2024 Minnesota Dairy Princess Tab

DAIRY ST R

Minnesota Dairy Princess Special Edition

Her way to advocate, give back to the farmers who helped

Kuball shares experiences while serving as Princess Kay of the Milky Way

By Emily Breth emily.b@star-pub.com

WATERVILLE, Minn. — Emma Kuball always had her mind set on becoming a dairy princess because she wanted to support and advocate for the dairy community and give back to the farmers who helped her. Now, she accomplished that and more as the 70th Princess Kay of the Milky Way.

Kuball said her butter sculpture that was crafted at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair often serves as a conversation starter.

“(People) always ask about my butter sculpture,” she said. “It’s a great way to start.”

While a head made of butter is fascinating to others, the dairy community in general is Kuball’s inspiration.

“My favorite day of the year was always our county dairy princess banquet,” Kuball said. “I loved to get dressed up and have fun with my dairy friends and see all the work the princesses were doing.”

Kuball’s journey started at the farm owned by her parents, Nate and Shannon, near Waterville. The Kuballs milk 240 cows in a double-6 step-up parlor. Kuball worked with her siblings, Kelsey and Keegan, doing chores, including calf care, milking, covering the silage pile and picking rocks.

“It was a character-building activity,” Kuball said.

Kuball served as a dairy maid in her home county of Rice for four years. This program was offered for girls in fth and sixth grade and extended to seventh and eighth graders.

When Kuball was a freshman in college, she was crowned as a Rice County dairy princess. However, her

Emma

addresses a endees March 19 at the Ag Day Gala in the North End Event Center at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Kuball a ends a variety of events during her reign, including classroom visits, on-farm events and leadership events.

days as a county dairy princess were short-lived. In August, Kuball had the crown for Princess Kay of the Milky Way placed on her head.

“I don’t always remember a lot of that night,” Kuball said. “I do remember being on stage next to Makenzie Alberts. Kenzie and I were good friends because we were state ofcers for FFA together, and that was the most special part of the night.”

Being Princess Kay of the Milky

Way allows Kuball to attend a variety of events. She has or will partake in classroom visits, on-farm events — such as breakfast on the farm — and industry leadership events.

“I went to the Women’s Agriculture Leadership Conference April 10,” Kuball said. “It is great to see so many incredible women in one space.”

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Kuball

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Emma Kuball is the 70th Princess Kay of the Milky Way. Kuball, the daughter of Nate and Shannon, grew up on her family’s dairy farm near Waterville, Minnesota.

Kuball looks forward to attending county fairs and is excited to visit more schools.

“I love working with the kids and seeing how excited they get to learn about the dairy community,” Kuball said. “I do a thank-you-card activity at the end, and it’s always so fun to see how excited they are and how much work they put into making those thank you cards.”

When it comes to classroom visits, one memory sticks out: a visit to classrooms in Mayer set up through a farm family with daughters in school.

“It was very special to meet their daughters and see the future of the dairy princess program and the dairy community too,” Kuball said.

Kuball’s idea to have students write thank you cards stemmed from a challenge she faced after being crowned Princess Kay.

“I wanted to help the dairy farmers as much as possible, and I felt like I wasn’t really doing that,” Kuball said. “To overcome that, I started brainstorming some ideas of things dairy farmers might need and how I can ll that role. That’s

when I started to do the thank you cards at school.”

As Kuball informed communities about the dairy industry, she learned new things as well. One of these is the power of listening to others.

“The most important thing you can say sometimes is thank you,” Kuball said. “I love to listen to dairy farmers who are farming now or past dairy farmers, and I love to tell them thank you for everything they do for us.”

Kuball said the great support system throughout the state helps keep her going. This ranges from staff at Midwest Dairy, dairy farmers and her family.

“My mom has been helpful,” Kuball said. “She is good at encouraging me to keep going.”

Kuball also gave advice for girls who have or will be running for a county dairy princess.

“Be yourself and know you might not be the best showman out there, you might not be the best public speaker, but be inviting because people want to know who you are as a person, what your experiences have been in the dairy community,”

This year, there are 82 county dairy princesses representing the dairy industry in their respective counties across Minnesota. Dairy princesses must have a dairy connection in one of the following ways: They or their family owns and operates a dairy farm; they or their parents work on a dairy farm; they or their parents custom-raise dairy cattle for another farm; or they or their parents own or lease a dairy animal which is housed on another dairy farm.

Benton County

Parents: Jeremiah and Stephanie Dahler

Employer: Dahler Dairy Foley, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I am working on our family’s second-generation dairy farm, now owned by my uncle. I grew up around the farm but have been working there for about ve years, mainly milking cows. I plan to attend South Dakota State University to major in dairy production.

Lily Dahler, 18

Dairy Star Sponsor: Midwest Machinery Co. Sauk Rapids, MN 320-252-2010 mmcjd.com

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. The rst time I milked cows, I realized that my passion for dairy was strong.

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Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I can be an advocate for the dairy industry. I can be an advocate for the dairy farmers within my community and make their hard work known to others.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Many dairy farms use crop rotation practices to ensure soil health and optimize soil nutrients. Planting a different crop on the same plot of land each year ensures the soil does not become dry and worn out.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? As a member of the dairy community, I will share

Kuball said. “Be condent in your story and tell your story well.”

Kuball is looking forward to the rest of her term as Prin-

Benton County continued

cess Kay and continuing to share the stories of the dairy community.

“Whenever I am doing an event, I always think of all the

my personal experiences and be an advocate for our dairy farmers. I will ensure our community that our herds are well taken care of and farmers are nding new ways to use environmentally sustainable practices. Most of all, I will continue to spread the message of just how hard our dairy farmers work to give us

Parents: Brandon and Jill Marshik

Employer: Marshik Dairy Rice, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I have worked on my parents’ farm since the age of 6. We started with a few calves at my grandparents’ house, where I helped feed the calves. In 2015, my parents bought their rst dairy farm. In 2016, my dad lowered the pipeline so I could help milk. My jobs increased through the years. I milk cows, do eldwork and take care of our animals. We built a parlor in 2022, increasing the herd to 170. My favorite job is between milking cows and chopping corn.

Cylie Marshik, 17

Dairy Star Sponsors: Midwest Machinery Co. Sauk Rapids, MN

320-252-2010 mmcjd.com

Litke’s Vet Service Pierz, MN 320-468-6666 litkesvet.com

Gilman Co-op Creamery 320-387-2770 gilmancreamery.com

I plan to attend Central Lakes College to become a registered nurse and advance in the nursing eld.

