place. On the farm, a concern would be the fluctuating milk prices and the continuing restrictions of antibiotic use in the animals. This is becoming harder and harder for not only the farmer but also the vets to treat these sick animals.

The off-the-farm concern I would say we need to start knowledge of where food comes from in the school setting. The kids would take home what they have learned and share it with the rest of their family. We need to set up a class or program at school so these kids have an idea of where their food comes from. Maybe a class trip to a farm would be a good start. For the on-farm concern, I would assure people milk is the most tested product on their supper table. There are restrictions and withdrawal dates on antibiotics being used and the farmers know this because they take extra caution when a treated cow comes into the barn to be milked. Farmers eat what they produce, so they take extra caution when treating an animal. For the milk price concern, dairy farmers have a daily struggle of what the milk prices will do that day along with any day. Dairy farmers have learned to be the most efficient farmers because they have to try to keep costs down with the fluctuating income they have.

The last few years of low milk prices have put too many dairy farmers out of business.

Parents: Donald and Stephanie Servick Town: LeRoy What is your current status? I am a senior at LeRoy-Ostrander High School. I work on my family’s 475-cow Holstein dairy farm.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I work on my family’s 475-cow Holstein dairy farm between Wykoff and Fountain, Minn. The farm Lauren Elizabeth is run by my uncles, Greg Servick, 18 and Cory, as well as my Dairy Star Sponsor: grandpa, Gene. I work most Northern Country weekends and throughout Co-op the summer. I plan to attend Stacyville, IA the University of Minneso641-710-2348 ta-Twin Cities to study nutrition and hope someday to return to the farm. I am very involved in the National FFA Organization, where I have held many different leadership positions. I recently won the 2011 Minnesota State FFA Proficiency for agricultural education. I am also a member of National Honor Society, band, basketball, softball, pep band, drumline and elementary tutors.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would choose milk. I would love to get into a classroom of young elementary students and teach them about how the milk gets from the cow to their glass. I think it is important for them to learn this early as the more they know when they are young, the more educated choices they make as they become older consumers.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I think the biggest concern facing the dairy industry is the public’s view of dairy farming. I think it is important people know most farmers take good care of their animals. Cow comfort is typically a farm’s top priority. The media is the first to show someone taking care of their animals poorly. However, they seem to never acknowledge the farms that take great pride in providing

Murray County

Parents: Gregory and Madeline Vander Wal Town: Slayton What is your current status? Currently I am a student at Murray County Central in Slayton. I do daily chores on our farm.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am a senior in high school, who loves it. I love learning, and I like to take every moment I am blessed Caitlin with and use it to my advantage. The dairy farm Vander Wal, 18 that I live on milks about Dairy Star Sponsor: 600 cows and has roughly Gorter’s Clay & Dairy a herd of 500 steers. My faEquipment ther farms about 850 acres Pipestone, MN of alfalfa and corn. On this 507-825-3271 farm, my siblings and I care for about 160 calves. We all participate in 4:30 AM chores and as well as evening chores. It is a small farm that I will dearly miss at college. I will be attending college at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. I have officially gone into college undecided, but I am thinking of majoring in biology or a foreign language. I am looking forward to being able to serve my community and volunteering my time. I have been on several mission trips and these opportunities have shaped me more than anything else.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would choose butter. I would promote this to people who prefer margarine. I would tell consumers about studies which show that women who eat margarine have a higher chance of getting heart disease than those who eat real butter. Next, I would point out that margarine is only one molecule away from being plastic and has less nutritional value than butter. They both have the same amount of calories, but when heated while cooking, acids are released in margarine which create more trans-fats. Clearly, it would be healthier to eat real butter.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? One of my biggest concerns is people who attempt to regulate the dairy industry, especially those who know very little about it such as lawmakers making a “fart” tax. I am also concerned when legislators use environmental rules to inhibit or restrict larger dairies because they are seen as the enemy.

These things are here to stay; therefore, we need to find a way to live with these necessary environmental rules without inhibiting larger dairies unnecessarily.

Cows have an acute sense of smell, and can smell something up to six miles away.

Nicollet County Parents: Steven and Kathleen Herberg Town: St. Peter What is your current status? I am a senior at St. Peter High School, but I have attended South Central College through the PSEO program for the past 1.5 years.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I live on a fourthgeneration dairy farm where my family milks 60 Molly Herberg, 18 Dairy Star Sponsor: Holstein cows. In addition Farmers’ Elevator to the milk cows, we grow corn, soybeans and alfalfa. of St. Peter My farm responsibilities St. Peter, MN include dairy milking, calf 507-931-2112 chores and occasionally field work. I am actively involved in 4-H, Minnesota Junior Holstein Association and FFA. My hobbies include showing cattle, traveling and spending time with family and friends. I will attend the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities starting this fall. I will work towards a degree in ag industry and marketing with an animal science minor. I look forward to a career in the dairy industry in the area of communications and public relations.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would choose milk as my dairy product and my audience would be teenage girls. I would inform them that drinking milk is much better for them than other sugar-filled drinks, and milk can help them lose weight and build strong bones. Drinking milk as a teenager will have good health benefits for the rest of their lives.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I think one of the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry, off the farm, is the negative light shed on dairy farming regarding cow care and the environment and how farmers care for the land we call home.

I would share with the public that cow comfort is a number one priority on most farms; a happy cow is one that produces milk, so it’s vital for the producer to make sure the cows are comfortable. I would share that cows eat a balanced diet and have access to clean water twenty four hours a day. Our cows are also cared for by a veterinarian to ensure good cow health. I would also share that farmers live off the land so they find it important to be good stewards of the land. An example of how we are good stewards of the land at our farm is using environmentally safe cleaning products in our milk house thus reducing hazardous run-off water. Our compost barn is also environmentally friendly.

A problem on the farm is profitability for dairy farmers. Milk prices, farmers receive, have fluctuated greatly the past 36 months. Profitability is a must for farms to stay in the dairy farming business.

Parents: Dan and Shelley Schugel Town: New Ulm What is your current status? I’m currently a sophomore at MSU-Mankato, majoring in sports management. I work at Hy-Vee and lifeguard for the city.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I’m 19 years old. I am from Danielle New Ulm, Minn., and am Schugel, 19 a 2009 graduate from New Dairy Star Sponsor: Ulm High School. On our AMPI dairy farm, my family New Ulm Division milks 35 Holsteins on 300 www.ampi.com acres and grows alfalfa, wheat, oats, corn and soybeans. My future plans are to pursue a career in sports management and live in the Twins Cities area.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would choose cheese and tell people of all ages that people crave cheese more than any other food. You can eat mac and cheese, put it on your burg-

Dairy Star • Saturday, May 14, 2011 • Page 13

Nicollet County continued

Olmsted County continued

ers or just eat it alone.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? What the public take away when they hear other’s talking about raw milk and that organic is better.

I would reassure them that milk goes through pasteurization and it has nine essential nutrients to provide you with a healthy, balanced diet. As long as they are drinking milk – whether it’s skim, whole or organic – it is important to have three servings every day.

graduate from NICC in December 2012 with degrees in dairy science technology and ag business. Then I plan to work for a business in the dairy industry before returning to my parents’ farm, and gradually buy into the dairy.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would choose chocolate milk to promote to the parents of young children. I would promote chocolate milk by talking about its wonderful health benefits and its great taste. Sometimes children don’t always know what they should consume and they just want what tastes good. With chocolate milk, they get both. Parents are happy because their children are getting a great source of calcium, protein and other essential nutrients, while the kids are happy because it taste great. Parents should also be aware of the excellent health benefits that chocolate milk has for them.

An active person should drink chocolate milk instead of drinking Gatorade after a workout. It is a great way to refuel the body with protein and carbohydrates that muscles need, and it is a tasty, nutritious treat. Chocolate milk is an easy way to get three servings a day.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? The biggest on-farm concern dairy farmers are facing is the uncertainty of the price of milk. Milk prices have fluctuated dramatically over the past couple of years and have put dairy farmers in financial strains. The big concern off the farm is the disconnect between agriculture and its consumers. A majority of the public does not know or understand where and how dairy products are produced. This leaves room for misconceptions about what we are doing on our dairy farms.

We need to inform the public about what we are doing on our dairy farms. We should explain how farmers use the technology available to us to produce a wholesome product that is a good source of calcium and protein from cows that are healthy and happy.

Nobles County Parents: Craig and Lana Wieneke Town: Leota What is your current status? I just finished my freshman year at Iowa State University where I studied dairy science. Next fall, I will transfer to Northeast Iowa Community College to continue to study dairy science.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I live in the small Keela Wieneke, 19 Dairy Star Sponsor: town of Leota, Minn., and Blue Hilltop, Inc. work on VanEssen Dairy Farm one mile outside of Lake Wilson, MN town. It is a small family507-879-3593 run farm that milks about 800-821-7092 110 cows in a new robotic milking barn. In the future, I plan to graduate from college and come back to my home area and use my dairy science degree in nutrition or herd management.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. The product I would choose is ice cream. I would promote this by going to public events and serving it to people of all ages. While serving it, I would talk with people not only about ice cream, but about the dairy industry and answer their questions.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? A major concern in the industry on the farm is the well being of the animals and a concern off the farm is the price of dairy products in the store.

When asked about the well being of the animals, I would tell people that farmers take pride in their animals. The animals are the farmer’s income, so they need to be treated right in order to produce to their fullest.

As for the concern of the prices of dairy products in the store, dairy farmers are doing their best to be efficient on their farms to keep prices in the stores down to consumers’ liking.

Olmsted County Parents: Ron and Michelle Heins Town: Eyota What is your current status? I am a student at Northeast Iowa Community College in Calmar, Iowa, where I am majoring in dairy science technology and ag business.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I grew up on the same farm my dad Alana Heins, 19 was raised on with RegisDairy Star Sponsor: tered Guernsey cows, and Plainview Milk gradually my parents tranProducts sitioned the herd to RegisPlainview, MN tered Brown Swiss cattle.

507-534-3872 Now we milk 200 Registered Brown Swiss cows in a double-seven herringbone parlor with compost bedding pack barns we built in 2006. My plans are to

Parents: Roger and Melinda Holtegaard Town: Rochester What is your current status? I am a freshman at Winona State University, majoring in nursing. I’m a member of the nursing club at WSU. In addition, I am a youth leader in 4-H, and enjoy showing horses along with working on my family’s dairy farm.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live Annabelle and/or work on, and your Holtegaard, 19 future plans. I grew up on Dairy Star Sponsor: my family’s third-genera- Dairyland Equipment tion dairy farm, Blue HoPlainview, MN rizon Farm, just outside of 507-534-3161 Rochester. We milk 300 cows in our double-6 herringbone parlor. We take care of about a thousand total head. I’m very active on the farm; I especially enjoy taking care of the calves and cutting hay. Working on my family’s dairy farm has taught me patience, responsibility and teamwork.

I plan on graduating from Winona State University and their nursing program with the hopes of working at the Mayo Clinic. As a nurse, I look forward to educating the public about the dairy industry, specifically about the nutritional benefits on consuming dairy products.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would promote milk to college students.

As a college student myself, I always hear about the dreaded ‘freshmen 15.’ As young adults newly out on our own, we can take steps towards a healthy lifestyle by having a glass of milk with our meals. Milk has nine essential nutrients and when you drink milk you close that nutrient gap. Studies have shown drinking more milk can prevent weight gain. By preventing weight gain, you will prevent chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

Olmsted County continued on next page

Page 14 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 14, 2011

Olmsted County continued

Olmsted County continued

Olmsted County continued

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I feel that the biggest issue facing the dairy industry are false accusations about animal rights issues.

I feel the best way to resolve this problem is for dairy farmers to be open about their daily animal practices. As a dairy princess, I can take an active role by opening our dairy farm for public tours and educating the public on what really happens on the dairy farm.