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. When I was so excited that my parents had the pipeline lowered down so I could reach and help milk. This made me so happy and excited because I was able to do more than just help feed calves. Why do you want to be a dairy princess? Serving as a dairy princess isn’t about a sash and crown but advocating for dairy and telling the story of our farmers and products. I wanted to become a dairy princess because I wanted to represent our hard-working farmers and help further educate others about where dairy products come from. Being a dairy ambassador, I have learned many things, including how to explain things to a younger audience so they can better understand along with taking the time to listen to their

dairy farmers in my county and how much they helped me growing up,” Kuball said. “That’s why I do what I do.”

County continued

questions and answering to the best of my ability. I am able to show my community how important dairy is.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Every dairy farmer has to pass an inspection twice a year to make sure that where the dairy products are coming from is a clean place that meets all the requirements to sell the dairy product. If they don’t meet the requirements, they get shut down.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. That applies to when you’re talking about dairy too. Sometimes, when at a ball game or a school event, someone will ask me something about the farm. When I talk about what we do day in and day out, they are often fascinated. Instead of throwing facts and gures at someone, talk about what you do on the farm, how you do it and why you do it, so they can see how much you care.

Parents: Brain and Christa Montag

Employer: Montag Dairy Sauk Rapids, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I grew up on and work on my parents’ dairy farm, Montag Dairy. I am attending St. Cloud State University for social studies education with a plan to become a U.S. history or government teacher.

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. My brothers and I making hay forts in the hayloft of our barn when we were younger.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? Every little girl grows up want-

Heidi Montag, 18

Dairy Star Sponsors: Midwest Machinery Co. Sauk Rapids, MN 320-252-2010 mmcjd.com

Gilman Co-op Creamery 320-387-2770 gilmancreamery.com

First National Bank of Milaca 320-983-3101 fnbmilaca.com

Benton

Benton

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Emma Kuball talks with a group of children in Jan. 11 at the Community School of Excellence in St. Paul, Minnesota. At the end of every classroom visit, Kuball has the students make thank you cards which are given to farmers in the area.

Benton County continued Brown County continued Brown County continued ing to become a princess. The dairy princess program has given me the opportunity to share my love of the dairy industry with a crown on my head.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Ensuring that the use of the environment is sustainable is important to dairy farmers because the industry and land rely upon each other.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? Growing up and working on a dairy farm has made me passionate about the dairy industry. I am better able to communicate this passion with the use of my personal experiences on the farm.

Brown County

Parents: Darrel and Nikki Fischer

Employer: Riverside Dairy Sleepy Eye, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I have worked on my grandparents’ dairy since I was young. I have been an employee since 2020. I have also worked at two other dairy farms for short periods of time, as they needed my help. I plan to attend Ridgewater College in Willmar for a degree in agronomy.

Emma Fischer, 17

Dairy Star Sponsor: Bongards’ Creameries Norwood Young America, MN 952-277-5500

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. I am always surrounded by people who have the same passion. One of my favorite memories is when I was working for Tauer Dairy, I met one of my best friends from Pennsylvania.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I want to be able to promote a wonderful industry and the people who work day and night to keep their farms going. Through the dairy princess program, I am able to give them the credit they deserve.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? I would reassure consumers by providing them with the information I have been taught. Farmers do things like recycling water, recycling bags that are used to hold sileage and recycling baler twine. They also show their efforts by xing machinery and replacing parts before they buy new machinery. These tactics help prolong the time it takes before products enter a landll.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I will use my personal stories to spread the good word of farmers and all of the good they do.

Parents: Mike and Jenna Griebel

Employer: Searles Dairy LLC

New Ulm, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I live and work on my family’s dairy farm, Searles Dairy LLC. I have shown dairy cattle for 14 years. I am a junior at Dordt University, studying animal science. I work at Hettinga Dairy in Orange City, Iowa. I plan to have a job in the dairy industry.

Elizabeth Griebel, 21

Dairy Star Sponsor: Lake Henry Implement Inc. Lake Henry, MN 320-243-7411

AMPI

showing my friends at the county fair what it’s like to care for a dairy cow. Sharing with others is why I want to be a county princess and hope to be a nalist for Princess Kay. I want to tell my story of how great our community is. I want to tell people that dairy is a wholesome product. I love to incorporate dairy into my life each day whether it’s having a glass a milk before I start my day or enjoying my mom’s pancakes with butter on top. Everyone has a part in the industry from farmer to consumer, and I want to share that important message with everyone I meet.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable by reusing their resources. They practice this by using their manure from the cattle and spread it across their elds so the soil can get the nutrients they need to produce good crops. Dairy producers also reuse their water systems when keeping their facilities clean, and they practice sustainability by doing crop rotations in their elds when planting crops for feed.

www.ampi.com dinnerbellcreamery.coop

Minnesota Dairy Initiative

mn-dairy-initiative.org

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Being able to work with my family has been one of my favorite parts about growing up on a dairy farm. Even on long days, being able to make memories together has been one of the best parts. Whether that means having karaoke in the parlor or chasing animals around the yard, there are always good memories and stories.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? We are able to advocate for our local dairy farmers as well as promote the industry. I want to be an advocate for the dairy industry and educate others about how important the industry is. Another important aspect is to share with others how important dairy products are for one’s health and why we need them.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Dairy producers care for their environment as their operation relies on healthy and sustainable environments. Dairy producers rely on recycling. Manure is one of the ways farmers recycle by using the waste as a fertilizer, which is a natural fertilizer for the soil and benets the soil quality. This reduces the amount of chemical fertilizers being used. For a dairy farm to continue for generations, sustainability and care for the environment plays an important role.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I will share the impact it has not only had on my life but others as well. Being able to share with others how it has positively impacted my life may inuence others to get involved and want to learn more about the industry.

Parents: Loran and Heidi Sellner

Employer: Sellner Dairy Farm

Sleepy Eye, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I live and work on my family’s robotic dairy farm. My role on the farm is working with our calves alongside my mom. Some of my other tasks on the farm include bottle feeding calves, cleaning barns, helping with eldwork, operating machinery and mixing the total mixed rations with my dad. I am a freshman at South Dakota State University majoring in agricultural education with a minor in animal science.

Gracie Sellner, 19

Dairy Star Sponsor: First District Assn. Litcheld, MN 320-693-3236

Minnesota Dairy Initiative mn-dairy-initiative.org

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Whether it’s my brother’s and sister’s weddings on the farm, working with my family during harvest or the snowball ghts my family has during morning chores after a snowstorm, all of those are great memories.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? Since I was a little girl, I enjoyed teaching people. This ranges from teaching my dad how to correctly feed my 20 cats to

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I’d like to show others how a dairy operation works and why dairy products are so important. I can do this by promoting the dairy community at breakfast on the farm or other events my county organizes. I’d be happy to answer any questions that the public may have about the dairy industry.