Dairy farmers are both loyal stewards of the land and devoted animal caretakers.

Parents: Paul and Susan Kyllo Town: Byron What is your current status? Currently, I am a senior in high school. This summer, besides my dairy princess duties, I will be working for my parents on our farm.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I have been homeschooled my Annette Kyllo, 18 whole life and have reDairy Star Sponsor: ally enjoyed the freedom AMPI and diversity it has given Rochester Division me. How many other kids www.ampi.com get to help with a twisted stomach surgery for biology? Being at home has given me the opportunity to be more deeply involved with our farm.

We milk around 95 cows. My main duty is caring for the baby calves until they are around 6 months old.

I also milk once a week and fill in as needed. We own about 400 acres of land, 210 of which are tillable.

This fall, I will be attending the Association Free Lutheran Bible School in Plymouth, Minn. After two years there, I plan to pursue a degree in law enforcement or aviation.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would choose to promote milk to a group of second graders. I think the best way to interest this age group is by visual aids to get their attention as well as something hands-on. I would show them what a cow eats, how she gets milked, and the process milk goes through to get from the farm to the grocery store shelf. Then, I would tie in how milk is a necessary part of their diet to help grow strong bones for all the activities they want to do.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? The biggest concerns are high cost of land, feed, and supplies along with the widely fluctuating milk prices are a big challenge for farmers.

Another concern right now is the issue of how animals are cared for. Animal rights activists would like to portray animal agriculture in a very negative light.

I would address the public by telling them the truth – farmers work very hard to produce a tasty, wholesome product, and farmers are not getting rich at it.

About the animal rights issue, I would tell them that farmers rely on their cows for the livelihood and that it is in their best interest to take good care of them. I would also mention the FARM Program.

I remember being told to drink my milk as a little kid. It still holds true for me at this age. People need to have dairy products that contain calcium in their diets.

I know a glass of milk may not be your favorite drink, and with busy lifestyles , it is not always the most convenient. So why not grab a container of yogurt?

You will still get the great calcium needed for your growing bones. With so many flavors you are sure to find one or two you will love. Grab a container before sports practice, or have some with cereal in the morning. It’s healthy for you, quick, ready to go and tastes great.

I would also have yogurt sticks available for samples.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? Animal Rights groups are a concern.

Dairy farmers take great pride in their animals.

Why would we want to inflict harm on the animals that produce milk, which is our income and our livelihood? Dairy farmers take special issues in the care for their cows from water mattresses to manicures (hoof trimming). We do what is best for our animals.

I would ask animal rights activists if they have personally ever visited a farm or talked with a producer about the care of their animals, or if they are only going by what they have seen on the Internet. I would explain how we care for our animals with daily cleaning and bedding. We use very little medicine, instead, feeding properly and maintaining monthly health checks to prevent problems before they arise.

Parents: Roger and Melinda Holtegaard Town: Rochester What is your current status? I am a freshman at North Dakota State University majoring in equine science.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I grew up on my family’s dairy farm, Blue Horizon Dairy Farm, located in northeast Rochester, where Marjorie we milk 300 Holsteins. The Blue Horizon Dairy Farm Holtegaard, 19 has been in my family since Dairy Star Sponsor: my grandpa, Raymond Dairyland Equipment Holtegaard, bought the farm Plainview, MN in 1949. Now my family’s 507-534-3161 farm is going into its third generation with my brother, Nathan Holtegaard, farming alongside our father, Roger Holtegaard. Today my family’s dairy farm continues to grow and thrive. My family farms 800 acres, raising all our own feed. We work hard and around the clock raising bull and heifer calves into prosperous cows and steers.

By growing up and working on a dairy farm, I was able to have many different and wonderful opportunities that most people do not get to experience. I had the chance to join clubs such as 4-H and FFA where I was able to train, care for and show cattle at the county and state fair. Because of dairy farming, I developed a strong interest and a deep respect for the dairy industry. I continue to stay active in clubs such as 4-H, FFA, North Dakota State University Dairy Club and NDSU Saddle and Sirloin Club, which broadens my knowledge about the industry. I worked on my family’s dairy farm every day doing different jobs from feeding calves to fixing fence.

These jobs taught me tremendously about responsibility, time management and team work. I credit dairy farming for building my character and making me into a strong, hard working young adult.

Dairy farming gave me and continues to provide me with amazing opportunities. Therefore, I plan to carry on with my interest and give back to the industry by staying involved and promoting the dairy industry. I also plan to continue my schooling at North Dakota State University and graduate with a degree in equine science.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would promote chocolate milk to athletes by informing them about the great benefits of consuming chocolate milk after exercising. These benefits include gaining muscle, losing fat and refueling your body. Researchers have conducted studies that discovered milk is the best option for a post-workout beverage. Chocolate milk is the best choice because it’s a source of nine essential vitamins. It also contains high quality protein and carbohydrates and includes little sodium and sugar.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I believe the biggest concern for the dairy industry right now is the animal rights movement that is occurring. With the animal rights movement taking place, a lot of propaganda is happening which hurts the dairy industry.

I would address the public about the propaganda by explaining how dairy farmers are wonderful animal caretakers and how they are great stewards of the land.

Dairy farmers work hard every day to ensure animal safety and comfort. Not only do they respect the animals, but they also respect the land. As a dairy princess and a daughter of a dairy farmer, I believe educating the public about the admiration that dairy farmers have for farming is extremely important.

Parents: Bob and Barb Petit Town: Plainview What is your current status? I am currently a freshman at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, majoring in agricultural education with a minor in animal science.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. When I am not in school, I live Kelsey Petit, 19 on my family farm near Dairy Star Sponsor: Plainview. My farm is Plainview Milk a first-generation dairy Products farm, as my dad grew up Plainview, MN on the farm raising hogs 507-534-3872 and sheep. We milk between 50 and 60 cows in a 30-stall stanchion barn.

We also raise corn and alfalfa on 160 acres for our feed.

After graduation I would like to work as a 4-H program coordinator or with a dairy related business.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. My product would be yogurt and my audience pre-teens.

Parents: Edward and Sherri Twohey Town: Stewartville What is your current status? I am a sophomore at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. I am majoring in agricultural education leadership and communications with minors in animal science and mass communications.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and Theresa Twohey, 20 your future plans. I am Dairy Star Sponsor: the oldest of five siblings All American and my family and I milk Cooperative 230 grade and registered Stewartville, MN Holsteins. My earliest 507-533-4222 memory on the farm is of my grandpa and I bottle feeding calves. We would always have races to see whose calf would win. Little did I know, my grandpa grabbed the bottle with the larger nipple so he could win. This is just one of the memories that sparked my passion for the dairy industry. Growing up I was involved in dairy judging, Minnesota Junior Holstein Association, 4-H, and FFA. In college I am involved in the Gopher Dairy Club, the Agriculture Education Club, CFANS Student Board and Beta of Clovia Sorority. Being away at college has helped me realize how lucky I am to have been able to grow up on a dairy farm and how much I miss the cows when I am gone. My goal after I graduate is to obtain a job in public relations or communications for a dairy company and to raise heifers for my family’s dairy farm.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would choose cottage cheese because it is one of my favorite dairy products. I would market the product to a group of teenagers. I chose to promote cottage cheese to teenagers because many do not eat cottage cheese and do not realize the potential health benefits that cottage cheese has to offer. I would provide them with samples of different types of cottage cheese and a variety of fruits and other things commonly eaten with cottage cheese. Along with the samples I would stress the importance of cottage cheese.

Cottage cheese is a food used to help maintain weight because it is very low in fat and carbohydrates but very high in protein. It is also a great source of calcium and vitamin D. Cottage cheese is also a common ingredient found in lasagna.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facOlmsted County continued on next page

Olmsted County continued ing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? Some of the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry today are education, animal welfare and concern for the environment.

When addressing these concerns with the public, I would choose to focus on the positive aspects. First with education, there are many organizations out there actively working to promote the dairy industry. Along with those organizations, all the wonderful dairy princesses across the state are working hard to educate the public about dairy. It is extremely important to continue to promote the dairy industry seeing as more and more people are becoming removed from the farm and agriculture. As far as animal welfare goes, there is some negative media out there concerning the dairy industry. On our farm the animals are treated with the utmost care and respect. As dairy farmers, it is our job to see that the animals are well cared for at all times. Dairy farmers take the best care of their animals because it is the right thing to do. Lastly when it comes to the environment, dairy farmers are excellent stewards of the land. Dairy farmers live and work on their farms, so they understand the importance of protecting our natural resources, so that it will be there for future generations.

Pipestone County Parents: Steve and Marla Viland Town: Pipestone What is your current status? I have finished my freshman year at South Dakota State University where I am majoring in animal science.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I graduated from Pipestone Area Schools in 2010. While in Meg Viland, 19 high school, I participated Dairy Star Sponsor: in 4-H, FFA, track, band Gorter’s Clay & Dairy and cross country. In colEquipment lege, I am involved with Pipestone, MN the SDSU Dairy Club. I 507-825-3271 grew up on our small family dairy farm, and I am very grateful for it. As of 2007, our farm became a Century Farm, and we have had dairy cattle for over 50 years. I started showing cattle when I was 4 years old, and it is one of my favorite hobbies. I intend to earn a bachelor’s degree in animal science from SDSU in May 2014.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would choose chocolate milk. I would speak to an audience of people who are concerned with the nutritional values of flavored milk and those who are considering taking flavored milk out of school lunches. I would let them know that milk is milk and will always be nourishing for their child. I would let the audience know that I have been drinking chocolate milk since second grade because of a taste aversion. With regular exercise, I have been able to keep my body extremely healthy. Recently, I heard my high school has started providing chocolate milk after sports practices, and I asked the athletic director about this. I was delighted to hear him say they have proven milk is one of the best drinks to “re-fuel.”

Chocolate milk is definitely nature’s best sports drink.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I feel the biggest concerns are the consumers’ view of the treatment of animals and their concerns about the nutritional value of dairy products.

I would emphasize to the public that only happy, healthy and comfortable dairy cows produce the most plentiful amounts of milk. With high milk production along with longevity traits as a farmer’s goal, why would farmers mistreat their cattle if the cows are not going to perform as well compared to being happy?

I would tell people there are always reduced fat options available for dairy products. People can get milk that’s 98 percent fat free. Fluid milk is always wholesome and nutritious, and it is extremely beneficial for active people.

Pope County Parents: Robert and Bette Jean Paulzine Town: Lowry What is your current status? I am currently a senior at Minnewaska Area High School and will be graduating this May. Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am the youngest of five children; I have one sister and three brothers. My oldest Shayla Rae brother, Nate, farms with Paulzine, 18 us. I am involved in volDairy Star Sponsor: leyball, basketball, track AMPI and field, and am currentDawson Division ly an officer for our FFA www.ampi.com chapter. This past summer I visited Washington, D.C., for the Washington Leadership Conference.

I’m also involved with the art club. This past winter I got to visit Paris.

I live on a small dairy farm milking 60 head of Holsteins and a few crossbreds. I help my brother milk whenever I can. We also have a small beef herd and raise all of our heifers and steers. We farm about 300 acres, which include pasture for rotational grazing, alfalfa, corn, small grain and beans. I’m very active in 4-H and enjoy showing dairy cattle, dairy steers, beef, swine, poultry, and many home environment projects. I will be attending Alexandria Technical and Community College for a two year program in health and fitness and later attending Anoka Technical College for physical therapy assistant.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I decided to talk about cheese to seventh and eighth grade students; these are the students who are making their own decisions about their diets. They are also buying their snacks at school and after school events. String cheese is very easy for those kids to grab and stick in their back packs for whenever they get hungry. String cheese is very nutritional and low in fat. It is also very good. I often bring a 24-pack of string cheese on the bus for my team mates for on the way to an away game. They enjoy it so much, and it is easy for me because we get it right off the milk truck.