Parents: Tim Stef and Leah Sandbo

Employer: Roseview Dairy Sleepy Eye, Minnesota

Lauren Steffl, 22

Dairy Star Sponsor: AMPI

www.ampi.com dinnerbellcreamery.coop

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I am involved in many dairy-related activities including the senior dairy cattle judging team, dairy challenge team and dairy club at South Dakota State University. I have been a dairy ambassador for Brookings County and have served as the historian for dairy club. I sat on the Dairy Digest board and have shown dairy at the county fair. I have been employed at my neighbor’s dairy for ve years including one summer internship. This summer, I have an internship with Associated Milk Producers Inc. I hope to further my dairy education through hands-on experience. After college, I hope to be employed by AMPI and start my own business on the farm raising organic Highland beef cattle.

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Meeting and growing close with the entire Rosenhammer family. Through my years of employment and summer internship, I received the privilege of working alongside them and have greatly beneted by learning life skills and a work ethic and strengthening my knowledge in dairy. I will forever be grateful for their kindness and generosity. Although we share a different last name, I’ll always consider them family.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I can be the face of one of the greatest industries as I serve my county attending events. As I wear my sash and crown, I’m reminded being a dairy princess not only means having the privilege to teach others about the industry through presentations, dairy-related games and educational displays but being an example to young women to prove you don’t need to grow up on a dairy farm to be involved with the dairy community.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Dairy producers are increasingly committed to environmental sustainability. Dairy farmers everywhere are implementing a variety of ways to help make their farms more sustainable by adopting technologies, conserving and recycling water, practicing pasture and nutrient management, and efciently using their resources.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I am able to use my stories to connect with consumers to guide them in understanding the messages I am portraying.

Carver County

Parents: Carl and Heather Olson Employer: Sunnyside Dairy Mayer, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I work on our family’s dairy with my parents. I love milking cows in our double-6 parlor and working in the elds. I plan to attend Ridgewater College in Willmar. I’m majoring in dairy management. I plan to come back to the family dairy and start taking over the farm with hopes to start my own on-farm creamery.

Hannah Olson, 17

Dairy Star Sponsor: Lano Equipment of Norwood, MN 952-467-2181

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Feeding calves from an early age. My mom would have to tell me to tip the bottle up; otherwise, the calf couldn’t get anything. Now, I feed calves all the time and still think of little me feeding calves twice the size of me.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? The farming community has helped me in many ways and has played a big role in shaping me into the person I am today. I am honored to be able to give back to the farming community by representing them and teaching people about dairy and the hard work dairy farmers put in day in and day out.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Farmers are using sustainable practices every day whether it’s visible to consumers or not. Some of these practices include limiting fertilizer and manure runoff in elds, cover crops for erosion control, and innovations in technology where farmers are able to use less herbicides and pin point application of the herbicide to a weed. There are many other practices farmers are doing that are environmentally sustainable.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? Honesty plays a big role when building a relationship and trust with the public. By being honest and sharing my personal experiences of dairy farming and answering any questions people might have about farming, I will continue to build and maintain great public relations.

Dodge County

Parents: Michael Dougherty and Michelle Dougherty

Employer: Alberts Brothers Pine Shelter Farms Rochester, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. Growing up in Rochester, I didn’t have much experience with dairy farming. That changed about a year ago, when my friend, Amanda, invited me to feed calves with her on her family’s dairy farm. I loved it so much that I applied to work there, and now I do. I want to learn more about dairy and have a small hobby farm of my own.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I can be an ambassador for dairy in my community and perhaps beyond. It would provide me with opportunities to connect with many people through sharing my love for dairy. I also want to learn more about the dairy industry because it’s so interesting to me.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Dairy producers have an honorable legacy which they want to continue for generations to come. In order for that to happen, the land has to be healthy and productive. We closely follow U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines to prevent issues like erosion and pollution. Additionally, we see a responsibility in regeneration and bringing ecosystems back to their original states. When the land and animals are happy, farmers are too.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? Since working as a calf feeder, I have a way to connect with my grandfather, who grew up on a dairy farm. He’s a role model of mine. In our conversations, his pride in dairy farming is evident. Hard work is rewarding, especially when you contribute to something bigger than yourself. I want to spread this message by speaking about my job and how it has deepened my relationship with my grandfather.

Parent: Amanda Rinehart

Employer: Naatz Dairy Kasson, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I started leasing from Naatz Dairy in 2017. I grew to love being on the farm and doing 4-H and FFA activities throughout the past couple years. I plan to attend Rochester Community and Technical College for my generals and then transfer to Winona State University to get a bachelor’s degree in social work and a minor in child development. After that, I will return to the Mayo Clinic to become a child life specialist.

Alita Rinehart, 19

Dairy Star Sponsor: Carriage House Veternary Clinic Kasson, MN 507-634-6781

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. When I was tripped by a cow and was covered from head to toe with manure. My boss saw me, and we both laughed as she helped hose me down. Luckily, I had extra clothes and could change.

Olivia Baskett, 18

Dairy Star Sponsors: Olson Motor Repair Pine Island, MN 507-356-8521

Stockman’s Supply Zumbrota, MN 507-732-7860 centrallivestock.com

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Usually, we move newborn calves in a wheelbarrow, but this little calf just hopped out of it while I was getting her pen ready for her. I found her exploring, and when she saw me, she started mooing and following me. It was a sweet moment because I knew she trusted me.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? It gives me a way of showing the public that you do not have to live on a dairy farm to be considered a dairy princess. You can learn everything there is about dairy and not be called a dairy princess. It means the world to represent Dodge County as a princess, but even if I wasn’t one, I would still be representing the dairy community because I’m involved in it.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? I reassure them by telling my story. I didn’t have much hope for dairy producers, because I didn’t know what they did for the community. After I started showing and doing all the activities that surrounded the dairy community, my perspective started to change. If you’re willing to understand what the consumers are seeing, they are willing to hear what you have to say.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I will use my photography. I see everything, including life, through perspective. You have to learn what other people are seeing rst before you can help them see the whole picture. My photos represent the dairy community in a fun and learning environment for both youth and elders and everyone in between. A photo is something they can understand without words.

Parents: Shane and Jacinta Robinson Employer: Robinson Acres Dodge Center, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I’ve been around dairy my whole life from showing dairy to raising them, working on many dairy farms or lending a helping hand. I plan to take a year break to decide whether to go to South Dakota State University for veterinary medicine or the two-year dairy program at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Elyssa Robinson, 17

Dairy Star Sponsors: Moenning Meats Rochester Farmers Market 218-398-3846

Stockman’s Supply Zumbrota, MN 507-732-7860 centrallivestock.com

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Doing the daily chores as a family when I was younger. We all had our own chores that we had to do.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? A princess isn’t about the crown or the name. It’s someone who is willing to help with lots of responsibilities and has courage. A princess should have a good, positive attitude and guide the public into a better future. I want to be a dairy princess, because as much as I love dairy, I also love talking to random people.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? We are turning manure into renewable energy.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? We vaccinate our livestock. Before we slaughter, we make sure the required days have gone by so there are no antibiotics in the meat along with following milk withholding times on the dairy farm. We milk a cow in a bucket if she is fresh or if she has any kind of medicine in her. Then, we feed it to the calves.

Parents: Stan and Amy Sauder

Employer: Alberts Brothers Pine Shelter Farms Pine Island, Minnesota

Ellie Sauder, 19

Dairy Star Sponsors: Nelson Dairy Consultants Harmony, MN nelsondairyconsultants.com Ag Partners agpartnerscoop.com

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I grew up on my family’s seventhgeneration dairy farm in Dodge County. My experiences growing up on the farm and showing cattle through 4-H and FFA helped me realize my passion for agriculture and agriculture communications, which inuenced my college plans. I am a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, majoring in agricultural business with hopes to work in marketing for an agriculture-based company.

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Showing cattle at the county fair. I showed my rst calf in the open class when I was 3, so showing dairy has always been a huge part of the summer for me.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? Being a dairy princess has provided a way for me to share about dairy with consumers and shine a positive light on dairy in Dodge County and as an industry. One of my favorite things to do as a princess is go to classrooms or farm tours to teach the next generation about agriculture. I wanted to be a dairy princess because of the opportunities to share dairy with others.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? A healthy environment is one of the key components of agriculture. Dairy producers realize that land, water and natural resource management are vital to keeping farms running to produce dairy products. The care and responsible environmental practices that go into producing dairy results in a safe, nutritious product that is good for consumers and the environment.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? My experiences growing up on the farm have given me a love for dairy and agriculture as a whole. I hope to share that love with my community through events like classroom visits, parades and the county fair in addition to sharing on social media.

County Fair. There was a lot of frustration throughout the process, but in the end, I gained a bond with my heifer that I wouldn’t have had if I didn’t work with her constantly.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? To represent the industry that I love along with my family name. The thought of people knowing my family name due to the dairy princess program gives me a large sense of pride. Being named a princess requires a person to hold herself to a certain standard of professionalism and poise.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? I would use personal examples and experiences of my farm and other farms in the Douglas County area. Some of these experiences could include manure management, crop rotation, handling facilities and natural resource management.

Parents: Chris and Jenny Lutteke Employer: Lutteke Organics Wells, Minnesota Faribault County

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I have always been a part of my family’s farm. I love being around the cattle and helping with eldwork. I also love being able to help my family, as it brings us closer together. I plan to attend Winona State University to major in nursing. I hope to become an emergency room nurse.

Chloe Lutteke,18

Dairy Star Sponsors: Bongards’ Creameries Norwood Young America, MN 952-277-5500

Parents: Nick and Melissa Herrick Employer: Gochnauer Farms

West Concord, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I started showing dairy about six years ago and fell in love with the industry. I plan on attending South Dakota State University and majoring in animal science and minoring in dairy production.

Cadence Spearman,18

Dairy Star Sponsor: Central Livestock Zumbrota, MN 507-732-7305 centrallivestock.com

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Working show heifers with friends and having a good childhood on the farm.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I want to advocate for the industry and be a leader that young girls can look up to.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Supply the community with facts and non-opinion-based statements. I value everyone’s outlook on such situations but also share what the industry is doing to reduce its carbon footprint.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? Agriculture has taught me everything I need to know to be a successful entrepreneur and leader. I hope to share what I have learned with others to strengthen our community.

Douglas County

Parents: Brian Krohnfeldt and Elizabeth Paul

Employer: Krohnfeldt

Dairy

Alexandria, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. My family owns a 70-cow dairy. I show cattle through 4-H and was a Douglas County junior dairy princess last year. I plan to attend South Dakota State University for agriculture education and animal science.

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. When I started halter training my rst heifer for the Douglas

Emma Krohnfeldt, 18

Dairy Star Sponsor: Midwest Machinery Co. Alexandria, MN 320-763-4220 mmcjd.com

Faribault County

Parents: Ken and Brenda Harpestad

Employer: Harpestad Holsteins Wells, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I will be attending Augustana University in the fall to pursue a career in nursing.

Kendal Harpestad, 17

Dairy Star Sponsors: Laura Seljan Photography Kasson, MN 507-250-2217 lauraseljanphotography.com

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Halter breaking at a young age with spring calves. They would pull me all over the yard, and I would be so upset. However, when the county fair came around, and they walked like puppies, I smiled ear to ear. Now, that same spring calf is my favorite cow on the farm, and I have shown her every fair since then. I love the bond I have made with the cows on the farm.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I want to promote the dairy industry. Advocacy is best coming from someone who has been around dairy cattle their whole life. Being a dairy princess would be a huge honor to be able to teach young people about the dairy industry.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? I would reassure consumers that these dairy animals are our lives. We are living to make them happy and healthy animals. We are doing everything we can to make consumers understand that they are getting the best quality milk and products.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I will use my personal experiences to show and teach the dairy community that we are all working together to give the best we can. We treat our animals how we want to be treated.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I will specically use the youth promotional experiences through 4-H to inspire the next generation and teach the importance of the dairy industry. I will also use my experiences to educate the public on the experience of the dairy industry. Faribault County continued

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. When my grandpa taught me how to feed a calf milk for the rst time. I was excited to be a part of the dairy farm, and he was more than willing to show me how to feed a calf. He made me feel like I had my own job. That moment was where my love for dairy began. It was the very rst thing I learned how to do on the farm, so that memory will stick with me forever.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I want to represent my family’s dairy farm. My family has worked very hard for what we have. We have put in countless hours of hard work and patience into what we have today. Being able to be that representation of my family’s dairy farm to the community is important to me, and it is something I value.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Dairy producers want consumers to be assured that their products are environmentally sustainable because they put in countless hours of work, patience, dedication and persistence into being able to provide these products. Dairy farmers work hard for what they achieve and want the best for consumers.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? My personal experiences, coming from a dairy farm, have taught me to be appreciative of dairy farmers in the community. They wake up every day to provide for the community around them, and most people do not realize that it is a lot of work. Working with cattle all day and also working in the elds to provide for consumers requires a lot of duties and tasks. Being able to appreciate the dairy farmers around us is so important, especially while in a small community.