I would promote this product by passing out samples at parades and ball games and telling people all the benefits of cheese and other dairy products.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? One of the biggest concerns is to convince consumers that dairy producers are committed to caring for their animals and the environment while providing a safe and healthy product and to not allow animal cruelty videos to be shown to the consumers without an investigation. The cattle injection site is another big issue, and requires protocol so they leave as little damage as possible. Injections are always given in the neck triangle to minimize the damage to the saleable meat and it seems to minimize the trauma to the cow.

I will talk to consumers so they know and believe in the products they buy at the grocery store. For consumers, animal and food safety is important. Milk contains nine essential vitamins and nutrients our bodies need. Dairy farmers understand this, and they take pride in knowing they are able to help Americans by providing them with safe and good tasting dairy products they can enjoy every day. One step to educate all of us has already started with a 4-H program that makes it mandatory for all 4-Hers to attend Livestock Quality Assurance and Ethics Training. It teaches us to give shots and not to be cruel to our animals and how to care for them. I would also encourage consumers to not judge all producers by what they see on the news, but to look at the broader picture. The welfare of our animals is our success. Dairy farmers work hard every day to ensure the products that consumers buy are safe and healthy by taking good care of their animals. They have strong work ethic and sound values.

Dairy Star • Saturday, May 14, 2011 • Page 15

Redwood County

Parents: Greg and Laura Stage Town: Vesta What is your current status? I am a junior/senior at Southwest Minnesota State University. I would like to become an elementary, early childhood educator with a minor in special education.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I reside on my family’s dairy and grain farm. Dalton Stage, 21 Dairy Star Sponsor: We milk 60 cows. We also harvest corn, beans and al- Gorter’s Clay & Dairy falfa on 1,000 acres of land.

Equipment Choose a dairy prodPipestone, MN uct and an audience, and 507-825-3271 tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. In a classroom I would promote milk because the students always want to become big and strong, and drinking milk is a way for them to build strong bones. This technique would be especially beneficial to the young males in the class, but all of the students will want to drink milk to become bigger and stronger. I would also bring some milk to share with the students.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I think many people in the community are concerned with the quality and cleanliness of our dairy products. I think many people are concerned that the products we produce are not safe to consume.

Our products must be tested and pass a number of state and federal tests before they are sent to a dairy plant. At the plant, the fluid milk is tested again. It is also cleaned at the plant to ensure that it is safe for the consumers. The equipment the farmers use on the animals must be sanitized before and after use. A farm is not able to operate unless it passes inspection.

Parents: Greg and Laura Stage Town: Vesta What is your current status? I am currently a high school senior at Wabasso Public High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I live and work on my family owned and operated dairy and grain farm.

We are currently milking 60-head of dairy cows and Della Stage, 17 farming 1,000 acres of corn, Dairy Star Sponsor: beans and alfalfa. This fall I plan to attend South Dakota Gorter’s Clay & Dairy State University majoring Equipment in dairy manufacturing.

Pipestone, MN Choose a dairy prod507-825-3271 uct and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. If I had to choose one dairy product, I would choose cream cheese, and my audience would be the middle-aged group. I would promote cream cheese as a dairy product by first letting them know it is a dairy product, even though it is easily forgot about. I would then go on to tell them about the many ways cream cheese can be eaten and different ways of cooking with it.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I feel the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm are prices. I have talked to people not related to the dairy industry, and they have made comments about how dairy farmers should be making good money because the prices of products in the store are so expensive, but when looking at the amount of money you get for the milk, it isn’t an accurate amount.

I would address the public about this topic first, by explaining the process milk has to go through to get it to the store as a finished product. I would also explain how the money we do make is put back into the cows for feed and supplies to put out a good quality milk to be made into dairy products.

Redwood County continued on next page

Page 16 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 14, 2011

Redwood County continued Parents: Dennis and Jane Plaetz Town: Lucan What is your current status? I am attending the University of South Dakota, pursuing a master’s degree in chemistry.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I grew up on Redwine Dairy in southwestern Minnesota. My dad has 45 milking cows and 200 heifers and calves. Growing up, Rachel Plaetz, 23 Dairy Star Sponsor: my sisters and I helped with Farmers Co-Op chores whenever we could and I still enjoy going out Association of Milroy to the barn whenever I’m 504 Euclid Avenue home. I plan to attend pharMilroy, MN 56263 macy school after completing my master’s degree. After becoming a pharmacist, I would like to work in a small rural community in Minnesota.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. Milk has essential nutrients for everyone, whether you are 1 year old or 100 years old. Each new generation is living longer than the last, so it is even more important for people to take care of their body starting with childhood. Calcium is the biggest nutrient milk provides, and while there is calcium in fortified orange juice and soy milk, the body can’t break it down into a usable source as readily as the calcium in milk.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I see an increase in misinformation concerning the treatment of livestock as one of the largest concerns.

I think this is because most people are less connected to life on the farm than they used to be. While attending college, I met people from large cities who didn’t know much about farm life or dairy cows. They had the misconception that the animals were not treated well or as individuals.

When people assume our animals are not treated properly, I am personally offended. When this happens, I correct them because these assumptions are clearly wrong. I have invited people with this misconception to our farm to show them how we treat our animals. I let them know dairy cows are a dairy farmer’s livelihood and when the cows are not fed, watered and taken care of they will not produce milk to their potential. While there is always room for improvement, dairy farmers are doing everything they can to make sure the animals are treated humanely. We have made tremendous progress with regard to cow comfort, and by improving cow comfort we are simultaneously improving cow welfare.

Renville County

Parents: Kirby and Ann Albrecht Town: Fairfax What is your current status? I am a senior at Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School in New Ulm. I’m involved in tennis, basketball, golf, jazz band, a capella choir and National Honor Society.

This will be my second summer working at Fort Ridgely State Park.

Tell us about your- Jessica Albrecht, 18 self, the farm you live Dairy Star Sponsor: and/or work on, and Bongards’ Creameries your future plans. I live Bongards, MN on a farm south of Fair952-466-5521 fax with my parents and three sisters. My dad operates a dairy and crop farm with my two uncles. They currently are milking 70 cows. I will be attending South Dakota State University in Brookings this fall for a major in general studies.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would choose milk as my dairy product to promote, and I would target my audience towards

Renville County continued

Rice County continued

12- to 14-year-olds. Teaching them the importance of milk in their teen years would be my main focus. As kids enter middle school, they become more involved with athletics and are at the growing stage of their lives. Keeping milk in their diets is important in the formation of strong bones and healthy bodies. Milk also re-energizes the body after a physical workout.

Informing teens at an early age will encourage them to drink milk on a daily basis.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I feel the biggest concern facing farmers today is milk price instability. I want the public to know how dairy farmers contribute to our local economies. When milk prices remain low for extended periods, we start losing dairy farmers. This impacts rural communities in a negative way.

Parents: Paul and Audrey Duban Town: Faribault What is your current status? I am currently finishing up my senior year at Faribault High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I like to snowmobile, spend time outside and with my friends, show dairy cattle for 4-H and be on the farm. Our farm is run by my parents, two younger Clarissa Duban, 18 Dairy Star Sponsor: brothers and I. We milk 90 Hastings Co-op Ayrshire and Holstein cows and raise all of the youngCreamery stock. During the summer, Hastings, MN our cows rotationally graze 651-437-9414 on pasture. I water, feed and bottle-feed the calves milk and also feed the heifers. I milk usually three nights a week or whenever it’s needed.

Next year, I plan on attending Ridgewater College in Willmar and majoring in dairy management. I hope to someday either have my own farm or be an employed manager.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. Kids need to learn at a young age how important drinking milk is and how getting their 3-A-Day of dairy products now is going to affect their bodies in the future.

In order to promote that to kids, drinking milk has to be fun. You need to get their attention by using people they see as idols and showing them that they can be just like their hero if they drink their milk. Kids are eager to learn if you give them the opportunity to.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I think the biggest concern on the farm right now is how expensive it has become to dairy farm. The cows need to eat in order to produce milk and the price of everything – corn, fuel and everything in between – has risen. When you are only breaking even or losing money, it forces family farms to have to quit. Off the farm, the biggest concern is how the media sometimes portrays the dairy industry as being unsanitary and the animals not being treated how they should be.

I would tell consumers that dairy farmers are always thinking about how to better their farms and work hard to keep their cows clean and healthy everyday.

Rice County

Parents: Paul and Linda Dietz and Jodie Dietz Town: Faribault What is your current status? I am a senior at Bethlehem Academy High School in Faribault, Minn.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I plan to attend the University of Wisconsin-River Falls as a double major in math and ag education. I work at Elisabeth Dietz, 18 RKB Dairy, which is my Dairy Star Sponsor: aunt and uncle’s, Kathy Isaacson Implement and Randy Bauers,’ farm.

Nerstrand, MN The farm has a mixture of 507-334-4059 Jerseys and Holsteins and milks about 100 cows.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would choose to promote milk to an audience of women. I strongly believe women should drink milk as much as possible because of all its nutritional benefits that not only help prevent the onset of osteoporosis and also helps with weight management. To help promote milk to women, I have been talking to my classmates and underclassmen about all the benefits of milk. I will also attend as many events as I can as a dairy princess and promote milk as I talk with everyone.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? One concern facing the dairy industry is the issue of raw milk. The definition of “raw milk” is unpasteurized or homogenized milk. This basically means that it’s milk straight from the milk tank.

Some people have turned to consuming raw milk products because of health and nutrition reasons; these products are thought to have higher levels of vitamins, enzymes, minerals and good bacteria than pasteurized milk products. The sale of raw milk products is currently illegal because of poor health and safety code violations from the early 1900s. The bad reputation of raw milk products may have been justified back then, but things have changed. While the sale of raw milk products can be slightly beneficial to individual farmers, it can hurt the dairy industry. If more people go back to consuming raw dairy products, the price of milk may go down because the demand of milk may decrease. Because the sale of raw milk products is illegal, if the people selling these products get caught or the people consuming the products become sick, there may be some consequences that not only reflect upon them but also other dairy farmers. The sale of raw dairy products may be illegal, but not all raw dairy products are “bad” for you as long as you know and trust your source.

Parents: Brian and Stacey Gillen Town: Medford What is your current status? I am a senior at Faribault High School and also a Post-Secondary Enrollment Option student at South Central College. In addition to helping out on my parents’ dairy farm, I work at Faribault Ace Hardware as a sales associate and a cashier.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or Emily Gillen, 17 Dairy Star Sponsor: work on, and your future plans. I live on a second- Isaacson Implement generation dairy and crop Nerstrand, MN farm in Medford, Minn.

507-334-4059 We currently milk 90 Holstein cows, raise all our replacement heifers and dairy steers, and crop farm 900 acres of soybeans, corn, alfalfa and oats. When I’m not in school or at my job in town, I work with my parents in the barn helping with the cows or driving tractor to assist with field work. My future plans are to obtain a degree in agribusiness at South Central College in North Mankato.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. Milk would be the dairy product that I choose with my audience being teenagers. Teenagers tend to pick up a lot of bad eating habits, and we need to remind them of how these habits can affect their body as they get older.

We need to tell them information about how good milk is for them and how easy it is to get this nutrient-filled product in many different favors and options.

Rice County continued on next page

Dairy Star • Saturday, May 14, 2011 • Page 17

Rice County continued

Rice County continued

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? The biggest concerns facing the dairy industry are low dairy producer profit and price volatility.

The reality is that the public really doesn’t understand these issues that producers are dealing with. We have to explain to them that we as producers cannot continue supplying America’s food with profits being so low that we have to have some stability and work together.

nity. At school I am involved in Link Crew, the Rotary Strive program, band, pep band, track and cross country.