Parents: Christopher and Jennifer Lutteke

Employer: Lutteke

Organic’s Wells, Minnesota

Lillyan Lutteke, 17

Dairy Star Sponsors: Bongards’ Creameries Norwood Young America, MN 952-277-5500

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. My dad grew up on a dairy farm when he was young. He helped my grandpa with the cow chores every morning and night. As he got older, he got more involved with the cows. He then went on to college but came right back to the farm to help my grandpa with the chores. When I was born, cows have been in the picture since day No. 1. When I get older, I either want to be a radiology technician, or I want to sell seed.

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. My cousin, Mariah, and I, would wake up at 6 a.m. to go to the farm every morning.

She would pick me up with her four-wheeler, and I would always have a bag of granola for breakfast.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? It just seems like a fun thing to do. My sister was a dairy princess last year, and she seemed to really enjoy it, so that makes me also want to do it. As a princess, younger kids look up to you and want to be one someday.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable because they use their natural resources to feed and supply the cows with the nutrients that they need.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I will use my personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community by talking about it. I will show people how important it is to be a part of the dairy community. I will also show how fun it is, by being in parades and talking to younger kids about it.

Fillmore County

Parents: Kevin and Kelly Biel

Employer:

Biel Dairy Farms

Harmony, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I live and grew up on my family’s 200-cow farm. I got into showing dairy cattle at the Fillmore County Fair and have been showing for 10 years. I also dairy judge through 4-H and FFA. I plan on attending the University of MinnesotaTwin Cities to major in agricultural marketing and communications.

Klaudia Biel, 19

Dairy Star Sponsors: Canton Heating & Cooling LLC Canton, MN 507-743-8242

Harmony & Cresco Vet Clinic Harmony, MN 507-886-6321 harmonycrescovets.com

K&R Equipment Fountain, MN krequipment.com 507-268-4425

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. I grew up with six siblings, and we always fed calves together after school and on the weekends. We made calf chores a little more exciting with games that we’d come up with. Most times, there was bickering, but calf chores would get done and we’d manage to have a good time all the while.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? This is a good opportunity to advocate for the dairy industry more. I want to support local farmers and educate others about the importance of dairy products. I hope I can make a positive impact in the community.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? I would highlight the initiatives that dairy producers make to minimize their environmental impact like water conservation efforts and sustainable packaging choices. Producers practice recycling, reduce waste and use renewable energy sources.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I can help consumers get a better understanding of what happens on the farm and differentiate on what social media may highlight things to be. I can offer facts about the dairy industry and how milk and other products get to the table.

Parents: Cory Mulhern and Kathy Mulhern Employer: Mulhern Dairy Fountain, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I used to go to the farm with my dad and help during the summers or weekends. We now live on the farm and help with whatever chores need to be done. I have started doing more around the farm and take on calf chores, moving cattle and mixing feed. I attend South Dakota State University. I am majoring in dairy production with a minor in design studies. I plan to return to the farm and primarily focus on dairy cattle.

Emma Mulhern, 19

Dairy Star Sponsors: T-W Haulers

Travis Ristau Preston, MN

507-273-2220

Northern Valley Livestock Services Chateld, MN dairymed.com 507-534-4356 Ag Partners agpartnerscoop.com

Minnesota Dairy Initiative mn-dairy-initiative.org

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. When the calf nutritionists would come to weigh calves for growth rates, I would help them get the calves out to put them on the scale and write their weight down.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I want to share all the great things and memories about dairy cattle and dairy products. Being a dairy princess has always been a goal of mine, and it means everything to me to nally get to step into the shoes of being a dairy princess.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Dairy farmers want nothing more than to take care of the environment. Dairy farmers are planting crops for their animals and using crop rotations to limit soil erosion. Just like everyone else, dairy farmers do not want any extra expenses. They are going to try and reuse anything they can to try and help keep the environment sustainable.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? Having personal experiences on the farm allows me to know what working and interacting with cattle and people throughout the dairy industry is like. This will help me inform others of what it is like to be around cows and what a great experience it is along with knowing how all dairy farmers want to help each other and want to see everyone in the industry succeed.

Goodhue County

Parents: Brian and Tiffany Clemenson

Employer: Clemenson Farms Zumbrota, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I live and work on my family’s dairy farm outside of Zumbrota. We milk 85 cows including Holsteins, Red and Whites, Brown Swiss and Jerseys. I show dairy cattle and am active in dairy quiz bowl and dairy judging. This year my 4-H judging team placed rst at World Dairy Expo, and I was the high individual of the contest. I am a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls majoring in dairy science.

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Feeding calves with my younger brothers. There was never a dull moment during chores with the three of us, from the random stories that would get told to the spontaneous water ghts. Between the three of us, chores always got done in a timely manner, but there were always laughs shared.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? To promote dairy and give back to a community that has given me many opportunities. I am able to share the importance of dairy with my community. Being a princess means a lot to me, as it is my dream come true. I will work to make the most of this year and share my story with as many as I can.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Sharing the current practices that farmers use to improve their sustainability. There are many new practices and technologies that are being developed every year that need to be shared with our communities. By having conversations with consumers, I can share and reassure them that farmers are aware of the environment and are constantly working to be more sustainable.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? One way I will use my personal farm experiences to share the dairy message is by having personal conversations. I will share my knowledge of dairy and stories from living on my family’s farm to consumers and the public. I also plan to use social media to promote the dairy message. One way I plan to do this is by posting on social media to show what a day on our farm looks like.

Parents Tony and Maizie Schefer Employer: Schefer Dairy Zumbrota, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I work on my family’s 150cow farm where we milk Holsteins and Jerseys. I raise the calves, help with milking and assist with the herd health program. I also help with record keeping and eldwork. I am active in 4-H, FFA, the Minnesota Junior Holstein Association and the dairy club at South Dakota State University. I am a freshman at SDSU where I am majoring in dairy production. I plan to return to the dairy farm or to get a job in sales.

Natalie

Clemenson, 19

Dairy Star Sponsors: Midwest Machinery Co. Plainveiw, MN 507-534-3116 mmcjd.com

RLS Vinyl & Supply Hager City, WI 651-764-3818

Evelyn Scheffler, 19 Dairy Star Sponsors: Story Sales & Service Fairbault, MN 507-334-3724

RLS Vinyl & Supply Hager City, WI 651-764-3818

Ag Partners agpartnerscoop.com

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. As a family, we show dairy cattle throughout the summer at various fairs. One of my fondest memories of growing up on a dairy farm is working with my show heifers. Every night after chores, my family takes turns walking our show heifers. We spend time together doing something we love

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? To promote the dairy industry. I want to educate all age groups on the importance of dairy. Being a dairy princess puts me in a role that makes it easy to connect with consumers. I can teach them that dairy contains 13 essential nutrients that are important for overall body function. Being a dairy princess is important to me because I get to promote the dairy community that I love.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? There are many ways that the dairy industry is working on sustainability. On my farm, we utilize cover crops and have a nutrient management plan in place. We also recycle water by using the water that cools the milk to water the cattle, and

we use feedstuffs that are not digestible by humans. On other dairies, techniques such as recycled bedding and methane digestion are ways to reduce a farm’s carbon footprint.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? When talking with the public, I like to talk about my family farm. My entire family works together on the farm every single day. My family is proud to produce wholesome dairy products for everyone to enjoy. Talking about my personal experiences of growing up and working on my farm makes it easier to connect

Houston County

Parents: Scott and Ellen Bulman

Employer: Minnigan Hills Farm

Caledonia, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. Both of my parents were raised on dairy farms but switched to beef cattle before I was born, so dairy has always been a part of my background. I began working for a neighboring dairy farm when I was 15 years old, both milking cows and feeding calves. I work as a dance teacher as well as working on the dairy.

Chloe Jane Bulman, 19

Dairy Star Sponsors: Midwest Machinery Co. Caledonia, MN 507-725-7000 mmcjd.com

Caledonia Haulers, Caledonia, MN 507-725-9000 caledoniahaulers.com

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Some of my favorite memories from working on the dairy farm come from the early mornings spent with my cousin in the milking parlor or helping guide my employers’ grandkids to feed calves. Both memories are lled with lots of laughter and joy.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I love to teach people about the things that I love. Farming has always been a part of my life, and I love being able to talk to people about the dairy industry whether it be the care of animals, the benets of dairy for their health or simply how much I love cows. It is an absolute privilege to be able to represent dairy farmers and the dairy industry.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? First and foremost, farmers are dedicated to the care of their animals and their farm. Cows are also master recyclers. Much of their feed is byproducts that people can’t eat. Farmers also recycle water and use manure for fertilization.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I work with young dancers as a dance teacher, and I am open with them about nutrition and how to properly fuel their bodies for their sport. So much of what I learn on the farm I use in my job to further the knowledge and tools of my students.

Parents: Daniel and Sheila Schroeder Employer: Schroeder Brothers LLC Caledonia, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I grew up on my family’s dairy farm in southeast Minnesota where we milk 140 Holsteins. I’m a freshman at Minnesota State College Southeast in Winona studying accounting. I plan to work in an agricultural-related sector.

Miranda Schroeder, 19

Dairy Star Sponsors: Midwest Machinery Co.

Caledonia, MN

507-725-7000 mmcjd.com

Caledonia Haulers Caledonia, MN

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. My favorite memories of growing up on a dairy farm are being able to work with my family. I love when I milk the cows with my sister because it’s our time to catch up with what’s going on in each other’s lives.

507-725-9000 caledoniahaulers.com

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I would like to use my experience as a lease kid to help show people that you don’t need to grow up on a dairy farm to become involved in this amazing community. Anything is possible if you try your hardest to achieve it.

Isanti County

Parents: Shane and Stacey Boettcher Isanti, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I lived on a dairy farm until I was 5. For 10 years, I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to lease dairy cows for 4-H.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I get to go out and meet new people and get the message of dairy into our communities. Being named a princess means that I am now a representative of the dairy community, and I’m ready to answer any questions that you have.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Through different practices such as reusing water, working with new technologies or rotating crops, farmers are trying to make the planet a better place for all.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? Growing up on a farm, I saw how everything worked. With these experiences, I’m able to nd a common ground and hear the stories and questions that people have.

Parents: Trent and Hope Turner

Employer: Hendel Farms Spring Grove, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I show dairy cattle and participate in activities surrounding the dairy community. I plan to either do something in the medical eld or attend the University of Minnesota for something dairy related.

Addison Turner, 16

Dairy Star Sponsors: Midwest Machinery Co.

Caledonia, MN

507-725-7000 mmcjd.com

Caledonia Haulers

Caledonia, MN

507-725-9000 caledoniahaulers.com

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. When my brother and I got done working with our show cows, the woman who lived in the farmhouse invited us in and gave us ice cream sandwiches and showed us all her souvenirs from around the world.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I want to properly educate consumers on where their favorite dairy products come from and what the benets are to consuming three servings of dairy products a day.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Dairy farmers have been more environmentally friendly by being better about recycling their water and manure. They are also trying to get rid of greenhouse gasses by using renewable energy and manure digesters.

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. A fond memory I have working on a dairy farm was feeding calves.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? It is a great way to get the dairy community into the public and help consumers understand our dairy products better. I have been able to have this opportunity to help the dairy community and even help consumers better understand dairy farms better.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? One way I can reassure consumers is how dairy farmers recycle water.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I’ll tell them about how working on the farm has helped me grow as a person.

Kandiyohi County

Parents: Matt and Brenda Thompson Employer: Rolo Dairy Farm

Kerkhoven, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. My grandparents owned a dairy farm, and I spent hours there as a child. I love cows and fondly remember feeding calves and prepping cows for milking. I am majoring in chemistry with a double minor in biology and political science and plan to pursue a career in optometry.

Grace Thompson, 18

Dairy Star Sponsors:

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. A few calves were always born around Christmas, and I remember going to the barn to watch the birth. My cousins, sister and I would wait anxiously for the calf to be born. When it was, we would name it something to do with Christmas, like Noel, Mary or Merry, Christmas, Holly, etc.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I want to be a dairy princess because I love the dairy industry and am sad to see it dying out. I want to promote healthy living and show people the benets of regular dairy consumption all while supporting local dairy farmers. It is an honor to be chosen to represent the

farmers of Kandiyohi County and a responsibility I take seriously. Interacting with kids is also part of my job, and it brings so much joy to be a role model for those children.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? I would reassure them that most things on a farm are repurposed. Manure acts as fertilizer for elds, milk from medicated cows is used to feed calves, and robots keep a closer eye on cattle, which helps better the cows’ health and feed.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I can use my memories of growing up on my grandparents’ farm and the character traits and skills I have learned to show a positive image of the dairy community: its importance, values and beauty.