My family lives and works on a sixth-generation dairy farm that has been in my family for 150 years.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would promote milk to adolescents by telling them about all the benefits of milk such as its abundance of calcium and other vitamins and minerals. As people age their bones are more susceptible to breaks and fractures. Calcium is a necessity for bone health and also helps prevent the onset of osteoporosis.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I think the public’s misconceptions of animal welfare is a big concern.

I would explain to them that the dairy farmers care for and maintain adequate housing for their animals.

From calf to cow these animals are the livelihood of the dairy producers and their families and the farmers depend on their animals to be as productive as possible.

Parents: Paul and Barb Liebenstein Town: Dundas What is your current status? I am a junior at South Dakota State University majoring in dairy production and agriculture business.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. At school I am an active member of the dairy club and a staff member of Grace Little International, a club that puts on judging conLiebenstein, 20 tests for high school kids Dairy Star Sponsor: and showmanship contests Land O’Lakes from college kids. Upon Melrose, MN graduating I plan to work 320-256-7461 in the ag industry and return home some day. I grew up on a 400-cow dairy in Dundas, Minn., with my younger sister, Mary. Our farm is a first generation dairy that my Dad started. Our farm hosts 500 to 700 people a year on tours, with groups as large as 300 people.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would choose to promote chocolate milk to a school board that is considering removing it from their lunch room because I think it is important to keep dairy products in schools. I would let them know that there are many health benefits to kids consuming chocolate milk.

Not all kids like white milk, and if chocolate milk keeps them consuming the nutritious product it is worth it.

Even though there is a sugar content, the nutrient value of the milk out weighs the sugar content.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? The biggest concern facing the dairy industry is the public’s misunderstanding on what it takes to feed the world. The public is now almost three generations removed from farms and have many misconceptions about how we take care of the land and our animals. It usually takes just a little education to help people better understand where their food comes from and that we are doing a very good job with what we have been called to do.

As dairy farmers, it is important to be honest and share with the public why we do what we do. I think the best way we do this is by being open to having tours, and sharing our story with anyone who wants to learn more about the daily care dairy farmers give their cows.

Parents: Paul and Linda Meyer Town: Faribault What is your current status? I am a senior at Faribault High School, and I am employed as a lifeguard and swim lesson instructor at the Faribault Community Center. I also help out on my family’s dairy farm.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. After graduating, I Jessica Meyer, 18 Dairy Star Sponsor: plan to attend Bemidji State University next year. I teach Isaacson Implement swimming lessons and am Nerstrand, MN a lifeguard at the Faribault 507-334-4059 Family Aquatic Center and Faribault Community Center, and I teach Sunday school at my church. I am also involved with the First United Bank’s Junior Board of Directors in my commu-

Parents: Ray and Bridget Pieper Town: New Prague What is your current status? I am a freshman at Bemidji State University where I am majoring in secondary science education.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I work on my parents’ dairy farm where we milk 360 cows Maria Pieper, 19 two times a day. On the Dairy Star Sponsor: farm I milk the cows, feed Land O’Lakes calves and do other chores Melrose, MN around the farm.

320-256-7461 Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. The dairy product I choose is milk and my audience is PETA. Milk does the body good. Milk was our first food and the only food that would have allowed us to survive.

Milk contains nine essential nutrients and vitamins, including protein, vitamins A, D and B12, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin, niacin, zinc and magnesium. All of these nutrients are needed in our daily diet for a complete balance of nutrition and to help maintain a healthy way of living. Government regulations have a zero tolerance and nobody ever has to worry about drinking an unsafe product. It is 100 percent safe to drink.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? The biggest concern the dairy industry has on the farm is trying to make a constant profit.

The biggest concern facing the dairy industry off the farm is the animal rights activist groups Trying to make a constant profit in the dairy industry has always been a major problem farmers face.

Without a guaranteed profit every year, more and more farmers are leaving the dairy industry, and without farmers there would be no milk. Animal rights actives groups like PETA say that dairy animals are not cared for and using the products they produce is inhumane. This is a huge problem because when groups of people say false information about farming, farmers get a bad name and a false image.

The average cow produces enough milk each day to fill six one-gallon jugs, about 55 pounds of milk.

Rock County

Parents: Wayne Brands, Dawn Gunsalus Town: Luverne What is your current status? I am a sophomore at North Dakota State University. I changed my major to pre-veterinary medicine, so I will be in Fargo three to four more years.

After completing the prevet program at NDSU, I plan to apply to the University of Minnesota veterinary program.

Katelyn Brands, 19 Tell us about yourself, Dairy Star Sponsor: the farm you live and/or Gorter’s Clay & Dairy work on, and your future Equipment plans. I have lived on a Pipestone, MN dairy farm my entire life.

507-825-3271 We milk 87 cows, most of which are Holsteins.

Along with working on the farm, I am also a certified nursing assistant at Mary Jane Brown Home in Luverne, Minn. After getting my veterinary license, I plan to move back to Luverne so I can stay connected to the ag industry I have known my entire life.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would promote yogurt to women over 50 years old. I would run a free program for those who are over 50 and at risk of developing bone loss – osteoporosis. I would also include fun, tasty, healthy recipes where yogurt is used.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I feel the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry are how safe the public thinks our milk is, and keeping our dairy animals healthy amidst the pathogens and diseases affecting our farms.

I would tell the public that farmers are dedicated to providing the public with safe and high quality dairy products. We ensure our animals are given the best care possible and are given routine checks by local veterinarians.

Parents: Cal and Char Lubben Town: Edgerton What is your current status? I am currently working as a hair stylist at MasterCuts in the Empire Mall in Sioux Falls. It is surprising the interaction I get with my clients to be able to reach out and inform them about the importance of the dairy industry. A lot of people find my story fascinat- Tina Lubben, 20 ing, a hard working farm Dairy Star Sponsor: girl moving to the city to Gorter’s Clay & Dairy be a hairstylist. Yet, on Equipment days off, I go home to help Pipestone, MN work on the farm.

507-825-3271 Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I live and work in Sioux Falls, but I come home on my days off to work on my parent’s farm. Along with me are my twin brothers (18) and my younger sister (12). Currently, we are milking around 200 cows and raising the calves. My dad also farms the land with crops; he has corn, soybeans and alfalfa. I assist in milking the cows, feeding calves and keeping up with records.

At the age of 20, no one knows what their future will hold, who they will be or where they will be at, but I have an idea of what I want. I’d like to settle down and live on a dairy farm raising baby calves, yet continue working in the salon to interact with the general public. I want to raise a family and teach my kids responsibility and a good work ethic.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I’d promote cheese to grade school kids. I Rock County continued on next page

Page 18 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 14, 2011

Rock County continued would start off by informing them that cheese is everywhere. Cheese is on pizza, on burgers, in grilled cheese sandwiches, and there is string cheese. Cheese is a healthy, nutritious, quick and easy snack to grab on the run. In our county, during parades, we throw out cheese sticks to help promote dairy.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I feel a big issue concerning the dairy industry is getting people on the same understanding of animal care and treatment. Sometimes the general public has the wrong interpretation or don’t understand what happens on the farm fully. I always reassure them that no matter what they have heard farmers are fully committed to providing their animals with the best care possible, which in turn provides them with safe, high quality dairy products.

Parents: Dale and Shelli Van Westen Town: Steen What is your current status? I am a senior at Hills-Beaver Creek High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am active in FFA, Mock Trial, Math League, and Knowledge Bowl in school. I live on an acreage with my parents and Alaina have sheep and cow/calf Van Westen, 18 pairs. I work at Teune’s Dairy Star Sponsor: Dairy where I milk cows, Gorter’s Clay & Dairy do calf chores, and clean Equipment the equipment. This fall, I Pipestone, MN will attend Northeast Iowa 507-825-3271 Community College in Calmar for dairy science technology.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would promote string cheese to an audience of parents of young children, about preschool age. I would tell these parents that string cheese is a healthy, fast snack that can improve their child’s bones, muscles, organs and other tissues. When served in the proper amount, cheese not only provides calcium, but protein, vitamin A and vitamin D as well.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I feel the biggest concern facing the dairy industry on the farm is with cost and production.

Off the farm, I feel the biggest concern is the public’s misguided views of animal health and treatment.

If I was asked about the concern of cost and production, I would tell the public that it is a real struggle. The cost of feed, medicine, and other necessities is going up and the price of milk is low. They may suggest that dairy farmers produce more milk to combat the problem, but it would cost more to raise more animals. If I was asked about animal health and treatment, I would say the media focuses on the negative.

Dairy farmers want their animals to be healthy and treated right because that means better milk production. There are always cases of a few “bad apples,” but as a whole, I feel dairy farmers want their animals to be in the best condition possible.

The greatest amount of milk produced in one year was 59,298 lbs by a Holstein cow named Robthom Sue Paddy.

Scott County

Parents: Tim and Jody O’Loughlin Town: Shakopee What is your current status? I am a junior in high school, and I also work part time.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. My grandparents own a dairy farm in Shakopee that the whole family is involved on. I help with fieldwork, feeding the Erica calves and other odd jobs.

I plan to study to be veteriO’Loughlin, 17 nary technician at RidgewaDairy Star Sponsor: ter College in Willmar in AMPI the fall of 2012. I was born Rochester Division and raised in Shakopee and www.ampi.com enjoy dance, cheerleading, 4-H and FFA. I enjoy showing cattle, working with them every day and revolving my whole summer around them. I am also on my FFA chapter dairy judging team.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would choose ice cream and promote it to young children and teens. I would do this through presentations at their schools, handing out ice cream and showing them the good all farmers do to create products.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? One major concern is the milk prices. The rise in gas prices also is affecting farmers because fuel is needed to run all the equipment that plant, harvest and dry crops as well as just doing everyday chores.

Being the daughter of a crop farmer, I know my dad is concerned about the rising fuel costs because it impacts all the other products farmers need to be successful. Fertilizer and seed prices, as well as the prices of many other things, have increased because it costs a lot more to ship them to each farm.

Parents: Mary Ann and John Ruehling Town: New Prague What is your current status? I am currently attending New Prague High School and helping on our dairy farm.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/ or work on, and your future plans. My dad’s great grandfather founded our farm in 1826. I’m the fifth generation to live on this Maggie farm. My uncle, Marty, and my dad have a partnership.

Ruehling, 17 We milk 220 Holstein cows, Dairy Star Sponsor: raise all of our youngstock River Country Co-op and run about 1,600 acres.

Montgomery, MN I help year-round with the 507-364-5059 milking and animal care.

When I’m not in school, I drive tractor to shred stalks and help wherever needed.

I’m also active in 4-H and show prospect calf, sheep and dog among other projects. We also have horses, cats and chickens. After high school, I plan on helping on the farm until I’m sure of my future plans.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I’d like to address any group of people to let them know my favorite dairy product is Bongards Bacon Cheese. I love this cheese because it has a creamy texture. I love to put it on crackers or add it to macaroni and cheese. It can be added to basically anything to add a smoky and cheesy flavor.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? One of the biggest concerns I have would be educating the public about the importance of farming and letting them know someone has to feed the world.

During the last housing boom, my dad was told by a city official that “our land was too valuable to be wasted on farming.” I am worried that that person isn’t alone in this way of thinking; where would that leave us for the future?

I would try to give the public honest and straight forward answers.

Scott County continued

Parents: Randy and Cheryl Warner Town: New Prague What is your current status? I am currently a student at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn., pursing a nursing degree. I work both on the dairy farm with my dad, Randy, and have a campus job.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am a full-time student at Gustavus with plans of graduating with a nursing Kayla Warner, 19 Dairy Star Sponsor: degree and minor in dance. I am a member on the Gusta- Waconia Farm Supply Waconia, MN vus Adolphus College dance team, play volleyball and en888-741-3276 joy running track. I have an older sister (Rochelle) and two younger brothers (Austin and David), making me one of four children. My mom, Cheryl, is a substitute teacher for the New Prague School District and my dad, Randy, is a dairyman.