Le Sueur-Scott counties

Parents: James and Lisa Hoefs

Employer: Hoefs’ Dairy New Prague, Minnesota

Alexis Hoefs, 18

Dairy Star Sponsors: Heidi Baker State Farm Insurance Le Center, MN 507-357-4141 www.heidibaker.biz

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I grew up on my family’s 250-cow farm where we raised our youngstock and nished our steers as well. I worked on the farm throughout high school. My job was milking and anything else I was asked to do. I have been involved in 4-H, FFA and the Minnesota Junior Holstein Association, serving numerous ofcer positions. I am a freshman at the University of Minnesota studying animal science. I plan to have a career within the dairy industry working with genetics or reproduction.

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. My siblings and I would go over to the farm to play with our cousins. We would ride bikes all around the farm, play basketball and hockey in the shed when it was cold, have water balloon ghts and play in the cottonseed pile. The farm was always the place to be as there was always some kind of fun to have.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I have always looked up to the amazing girls who have wonderfully represented the dairy industry as Princess Kay. I aspired to be just like them. I love the dairy industry and the great farmers who work so hard every day. To be able to represent these people is a great way for us to give back to them and do our part in advocating for the industry.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? I would inform them that dairy farmers are implementing practices to minimize resource usage, such as optimizing feed efciency for livestock, reducing water consumption and adopting efcient waste management systems. Dairy producers can also participate in environmental stewardship programs that focus on conservation efforts, biodiversity preservation and habitat restoration. Active involvement in these programs showcases dairy farmers’ dedication to protecting the environment.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I will use these experiences to help spread the message of the dairy community. Making sure the consumer can relate to and understand why farmers do what they do is so important when we are trying to bridge the gap. Sharing personal stories also helps the consumer connect with you and see you as a compassionate and kind person.

Parents: Gary and Lori Steinhagen Employer: Steinhagen Farms

Belle Plaine, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I was born and raised on our family’s dairy farm where we raise about 200 cows, heifers and dairy steers. I help with various chores and enjoy milking alongside my two siblings and my dad. I am a student at Minnesota State University-Mankato studying to become a pediatric occupational therapist.

Greta Steinhagen, 21

Dairy Star Sponsors: AMPI www.ampi.com dinnerbellcreamery.coop

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. One of my favorite memories on the farm would be working with my show heifers, walking, washing and clipping them alongside my siblings and parents.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I wanted to become a dairy princess because I am passionate about the dairy industry. Being a dairy princess allows me to share my story with the dairy community as well as with many who don’t get the opportunity to live on a farm.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? One way dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable is by keeping the soil healthy. Having healthy soil allows for a better crop production that is later fed to the animals. This is done by planting crops during the winter to help replenish the soil. It also is done by spreading fresh manure over the elds during the months when crops aren’t in the eld. Having healthy soil benets not only farmers but the surrounding water, plants and animal life.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? Some of the ways I can share the message and use my personal experiences on the farm is through bank visits, parades and many county fairs. Wearing the crown and sash allows the opportunity to share all the benets they have to offer.

Parents: Gary and Lori Steinhagen Employer: Steinhagen Dairy Farms Belle Plaine, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. We are milking 80-90 cows, with 200 head overall, and farm 200 acres. I plan to go into the agriculture business eld and hopefully become a second-generation dairy farmer.

Martha Steinhagen, 19

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Dairy farmers are always reading articles about technology and how they can stay on top of being environmentally sustainable. To help make all the products the consumers love, it is important to sustain the environment the consumers love too.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I will continue to share my love and care for the animals as well as the land we farm. Also, putting an emphasis on the hard work that farmers endure all year long can help the consumer continue supporting farmers in their area.

Martin County

Parents: Robert and Lori Calkins

Employer: Chain ‘O’ Lakes Dairy East Chain, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I am a senior at Minnesota State University-Mankato pursuing a special education degree. I grew up living and working on my family’s fth-generation dairy farm where we milk 250 Holsteins. I enjoy doing calf chores, cutting hay and helping kids with their dairy projects. When I was in 4-H, I loved showing my cows at both the county and state fair; these places were also great opportunities to share about the dairy industry.

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. When I was young, I loved to help my dad feed the cows. I would wake up early in the morning and eat breakfast with him, and then, I would ride in the feed tractor with him. I loved seeing the cows and spending time with him.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I love sharing my dairy experiences and knowledge with people of all ages. I love being able to connect with people about the dairy industry; sharing the stories of both farmers and products. I get to represent and advocate for an industry that I am passionate about, build relationships and knowledge, and have opportunities to connect with consumers.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? I would explain that dairy cows are the most efcient converters of feed and resources into food. Dairy farmers work to minimize waste, conserve resources and reduce emissions. For example, manure is used as fertilizer to produce more feed Dairy farmers love both their cows and the land they farm. In order for the whole process to be economically practical, it must also be sustainable.

Dairy Star Sponsors: AMPI www.ampi.com dinnerbellcreamery.coop

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Feeding and playing with calves or any baby animal. We also started raising goats a while back, and I love watching the kids grow up while also caring for them.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I get to share about the dairy industry and why it is so important. Seeing the decline in dairy farmers, talking to consumers can be benecial because they can help make a difference when they know where the products come from and why they are so nutritious to their bodies. Dairy farmers work hard day in and day out so that consumers will always have access to the products farmers provide.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? Using personal experiences to share the message of the dairy community will make the content of my message more relatable and authentic to consumers and will help to build relationships. I want to let consumers know what is done on my farm to support them and the amount of effort that goes into taking proper care of cows and calves every day. Engaging in emotion and sharing personalized experiences will help the consumer understand why I am passionate about advocating for the dairy industry.

County continued on next page

Martin

Abigayle Calkins, 22

Dairy Star Sponsors: Martin County ADA

Parents: Mark and Joanna Lange Employer: Lange Sons Inc.

Sherburn, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I grew up working on my family’s dairy farm and have dedicated many summers to showing dairy cattle at the county and state fair through 4-H. I plan to continue showing this summer, as it will be my last opportunity to do so through the organization.

Bella Lange, 19

Dairy Star Sponsors: Martin County ADA

During high school, I was active in my school’s FFA chapter and participated on the dairy evaluation team. I am in my freshman year at the University of Minnesota, where I am working toward a degree in marketing.