I live on a 300-acre dairy farm where we milk 85 Holstein cows and raise corn and soybeans. I am a third-generation 4-Her and showed cattle along with other general projects at Scott County for 12 years. I had the opportunity, as every 4-Her’s dream, to show at the Minnesota State Fair five years in a row. In the future, I plan to continue promoting the dairy industry in any way possible with appearances in banks, parades and libraries, educating consumers and the general public about the dedication farmers and producers have to provide safe, healthy and delicious products for consumers to enjoy. Hopefully, in the years to come you will see my face carved in 90 pounds of butter at the State Fair as your Princess Kay. Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience.

“Ah! The power of cheese!” If I had to pick a dairy product to promote to children, I would pick my favorite ... cheese.

In order to promote this product to children, we would first sample cheese. As I am sitting enjoying my favorite snack, I would explain the many different types of cheese offered because everyone knows hands-on participation is a very effective way of learning. As we are sampling the cheese, we could discuss the process of making cheese starting with the farmers to how it finally reaches the consumer. We could watch a tour of how my sponsor Le-Sueur Cheese Company makes the many flavors of cheese and make it interesting for kids. There are many flavors and types of cheese to choose from, so I would promote kids finding their favorite types and having fun eating it. Education is the first step in promoting any product. I would talk to the kids about how nutritious cheese is for the body and essential in promoting strong health. Finally, I would expose them to how accessible consumption of cheese products are ranging from string cheese as a quick snack in the car, cheese and crackers at a party, and grilled cheese for lunch or just a slice of cheese on a burger. I find the combination of personal experience, visual and oral exposure, to be an effective strategy. As a dairy princess, I believe it is my duty to education everyone on the importance of dairy products by starting with the younger generations that will be able to teach future generations and go back to their parents.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics?

Many farms are failing in these hard financial and economic times. The dairy industry is losing the family-farm feel, which is being replaced with large corporation farms and robots. With the drop in milk prices and increasing feed expenses, it is hard for farmers to come out ahead or hang on.

Without family farms, we lose history, families lose jobs and incomes, and the general public loses those farmers willing to educate and producers who show pride in their work 365 days a year under all conditions. Farmers take care of their animals and consumers, but who is taking care of and looking out for the farmers?

Everyone goes through their ups and downs, and all we can do is support the farmers of Minnesota who provide for consumers and hope for better times to come. Taking the time to educate and explain to the public what problems face the American family farm is crucial to increase awareness of the struggles they face each day. After consumers are aware of these current problems, they can appreciate the work and sacrifice farmers put forth to produce quality product for consumers, as well as why we need farmers forever. As a dairy princess, I plan to support these farmers and spread awareness to all consumers about the benefits and dedication farmers put forth for our overall health.

Sibley County

Parents: Jim and Jody Oelfke Town: Hamburg What is your current status? I am completing my freshman year at North Dakota State University in Fargo, with a major in public relations and advertising and a minor in agricultural communications.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. My family and I reside on our century dairy Janet Oelfke, 19 Dairy Star Sponsor: farm in Hamburg. We milk State Bank of about 190 registered Jerseys. While keeping busy Hamburg with the dairy industry, we Hamburg, MN also have our own cash 952-467-2992 crop business. My parents, grandpa, three siblings and I all do our part to make certain everything runs efficiently on the farm. Whether it begins with feeding calves, mixing feed or milking cows; we understand that every aspect is important to ensure that our animals are healthy and well-cared for.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. Yogurt is the perfect on-the-go, nutrient-rich snack for any age. One third of your dairy calcium requirements can be satisfied with an 8-ounce serving of yogurt.

My yogurt promotion would entail the many varieties of yogurt and the incredible convenience. For example yogurt can be purchased in a tube-like package for busy, active families. Whether you prefer a dessert-like flavor or classic strawberry, yogurt can be a great budget smart choice.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? A concern facing the dairy industry today on and off the farm is the long term commitment that dairy farms have to protect the environment and their communities.

I would assure the public that dairy farmers are responsible caretakers of their land. A common public concern would consist of water conservation and water quality. Farmers are committed to maintain a clean water supply for the community, families, and for their cattle. More specifically, it is important to provide dairy cattle with safe, clean water to produce wholesome, high-quality milk.

Parents: Ken and Gwen Wendinger Town: Arlington What is your current status? In fall I will be a junior at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, Minn. I am currently pursuing an agribusiness major with concentrations in farm management and finance.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future RoseAnn plans. My family is made up of myself, my parents, Wendinger, 19 my five older brothers and Dairy Star Sponsor: their families. We all help Bongards’ Creameries around the farm as much as Bongards, MN possible. We milk 83 Hol952-466-5521 stein dairy cows and run about 500 acres of land.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would choose chocolate milk and my audience would be sports teams of all ages. When compared to sports drinks, chocolate milk after practices and workouts is more beneficial. Chocolate milk has natural sugars the body can break down easily, has protein to refuel the athletes and calcium to keep bones strong and able to sustain pressure and stress from workouts.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? Right now there are a few major issues concerning the dairy industry, one is that $7 corn is not helping feed costs by no means. Another is that there are considerably less farms now, but some of the ones that are left

Dairy Star • Saturday, May 14, 2011 • Page 19

Sibley County continued

Stearns County continued

have greatly increased in size. Also consumers seem to need more security about the regulation of dairy products.

The best way to address the public about the security of dairy products is to inform them that dairy is one of the most regulated industries, withstanding multiple tests throughout production to ensure quality. Also, offering consumers choices such as organic gives them the ability to have peace of mind when buying great dairy products for their families.

tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. Well, I would have to choose cheese as the dairy product and people my age as the audience. I would promote cheese by showing people how easy it is to include cheese in any meal. It adds flavor and also has nutrients that are easily forgotten with a busy school and work schedule. Whether you slice it, melt it, shred it, cheese can easily be added to anything.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? Right now I think that gas prices are a big concern to everyone. It will be a lot more expensive to put the tractors in the field this spring with the gas and diesel prices going over $4 a gallon. It affects milk truck drivers and other transport jobs that go over a hundred miles in a day, too. The milk price is also a concern with farmers. There are more and more farmers selling their cows in the last couple years because the income just doesn’t even out with the expenses anymore.

I would just say it like it is. Everyone is going through hard times. It is going affect you in some way no matter where you live or what you do. Problems are fixed with a bit of thinking and hard work.

Stearns County Parents: Craig and Cindy Achen Town: Sauk Centre What is your current status? I am a junior at the University of Minnesota majoring in animal science with a dairy emphasis and a minor in leadership.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. My family previously owned and operated Achen Family Dairy just south of Sauk Centre. Emily Achen, 21 Dairy Star Sponsor: Growing up, my main reDairy Star, LLC sponsibility was milking the herd of 70 cows. Recently, Sauk Centre, MN my family and the herd 320-352-6303 moved to Indiana; however, my family is still in partnership in Union Dairy near West Union, Minn. I have maintained my residency, activities and interest here in Minnesota.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would promote the use of cheese and other dairy products in preparing meals to moms. I would do this by inviting moms to a cooking demonstration and show them how easy it is to add cheese to all kinds of recipes.

While doing this, I will highlight the nutritional value of dairy products.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? One of the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm is the difference in opinions of raw milk.

Recently, I was approached by one of my classmates seeking a nearby farm where he could purchase raw milk from a pasture based farm to make his own dairy products. I genuinely appreciated his ambition but wanted to know more. I asked him why raw milk would be the best option. He described that raw milk from a pasture based farm is a more natural option and believed that it was more nutritious because the cows were in an environment that they evolved from. He understood what pasteurization was but thought that it denatured the milk and made it less nutritious. We carried on a conversation where I shared that dairy farmers, like my family’s farm, care for our cattle by providing them with a nutritious ration, a constant supply of clean water and a comfortable place to rest.

Parents: Randy and Sherry Bertram Town: Spring Hill What is your current status? I am a senior in high school.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I live on a 50 cow dairy about a mile from Spring Hill with my parents, two brothers and sister. I help out at home with milking, feeding, and fieldwork. I also work on a 500 cow dairy by Melrose.

I plan on attending Ridgewater College this fall for agri-business.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and

Amanda Bertram, 18

Dairy Star Sponsor: Central Minnesota Credit Union 888-330-8482 myCMCU.org

Parents: Richard and Cindy Klaphake Town: Freeport What is your current status? I am a senior at Melrose High School and will graduate on June 3. I work on a 160-cow dairy north of Albany on weekends. Also, I go out for chores every morning at home with my mom and dad before school.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live Kate Klaphake, 17 and/or work on, and your Dairy Star Sponsor: future plans. I live on a ElmDale 45 cow dairy. My parents Creamery & Locker own Holsteins and I love Elmdale, MN to be out in the barn. I like 320-573-2607 to milk and feed calves. I also help with most of the field work. I can do pretty much anything other than combine. I love to cut hay. I am a member of Adley Creek 4-H Club and Melrose FFA. This fall I am attending Ridgewater College in Willmar for Dairy Management. I am very excited to start this fall.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. If I were to promote a dairy product, it would be milk to first graders because I feel we need to get younger children to want to drink milk instead of pop and other non-nutritious drinks. I would have fun games for the kids to play and learn about not only milk but the dairy industry. Giving them a game to play would not only test their knowledge but also teach them. After all most first graders are very competitive. I would also show them a video from when the milk comes out of the cow to when in ends up in households.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? My biggest concern for the dairy industry would be all the negative publicity on the internet and made up facts. When you go to Google and type in “Dairy Industry” you find more negative Web sites than positive ones. When asked about all the negative publicity out there, I would say farmers could help this if they all made up a Web site on their farm showing people how things are done and all the regulations farmers have to follow to be able to sell there farms.

Stearns County continued on next page

Page 20 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 14, 2011

Stearns County continued Parents: Vernon and Michelle Meier Town: Watkins What is your current status? I currently attend Ridgewater College where I am majoring in dairy management. Right now I have an internship through school working on a 600cow dairy located south of Richmond.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and Kirsten Meier, 19 your future plans. I grew Dairy Star Sponsor: up on a calf raising facil- Cold Spring/St. Joseph/ ity where we raised calves Paynesville Veterinary for several different dairy Clinic P.A. farms. After my family 320-685-3237 moved off the farm, I got a job at a 300-cow dairy farm located north of Cold Spring. I am currently working for a 600-cow dairy farm as my internship through school where I am a herdsperson. My future plans include graduating from college with an AAS degree in farm operations and management with a dairy emphasis. I also plan to either buy or work/transition into a dairy farm.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would choose ice cream and promote it to a general audience by saying that there is a flavor for everyone.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? Low milk prices, high feed prices and PETA. Dairy farmers work hard every day to take care of their cows because their cows are their source of livelihood. They need to take care of their cows to make a profit to support their families.

Parents: Steve and Julie Middendorf Town: Sauk Centre What is your current status? I am currently a senior at Sauk Centre High School. I work on the family farm and waitress at the Padua Pub. Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. At Sauk Centre High School, I am a member of the tenLeah nis team, an editor for the Middendorf, 18 yearbook, and a member Dairy Star Sponsor: of the FFA. I live on a Elrosa Grain dairy farm south of Sauk and Feed Inc. Centre where my family Elrosa, MN milks 85 cows. My du320-697-5515 ties include feeding young livestock, milking cows, and doing a variety of field work during the summer. I plan to attend NDSU this fall for architecture.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would talk to a group of elementary students about cheese. I would talk about the many varieties available, the nutritional value, and the process of how it is made. I would also bring a few samples along to share with the classes. We would also enjoy an activity together such as a game.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? Milk prices are always a concern, but I feel that the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry today include animal welfare and environmental issues.

I would explain to the public that dairy farmers do everything in their power to take good care of their animals and give them clean water, nutritional feed and comfortable housing. As far as environmental issues are concerned, a lot has been done to address many of the feedlot and manure issues. Dairy farmers understand the importance of conserving and protecting the natural resources that surround us.

Steele County

Parents: Pete and Karen Kasper Town: Owatonna What is your current status? I am a freshman majoring in agricultural education (leadership and communications emphasis) with minors in animal science and sustainable agriculture at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future Stephanie plans. I am a member of 4-H and FFA. I enjoy the Kasper, 19 Gopher Dairy Club, Ag Dairy Star Sponsor: Ed Club, Collegiate AgriNorthland Farm Women and Beta of Clovia Systems Sorority on campus. On Owatonna, MN my family’s farm, we milk 800-385-3911 280-registered Holstein and AMPI Jersey cows. I have enjoyed growing up on our fam- Rochester Division www.ampi.com ily dairy with my siblings, Tony and Caitlin. My duties on the farm include milking cows in our double-8 parlor, feeding calves and miscellaneous work around the farm.

I also enjoy helping with field and yard work. Upon graduation in May of 2014, I plan to continue to grow my dairy herd and obtain a job in agricultural marketing.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. Since milk is my favorite dairy product, I would begin by letting consumers know that our dairy cows are comfortable and well cared for. They are fed according to their nutritional needs, and we have a nutritionist who looks over our feed ration to ensure the cows are healthy.

This combination allows cows to produce the most perfect snack – milk. Milk is a healthy snack for anytime of the year; it contains calcium and eight other essential nutrients that you should enjoy three times daily. On my family farm, we are proud to work hard and produce high quality products for you.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I believe animal care is becoming an increasingly popular topic both on and off the farm. Product safety is another topic that I feel is at the forefront of consumers’ minds. I feel, as a dairy princess, both of these topics are important to address with consumers, and I know we can make a difference.

Dairy farmers have a strong sense of pride for their farms; it is where families are raised and where life is celebrated. On my family farm, we take many measures to ensure our cattle have comfortable bedding, fresh water and feed, and are well cared for. Our cattle are provided with comfortable bedding and are visited regularly by our veterinarian and nutritionist in order to maintain optimal health. All of this is done to ensure that our cattle are comfortable and produce the healthiest products.

Dairy products are safe; they are among the most highly regulated foods in the country. On average it takes just 48 hours for milk to travel from farm to grocery store, ensuring the best product for consumers.

Parents: Mike and Julie Mussman Town: Claremont What is your current status? I am a senior at the Owatonna High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am proud to represent the third generation to live and work on our family’s dairy farm with my two sisters. My family and I maintain 100 Holsteins, Kelsey milking about 40 cows and Mussman, 18 raise alfalfa, oats, corn and Dairy Star Sponsor: soybeans on 400 acres of Story Sales & Service land. I am involved in FFA, Faribault, MN 4-H, National Honor Soci800-491-3724 ety, symphony orchestra, dairy judging, dairy bowl and Farm Bureau. I will be traveling to Europe this June to compete at the International Dairy Judging Contest. I plan to attend the University of MinnesotaTwin Cities with a major in agriculture education. I

Steele County continued hope to someday become an agriculture teacher, FFA advisor and have my summers “off” to show cattle across the state of Minnesota.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would pick milk and target it towards mothers because the one thing they are concerned about is the health of their children. Mothers want the healthiest foods in their children’s daily diet. Milk is a powerhouse of nine essential nutrients and vitamins while still providing a healthy nutritious drink for the whole family to enjoy. It really is the best bang for their buck.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? The biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm are the care of our animals, land and the environment.

I would let the consumer know that in order to provide a wholesome, nutritious product it begins with taking good care of their cows. Veterinarians and dairy farmers have a close relationship because both are inevitably working towards keeping their cows healthy and comfortable. A dairy farmer’s cows will receive checkups, vaccinations and anything that needs to be done to maintain their health. Dairy farmers also live near the land they farm, so they recognize the significance of protecting natural resources.

Swift County Parents: Kevin and Kim Voorhees Town: Benson What is your current status? I have completed my freshman year at Presentation College in Aberdeen, S.D. I am pursuing a career in ag business.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. Our family owns and operates a 300-cow dairy near Danvers, Minn., Kaylee named LenMar Farms. The Voorhees, 19 dairy farm name stands for Dairy Star Sponsor: my grandparents Leonard Glacial Plains and Margaret Voorhees Cooperative who began the dairy. Our De Graff, MN goal is to continue to raise 320-843-5364 healthy, content cows that produce quality, wholesome dairy products.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. As a dairy princess, I am motivated to encourage and educate elementary children about the importance of drinking milk and including dairy products in their diet. By visiting classrooms, I have the opportunity to share my knowledge about our cows and the dairy industry and the importance of drinking milk to stay healthy and active.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? High feed costs have a crucial effect on the profitability of Minnesota’s dairy farms. While trying to manage a successful, environmentally sound dairy operation, farmers are very concerned about new regulatory guidelines of the E.P.A. Despite high feed costs, dairy farmers continue to provide their cows with the best care to produce a quality product for the consumer while complying with environment friendly practices.

It takes 12 pounds of whole milk to make one gallon of ice cream.

Todd County Parents: Allen and Charlet Blommel Town: Clarissa What is your current status? I am currently going to Browerville Public School as a senior.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I like to spend a lot of my time with my family and friends, as well as participate in school activities. I Kimberly live on a farm with about Blommel, 17 50 Holstein cows, and we Dairy Star Sponsor: farm about 400 acres. I Osakis Creamery plan on attending college Association at MSU Moorhead to purOsakis, MN sue a bachelor’s degree, 320-859-2146 but I have not yet decided which major I am going to choose.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. The dairy product I would choose to promote would be cheese, to an audience of parents. I would show how cheese is a great dairy product that is very versatile. It can be used in many ways, such as making a sandwich, adding it to other dishes, or just eaten as a snack. It includes the same nutrients that are found in any other dairy products. It is just a greattasting product that is good for you.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I think the biggest concern facing the dairy industry is that the consumption of dairy products has decreased, which has caused a surplus of those products in the US. This has put the farmers on the short end, making a low profit. It is hard for small farms to continue what they love doing if they are unable to be financially stable.

I would tell the public that even though it may not seem like a major issue, it is a serious matter to everyone, especially farmers. They could help by buying more dairy products to help support farmers.

Parents: David and Shirley Hulinsky Town: Burtrum What is your current status? I am currently attending Central Lakes College in Brainerd and will graduate this spring.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am proud to come from a 300 acre, 60 cow dairy farm near Burtrum where we milk Holsteins, Jerseys, Brown Swiss and Tiffany Hulinsky, 20 Dairy Star Sponsor: Milking Shorthorns. I enAMPI joy working together as a family on our farm, where Paynesville Division we struggle and succeed www.ampi.com together. One of my favorite sayings is that there has never been a career more about family than farming.

In the future I hope to remain close to the dairy industry, for it has made me who I am today. I would like to become a nutritionist or work on a calf raising operation.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would have to go with milk, aiming my message towards teenagers. There are some teenagers who think dairy products are fattening; therefore, they do not get their three servings every day. I would tell these people that milk is very delicious and nutritious because it has nine essential nutrients helping everything from your muscles to your bones to your teeth. In fact it is actually better for you to drink milk after a workout than sports drinks. There is nothing more refreshing than a cold glass of milk and cookies after school.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? One of the main issues facing the dairy industry

Dairy Star • Saturday, May 14, 2011 • Page 21

Todd County continued

Todd County continued

today is the idea that cows are mistreated and used just for production purposes. However this is not true and in fact it is quite the opposite. Farmers take great care of their cows. Our cows are our livelihood. When our cows are happy, we are happy; happy cows are healthy cows.

Farmers take very good care of their cows from day one to the day when they have their first calf to their golden years, giving them a comfortable place to sleep, calling a vet for when they are sick and having a nutritionist help make sure they get a balanced diet, and our cows eat breakfast before we do in the morning.

Northland Community and Technical College to pursue a career in surgical technology.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. Ice cream and a third grade class. First I would start out by asking how many like ice cream and what they like to put on top of it. After getting their response, I would ask how many like to eat potato chips and what flavor. I would explain how much better ice cream is for you than potato chips. I would compare the two on nutrition and have samples for them to taste. Then I would show them that a scoop of ice cream is just as convenient as a bowl or bag of potato chips and a lot healthier.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? The milk prices for the farmer because the farmers are not getting paid enough to make a living and to keep on farming. The milk prices for the consumer keep going up while the money does not get back to the farmers. The idea of how farmers treat their animals because there is some speculation on the fact that farmers do not take care of their animals.

This is a concern off the farm because it makes the consumers weary about the dairy industry. Another big concern on the dairy farms is that there are not many young farmers out there to replace the ones that are retiring. This affects the consumers because it limits the amount of dairy products that will be produced in the future.

I would approach the topic at hand with a positive attitude and not put any part of the dairy industry in a bad light. I would try to make the response as up lifting and not put my own opinion in the answer while keeping the dairy industry in mind. I would add one or more of the key messages as the conversation continues.

Parents: Mike Motl and Kim Harff Town: Browerville What is your current status? I just finished my freshman year at GustavusAdolphus College in St. Peter, Minn., where I am pursuing a degree in chemistry and following the premedicine program.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. My family farms Emma Motl, 19 300 acres near Browerville Dairy Star Sponsor: where we milk around 85 Osakis Creamery Holstein cows. When I am home, I am responsible for Association taking care of the calves and Osakis, MN relief milking if needed. On 320-859-2146 campus, I am involved in Chemistry Club and PreHealth Club. I am also involved in 4-H. I plan to attend medical school and become a doctor after college.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. A great product that I would choose to promote is cheese. Specifically, moms can utilize cheese as a good source of calcium and eight other essential nutrients for their families. Cheese is one of the most versatile products available in the food industry and it is great for all ages. Cheese makes it easy for moms to ensure their children are receiving their three servings of dairy every day because it can be eaten in such a variety of ways.

It is very simple to pack a cheese stick in your child’s lunch or to put some cheese in lasagna for dinner. Most importantly, moms can be sure that they are getting the most for their money with dairy products. They can be sure of this because they will be feeding their family a powerful nutrient-packed dairy product helping them to stay healthy and strong.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? Currently, one of the greatest concerns facing the dairy industry is that most of the general public is generationally removed from the farm. This makes it difficult for their questions about our industry to get answered since dairy farmers are constantly working, 365 days a year. However, dairy farmers are working hard to remedy this by utilizing social media as a tool to share our message with consumers. With everyone using Facebook and Twitter, it makes sense for the dairy industry to also become involved. Through outlets like these, dairy farmers can easily show consumers how they care for their animals with compassion daily, and how dairy products get from farm to you.

Parents: Mike and Keri Salber Town: Browerville What is your current status? I am currently a student at Browerville Public High School where I am a senior.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am an 18-year-old farm girl who lives on a 72-cow organic dairy farm. I enjoy feeding the baby calves and watching them grow. I am the fifth child out of six children. I have four older brothers and one younger sister. My parents have farmed organically since 2003. I plan on going to

Samantha Salber, 18

Dairy Star Sponsor: Champion Milking Systems Albany, MN 800-866-3098

Wabasha County

Parents: Bill and Jody Durow Town: Mazeppa What is your current status? I am a junior at the University of Minnesota majoring in animal science dairy industry.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/ or work on, and your future plans. When I am not away at college, I help on our 120-acre family dairy farm in Mazeppa. We milk Caitlin Durow, 20 approximately 50 Holstein Dairy Star Sponsor: and Brown Swiss cows, GB Feed & Supply and we raise corn and alBellechester, MN falfa for feed. My future 651-923-4425 plans include coming back to the farm to continue my involvement in agriculture in addition to owning my own bovine ultrasounding business. I would also like to professionally judge dairy cattle.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. The dairy product I like to promote to adults is cheese. Consumers have a wide variety of options for different tastes because of the many different flavors. Besides this, cheese is a very versatile product. It can be used in cooking, as a garnish, or just as a snack. Also, cheese is one of the few dairy products that can be consumed by people who are lactose intolerant.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I feel a large concern in the dairy industry, for the producers and the consumers, is providing a safe and quality product.

I would say dairy farmers take pride in providing a safe and quality product for consumers. Since a dairy cow is a farmer’s livelihood, it is beneficial to make sure the cow is healthy and comfortable throughout her life. This results in a wholesome quality and nutritious product being produced. A final point I would make is dairy products are also one of the most regulated food products in America through quality inspections.

Page 22 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 14, 2011

Wadena County

Parents: Raymond and Cheryl Seibert Town: Sebeka What is your current status? I am currently working on my parents’ dairy farm. This fall I will attend North Dakota State University in Fargo, N.D., where I will major in animal science.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I have grown up on a dairy farm and have always Allyson Seibert, 18 Dairy Star Sponsor: loved working with animals. My parents own a 60- First National Bank of cow dairy operation with Menahga & Sebeka 60 to 70 replacement heifMenahga ers. We milk in a double-8 218-564-4171 swing pit parlor and the Sebeka cows are housed in a loose 218-837-5171 housing bedded pack barn.

We also farm 240 acres of land on which we rotate corn and alfalfa hay. I plan on staying in the dairy industry for the rest of my life, but I do not know to what extent that will be.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. My product is cheese, and I will present to a fifth grade class. I would start out by asking the kids some questions like: How many of you like dairy products and what are some of the benefits? After that I would organize some activities or games and give out some string cheese for prizes.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? There are many concerns facing the dairy industry, such as sensible land use regulations and misconceptions on the misuse of antibiotics. I believe the biggest concern facing the dairy industry right now is the lack of consumer knowledge on where their food comes from.

I would start by teaching the public about techniques and operations dairy farmers use to make sure the public knows that only the best care and procedures are used on the farm. When it comes to land use, we have to follow instructions, like when it comes to spreading fertilizer. We can’t use fertilizer close to open water or if it is supposed to rain within so many hours after spreading.

Not only do we have to follow instructions for land, but also for antibiotic use. Just like people, the cows need to be healthy to bring any sort of profit. Farmers only use antibiotics when they need to. The cow also must be taken out of production until the antibiotics are out of her system.

The best way to inform people about where their food comes from is to be out talking to the public. One of the best places to start this public education is in the classroom.

Waseca County Parents: Chuck and Kris Manthey Town: Janesville What is your current status? I am a senior at Janesville Waldorf Pemberton High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am active in swing show, choir, band, cross country, track and FCCLA. I am also very active in 4-H and enjoy showing poultry and dairy steers. I live on a Sarah Manthey, 18 Dairy Star Sponsor: small family farm. We used Building to milk 40 head of Holsteins and crossbreds. We curEquipment Outlet rently aren’t milking at our Waseca, MN farm due to a barn fire but 507-835-2100 have cows at other farms.

I had the responsibility of feeding the cows and calves and helping bale hay. I plan to attend the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in the fall.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would promote flavored milk to young school-

Waseca County continued

Washington County continued

age children. A classroom visit would be a good time to educate children about the essential nutrients that milk provides for good health. By promoting flavored milk at a young age, children will learn the benefits of milk. Flavored milk has the same nine essential nutrients as white milk and is a healthy alternative to soft drinks. Drinking low-fat or fat-free milk helps children get the three daily serving of milk recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I feel some of the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry, both on and off the farm, are providing fresh, wholesome dairy products to consumers and providing the best care for their cows while protecting the environment.

We need to educate the public that dairy farmers work hard every day to provide the best care possible for their cows. In providing the best care for their cows, they are providing consumers with fresh, great tasting, wholesome dairy products. Dairy farmers are also concerned about the environment. They help preserve the land where they live and work. They want to protect the air and water they share with others. By taking good care of the environment, it will ensure healthy cows and a healthy business, while maintaining a quality of life that make the world a better place for future generations.

nection to their food and credibility in order to promote agriculture and the dairy industry. They also know that I am available to ask any questions that may arise about dairy farming. With the average consumer being three generations removed from production agriculture, it is more important now than ever before that they have a connection to a farmer. Being an advocate for the dairy industry is something that I am truly passionate about, and I believe that the dairy industry will need to continue to make advocacy a priority in our world.

Washington County Parents: Pat and Sharlene Daninger Town: Forest Lake What is your current status? I am currently a freshman at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities majoring in agricultural education.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/ or work on, and your future plans. My farm has 60 Holstein cows, with about 140 total head. We farm 200 acres, which includes Erin Daninger, 19 Dairy Star Sponsor: pasture for rotational grazEllsworth Co-op ing, alfalfa, and corn. At the University of Minnesota, Creamery I am involved in Gopher Ellsworth, WI Dairy Club, Agricultural 715-273-4311 Education Club, Beta of Clovia Sorority, University Honors Program, and College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences Research Apprenticeship Program. I also just finished my year of service as the Minnesota FFA State Secretary and enjoy showing and judging dairy cattle. In the future, I hope to be involved in the family farm while teaching agricultural education at a high school in Minnesota.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. In promoting milk to parents, I would focus on its nutritional benefits. In a society that is health conscious, nutrition is important! Milk is known as nature’s most perfect food, as it provides calcium, vitamins A and D, and many other nutrients. It is essential to get enough calcium to build strong bones and teeth, especially for children and teenagers. Milk is also a great choice to encourage kids to “Fuel Up To Play 60” in a balanced diet. Other beverage choices do not have the nutritional benefits of milk, chocolate milk, or other flavors of milk.

Milk is not only a nutritionally sound choice for kids, but it is also a great option for adults. Milk can help in losing weight and is beneficial in any diet. Kids are not the only ones who need calcium; it is just as important for adults. Being able to convey the nutritional information in an educational, yet light, atmosphere provides for some of the best advocating.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I feel that the biggest concern facing dairy farmers is the connection consumers have to their food.

As dairy farmers, we have the responsibility to care for our animals, land and family; however, we also have the opportunity to connect consumers with their dairy products. The dairy industry will not face public distrust and misconceptions if we can connect consumers to the people that produce their food to give them the correct facts about what it is we take pride in.

It is a privilege for me to be known as a dairy farmer.

People I talk to are surprised when they find out that I live on a dairy farm. For me, it gives one more con-

West Otter Tail County

Parents: Shawn and Kathy Nelson Town: Fergus Falls What is your current status? I am currently a senior at the Fergus Falls High School and have been a Post Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) student at Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M-State) both my junior and senior year and will be graduating this spring.

Besides my chores on the farm, I work in Fergus Falls Jenna Nelson, 18 Dairy Star Sponsor: at a care facility.

Lakes Area Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or Cooperative work on, and your future Perham, MN plans. I have grown up on a 218-346-6246 60 cow dairy farm about 10 miles north of Fergus Falls with my family milking Holstein and Holstein-cross dairy cows. My daily farm chores are feeding and caring for the calves on the farm. I also keep busy with many cleaning jobs, like scrubbing the milk house, parlor or farm machinery.

I have participated in band/choir, art, and was an editor on the high school annual staff. I very much enjoy being involved in youth group/church activities and spending time at home with my family on the farm. I have also been apart of 4-H, showing animals at the county fair.

My future plans are to finish the last year of an associates degree at M-State in Fergus Falls and then transfer to a university. I am interested in art or elementary education.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. If I were to choose a dairy product and an audience, I would choose milk as a dairy product and school children as my audience. It is so important for young children to know the importance of the essential nutrition that milk provides to be healthy and active as they grow. Drinking milk can help maintain a healthy weight and build strong bones, muscles and teeth. If we can educate our children on all of the many benefits of dairy products, we could possibly help to set a healthy lifestyle for generations to come. I would encourage them to drink milk as often as possible. Whether it be by simply having a bowl of milk and cereal in the morning, choosing milk in the lunch line or as an after school snack. With so many different flavors, it is not only a healthy choice but tastes great as well.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? Many dairy farmers share the same concerns and issues that come with running a dairy farm. I would say the degree to which these common concerns affect them differ between farm size. Coming from a small farm, one of the biggest concerns is the rising price of fuel/energy and grain prices that have caused an increase in the cost of production. The volatility of the milk price is also an issue. From a consumer’s perspective, the price of milk has increased in stores. I would explain to them this is because of the high demand for milk and corn right now. For a larger dairy farm, the concerns of animal care, and environmental regulations are probably bigger concerns as well. A greater herd size, comes with increased government permits and regulations farmers need to operate a dairy. The public can be assured that the importance of healthy cattle, manure management and water usage is crucial to dairy farmers because of how we depend on the land and cattle for business and quality of life. Many dairy farmers take pride in their milking herd and the land they own and operate.

Winona County Parents: Matt and Barb Daley Town: Lewiston.

What is your current status? I am finishing my senior year of high school.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I like playing volleyball. I like to go out to dinner with friends. I’m a pretty carefree person and I will try almost anything. I love to Merissa Daley, 17 be around all of my famDairy Star Sponsor: ily and would do anything Lewiston Feed & for them. I enjoy hiking Produce and jet skiing at our famLewiston, MN ily cabin during the sum507-523-2196 mer months. I work on my family’s 1,500-cow dairy farm. I work every other weekend and I help out taking care of calves during the week whenever I can. Next year I am attending the Minnesota State University-Mankato to pursue a degree in nursing.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would promote yogurt to school children.

Yogurt comes in every flavor you could possibly imagine. I keep myself fit and healthy by exercising and having a delicious yogurt every day. Go-Gurt is a great way to have yogurt on the go. It’s easy to freeze and can be eaten as a frozen treat.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I feel that the biggest concern in the dairy industry is that people don’t know where there food comes from. Not everyone realizes the work that goes into it.

I would tell them about my job. I would tell them that to get dairy products, many things have to flow very smoothly. It takes a team effort. High quality dairy products don’t come about on their own.

Parents: Lyle and Cynthia Kammerer Town: Winona What is your current status? I am going to school for early childhood education at Southeast Technical College in Winona. I will be graduating in December 2011.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I live on a 360-acre dairy farm Emily where my parents and Kammerer, 21 my brother and his famDairy Star Sponsor: ily farm together. We milk Elba Co-op Creamery Holsteins in a double-8 Elba, MN parlor. Once I graduate, 507-932-3861 I hope to work in a preschool setting either as a teacher or teacher’s aide.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I’m already promoting dairy products to young kids. Through field trips to our farm and an occasional classroom visit, the children are learning the overall importance of dairy products and why they are good for them.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? People need to get more informed about the health values of dairy products.

I would explain to people all the advantages of dairy products.

Dairy Star • Saturday, May 14, 2011 • Page 23

Winona County continued

Winona County continued

Parents: Jim and Deb Sobeck Town: Winona What is your current status? I am a freshman at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I live on a 150-cow dairy farm with my family and attend college in Minneapolis. I plan to study abroad in Italy my junior year studying art and psy- Halley Sobeck, 19 Dairy Star Sponsor: chology. After college, I’d AMPI love to join the Peace Corps and teach the world about Rochester Division sustainable agriculture. www.ampi.com Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I love kids, so I’d promote ice cream to a group of kindergarteners. I’d bring in some ice cream samples for them and tell them how dairy products help create strong bones. I know kids love to talk so I’d ask them questions about their favorite ice cream and how they think it’s made.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? A huge concern facing the dairy industry today is the impact it’s leaving on the environment. Throughout my years in 4-H, I’ve had many questions from the public concerning the negative effects on the environment.

When asked about this issue, I explain the ways dairy farmers are attempting to decrease their carbon footprints as well as ways they are trying to make farming benefit the earth. A few examples are: proper manure recycling and management, reuse of water and crop rotation.

When I am approached about these issues, I would remain positive, understanding, and honest when talking to people. I would give facts that support the dairy industry, its products, and its producers. I would assure them that dairy producers are proud of what they do and produce a product that is healthy, safe and beneficial.

Parents: Keith and Theresa Speltz Town: Altura What is your current status? I am a senior at Cotter High School in Winona and will be attending the College of St. Benedict in the fall.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/ or work on, and your future plans. I live on a dairy farm north of Altura. My family milks about 250 Erin Speltz, 18 Holstein cows three times Dairy Star Sponsor: a day. Our milk goes to Wingert Sales Ellsworth Creamery where it is processed into cheese & Service and cheese curds. We have Plainview, MN about 500 tillable acres 507-534-4386 where we grow our own crops for feed. I am very active in my school. I participate in cross country, gymnastics, and track and field as well as a few non-athletic activities. I work as a waitress at Ginny’s Supper Club in Rollingstone as well as at The Elba House in Elba. My future plans are to attend the College of St. Benedict and graduate with a degree in four years.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. There are so many choices of dairy products to choose from, but I think I would choose milk. I also feel I could go in many directions with different audiences. I think the audience that would benefit the most would be teenagers. To promote milk I would like to be in a classroom setting. This way I could teach all of the important facts about milk and why it is more beneficial than other sport drinks and pop.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I think the biggest concern facing farmers is how they struggle to keep their farms going financially.

Farming is a lot of hard work and sometimes the milk prices don’t reflect that, and it makes it very difficult for cash flow. There are a number of concerns facing the industry off the farm. I think two of the biggest issues the dairy industry have are the negativity towards dairy farming and the competitive market of beverages and replacement dairy products.

Parents: Cliff and Cindy Thompson Town: Lewiston What is your current status? I am a senior at Lewiston-Altura High School and will be graduating early June.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am the youngest daughter of five children.

Our farm is a family farm where we milk 175 dairy Whitney cows, raise 200 heifers and farm over 650 acres of Thompson, 17 land. We focus on providDairy Star Sponsor: ing wholesome and nutriLuehmann’s IBA tious dairy products to the Lewiston, MN consumer, using the latest 507-523-3608 technology to help make the quality of the products as safe as possible. Our farm is owned and operated by my father and my brother whom I have enjoyed and loved to spend time and work with ever since I was little. My future plans involve attending Winona State University this fall. I am looking into becoming a nutritionist for the dairy industry.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. The dairy product I would choose would be wholesome milk, focusing on the needs of younger children so they get the good habits eating dairy products starting at a young age. I would focus on having businesses make dairy products available at the checkout counters, rather than just soda. By doing this, children would be introduced early enough to these dairy products, such as strawberry milk, at a younger age, rather than just soda.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? The biggest concerns on and off dairy farms are the way consumers view and interpret some of the information and misinformation on the dairy industry.

Consumer want to know how well we farmers take pride in caring for our animals, but they may be misled by a few dairy operations they hear about in the news.

I would address the issue by inviting a consumer who may have misunderstandings of the dairy industry to come out to our farm. This way, I could personally show them how much pride we, as farmers, take in caring for our animals and their well being of life.

Parents: James and Michelle Woodard Town: Winona What is your current status? I have completed my second year of school at Northeast Iowa Community College, where I’m majoring in dairy science. I’m now back at the home farm working with my father.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and Jessica your future plans. I have Woodard, 19 a strong love and passion Dairy Star Sponsor: for the dairy industry, and S&S Dairy Systems respect all the farmers St. Charles, MN that work long days just 507-932-4288 to provide us with such a great product. I love that I had the opportunity to be raised on a dairy farm. My family farm is run by my dad, James, mom, Michelle, myself and my two younger brothers, Jamie and Jordan. We milk 85 grade and registered Holsteins, raise all our replacement heifers and steers, and farm roughly 280 acres. We milk in a step-up parlor, and our cows are housed in a freestall barn. Our calves are Winona County continued on next page

Page 24 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 14, 2011

Winona County continued

Wright County continued

Wright County continued

fed 1.5 gallons of pasteurized milk each day for two months. After that they either go to the steer lot or the heifer lot. My dad does all our A.I. breeding. As for the future I plan to go to school in the fall for marketing. I hope to one day work for an A.I. company or be a special education teacher.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. I would promote cheese to adults so they can give it to their children. While celebrating Easter with my family, I heard my little cousin ask his mom for juice. He never asks for milk; it’s always juice.

After hearing that I sat next to my aunt and asked how much milk he’s had today. She replied with, “He had milk at breakfast, and he’ll have milk at dinner tonight.” I simply had her do the math and she came up with one plus one equals two, which is not three – the number of servings of dairy products people need in one day. I said, “So is he just not going to get three serving of dairy today?” She said, “Maybe not today, but most days he does.” As the day went on I was thinking how could I get him one more serving of dairy. Then I saw the cheese in Grandma’s refrigerator. Little kids always eat crackers, so why not give my 2-year-old cousin a cracker in one hand and a piece of cheese in the other. It worked. The cheese was gone before the cracker and he wanted more.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I feel many farmers are still struggling from the 2009 record-low milk prices in over 30 years. Yes, milk prices have come back up; however, feed costs have skyrocketed as well, and the income and output scale is still not balanced.

I reassure consumers that the farmers are still taking quality care of their animals so they can receive the wholesome, nutritious dairy products.

ing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? My biggest concern about what is facing the dairy industry on and off the farm is one: where people really think their food comes from, and two: are milk prices going to stay where they are or in the future going to take a drastic turn for the worst.

People don’t realize that the farmers are the ones who are out there 24/7 feeding the animals and raising crops for livestock and humans. I would go to elementary schools and talk to the kids and watch their facial expressions after they realize where their food comes from. After we go and show them pictures, share personal experiences and have worksheets for them. Go out into the public and talk to the people, sharing the news about the topics they are concerned about is how we can promote the dairy industry.

Parents: Gene and Mary Lambert Town: Buffalo What is your current status? I am a senior at Buffalo High School. Next fall I am attending South Dakota State University (SDSU).

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I live west of Buffalo on a dairy farm with my family. We Krista Lambert, 18 have a herd around 60 Dairy Star Sponsor: head and also run about Munson Lakes 1,000 acres of crop land.

Nutrition & I work at Sterling Drug in The Country Store Buffalo. Whenever I’m not Howard Lake, MN working there I’m at home 320-543-2561 doing chores. My chores consist of helping my dad milk, feeding grain, skid steer work, bedding down the younger calves, feeding milk, and anything else that needs to be done. This coming fall I am heading down to SDSU. I haven’t chosen a major but am planning on working in the agricultural field during my schooling and after I graduate.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and tell us how you would promote that product to that audience. For my dairy product, I would have to choose milk. It is one of the most basic and natural ingredients out there. For and audience, I choose children in grade school, mostly focusing on middle school. I feel in those few years kids are most likely to follow others, and when someone at their lunch table says milk tastes weird they are just going to listen to them.

I would like to get more posters in the halls and in classrooms stating simple, healthy facts about milk.

In the lunch line, I would like to see more options in the selection for milk. There are so many students who don’t take milk because, simply enough, there isn’t skim. And going even deeper, I would love to go to different schools and talk to students about all the benefits of drinking milk. Also, I would give students the opportunity to ask me any questions they might have about the dairy industry.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns facing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How would you address the public when they ask about these topics? I think one of the biggest concerns is that most people are “third generation removed from the farm.” When most people don’t have anyone in their family who lives or works on a farm they aren’t able to understand what happens in our field.

Throughout my grade schooling my parents have been very open with my teachers and our school administration. We have hosted many tours of our farm.

Whenever I meet new people, I let them know I live on a farm, and a lot of them ask questions about what we do. All of those questions I answer to the best of my ability. If the answer isn’t satisfactory, I make sure I get back to them so I know they are able to understand.

Parents: Sean and Linda Groos Town: Howard Lake What is your current status? I am currently a senior at Howard LakeWaverly-Winsted High School.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. The oldest of four children, I live on our family dairy farm, Minkota Holsteins. Rebecca Groos, 18 Our registered Holstein Dairy Star Sponsor: milking herd numbers at Munson Lakes 180 head and we farm 200 Nutrition & acres of corn and alfalfa. The Country Store My main responsibili- Howard Lake, MN ties on the farm are parlor 320-543-2561 management, calf care and show herd management.

I enjoy exhibiting cattle Parents: Paul and Veda during summer shows and at State Fair. While in high Davis school, I have been active in 4-H, FFA, National HonTown: Cokato or Society, student council, choir, basketball, track, What is your current attend youth group and teach Sunday School. status? I am 18 years old I will be attending the University of Minnesotaand a senior at Dassel-CoTwin Cities this upcoming fall to major in agricultural kato High School. I have education. I hope to secure a position in the marketbeen working on our faming/communications field in the dairy industry and ily farm for the past four return to the family farm to raise my family some day. years.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and Tell us about yourtell us how you would promote that product to that self, the farm you live audience. Ice cream is a cool treat enjoyed by many and/or work on, and year-round. A group of elementary children would be your future plans. I have excitedly jumping up and down at just the mention been involved in many Katie Davis, 18 of this tasty treat. I would promote ice cream in their things throughout my Dairy Star Sponsor: classroom by using a display board and my personal years in school and comMunson Lakes experience to show how this tasty product is created munity. I’ve been active Nutrition & as well as the many other delicious products that are in the FFA since 2007 and The Country Store made from milk. am currently serving as Howard Lake, MN What do you feel are the biggest concerns facthe Chapters Secretary. I 320-543-2561 ing the dairy industry on and off the farm? How competed at the National would you address the public when they ask about level this past year in Indithese topics? One of the greatest concerns to dairy ana, in Parliamentary Procedure. I also play piano and I am active in the band at producers is the significant gap between producer and school. For the past four years, I have been going on consumer. Consumers are often misinformed regardmission trips to different states to help the communi- ing the nutrition and safety of dairy products as well ties that need help to rebuild their life and community as the economically good buy that they are. Today’s up. On our farm, we milk around 270 Holsteins, farm dairy producers need to be educated and ready at all 1,200 acres and have around 600 animals. I also raise times to defend and promote the industry we take beef cows for my Supervised Agriculture Experience. great pride in.

I was a Wright County Dairy Ambassador for the On average, consumers are a minimum of three 2010-2011 year. I will be going to South Dakota State generations removed from a family farm. This said, University this fall to study and major in ag business it is our job as producers to share our passion for agriculture and ensure consumers that milk continues and global studies with a minor in accounting.

Choose a dairy product and an audience, and to be nature’s most perfect food. Dairy farmers take tell us how you would promote that product to that great measures to guarantee customers receive a safe audience. A dairy product that I like to promote is and wholesome product at an affordable price. Our ice cream. The audience that I would choose is the local breakfast on the farm event shared this encouryounger generation. I feel that it is important for them aging message with over 1,800 urban guests last year. to understand that their treats are not just candy that you find in a store, but from our dairy cattle and farmers. Ice cream is a big seller in the dairy industry.

There are so many uses for this treat. You can use it for smoothies, weddings, family gatherings and many more you can think of. You can use it for comfort after a surgery. With so many flavors out there, you can always find one you like, and the toppings you can add are endless.

What do you feel are the biggest concerns fac-

Wright County

If you would like additional copies of this special edition, please contact Nancy at the Dairy Star office, 320-352-6303 Or visit www.dairystar.com to see a digital version of this special edition.