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. My favorite part of growing up on a dairy farm is spending quality time with the people I love. I have countless memories of my cousins and I playing on our family farm or having great conversations with my dad and uncles. One of my favorite memories on the farm happened this past winter when my soon-to-be brother-in-law insisted on helping with chores. While we were milking cows, he asked my father for his blessing to marry my sister, and I was a witness to this special moment.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I want to give recognition to all of the hard-working dairy farmers who work to put food on our tables. It’s important to me because of my family ties to the industry. I also want to educate others about where dairy products come from.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Dairy operations are actively investing in sustainable practices like organic farming and reduced water usage. These practices demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I will tell my family’s story of hard work, dedication and sustainable practices. My experience with my family’s farm encapsulates the story of many other dairy farms. The core values that I’ve seen on my family’s farm are what the dairy industry is about as a whole.

Parents: Mark and Joanna Lange

Employer: Lange Sons Inc.

Sherburn, Minnesota

Dairy Star Sponsors: Martin County ADA

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? The title of a dairy princess means more to me than wearing a crown and sash. It represents the hard work and dedication of the farmers I grew up admiring and now have the privilege of working alongside. I want to be an advocate for those individuals who have dedicated their lives to the agricultural industry, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to honor their legacy.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Dairy farmers leverage modern technology to create a more sustainable system. We want clean water for our cows to drink today so they can produce better quality milk tomorrow. Most farms have been in the family for generations and strive to do everything necessary to carry on that legacy. The better we take care of our land and resources today, the higher quality of life we will create for generations to come.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I want to share the story of a dairy farmer. As the number of farms continues to decrease, fewer people have a connection to agriculture and even less to the dairy industry. I am excited to share my day-to-day life as a dairy farmer and demonstrate how our operation works and how our animals are treated. Farmers work with integrity and strive to do what is best for the cattle we are caring for as well as our land.

McLeod County

Parents: Ted and Bobbi Filk

Employer:

Filk Farms Hutchinson, Minnesota

Dairy

Midwest

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. Starting at a young age, I followed my dad around the farm. I love working on our farm and sharing my experiences with others. I have been coaching an FFA dairy judging team and have helped them qualify for the state competition. I also led a group of 4-H kids in the summertime to visit our farm and learn how to care for a calf and get it ready to show at the fair. This year has been especially exciting for me as I’ve been able to work on our farm while taking college classes.

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. I loved every aspect of being a farm kid. We had the most fun doing things we weren’t supposed to be doing. Looking back at the faces of my cousins and siblings as we would say, “What happens at the farm stays at the farm,” will always be one of my favorite memories.

favorite thing to do is educate and answer questions that members of my community may have. I do this by going to dairy day events within my county as well as encouraging my peers to refuel by consuming dairy products after exercising.

Parents: David and Kari Swanson Employer: KurthHaven Farms and Three Sisters Dairy Hutchinson, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. Since I was little, I have been passionate about dairy cattle. I grew up on my family’s fth-generation dairy farm, where we milk 90 registered Holsteins. Some days I spent milking, feeding, bedding and caring for the cows, heifers and calves. Other days, I picked up bales, hauled corn, helped x machinery or monitored the dryer and bins. I learned many life lessons about hard work, dedication, determination and responsibility. I plan to attend the University of Minnesota to pursue a degree in agriculture and food business management. I plan to complete internships related to agricultural businesses and use my education and experiences to build a career beneting farmers and consumers.

mmcjd.com

Co. Stewart, MN 320-352-6511 mmcjd.com

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I come from my family’s sixth-generation dairy farm. I was active in FFA and put my dairy knowledge to use, competing against other individuals my age. In my 4-H career, I have shown my family’s cattle at our county fair and the Minnesota State Fair. I also competed in dairy bowl. I am enrolled at Ridgewater College to study agricultural business. I plan to enter the workforce working alongside farmers.

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Since the beginning of my 4-H career, brushing and washing my calves has been one of the most memorable experiences. I remember washing my rst calf, Ariel, alongside my brothers and all the laughs we shared. This was always my favorite way of creating a bond with my project calves and something I will treasure.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I have a strong passion for sharing my knowledge of dairy with my community. Answering questions can create a connection between farmers and consumers, and this is very important. Being a voice for the farmers who are working hard to put food on our table is crucial for consumers who want to know that they are receiving safe, nutritious products. Being named a dairy princess for my county provides me with these opportunities.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? There are many ways farmers can be sustainable. For example, on my farm, we use the water from the plate cooler as the main water source for our cattle in the barn. We also bale corn stalks and straw left over from combining and use it as bedding for our herd. The bedding will then be reused as a natural fertilizer on our elds.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? With experience comes a lot of knowledge. My

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. One of my fondest memories a child was walking though the barn in my old-fashioned work bibs that were identical to my grandfather’s with my cousins, pretending to be classiers. We would look at each cow and whisper to each other their scores. We’d then pose our numbers to my grandfather.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I want to be a dairy princess to serve as a goodwill ambassador for Minnesota’s dairy farmers. Growing up on the farm has given me the experience to know what it is like to produce a safe, healthy and nutritious product for consumers. I want to connect the farmers to the consumers and educate consumers about how the food gets from the farm to the table.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Sustainability is a pressing concern for those consuming dairy products. The dairy industry is deeply committed to addressing it. We work tirelessly to produce products that are good for people but also for the planet. Dairy’s greenhouse gas footprint is 2% of the U.S. total, a testament to our efforts. In 2020, we set new environmentally sustainable goals to signicantly improve water use and quality. Dairy farms of all sizes are embracing new on-farm practices and technologies in feed production, methane emissions and renewable energy, demonstrating our unwavering commitment.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? Our cows receive top-notch care 365 days a year. Dairy farmers are dedicated to producing a safe and quality product for consumers. Farmers know that the care of their animals is very important for the future of their herd and the quality of the products that they consume. Dairy farmers are proud to be a part of the 2% that feeds 100% of the population.

McLeod County continued on next page

Shelby Swanson, 18 Dairy Star Sponsor: Midwest Machinery Co. Stewart, MN 320-352-6511

Ella Filk, 18

Star Sponsor:

Machinery

Gabriella Lange, 21

Parents: Barry and Shannon Visser

Employer: Stadview Dairy

Hutchinson, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I got involved in showing dairy cattle and working on the farm through the 4-H lease program and have been helping on the farm ever since. I am a freshman at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities where I am majoring in agricultural communications and marketing, and agricultural and food business management. I hope to have a job working alongside farmers in a business or communications role.

Rachel Visser, 19

Dairy Star Sponsor: Midwest Machinery Co. Stewart, MN 320-352-6511 mmcjd.com

Minnesota Dairy Initiative mn-dairy-initiative.org

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Working with the show heifers alongside my sisters. I love working throughout the summer to see all of our hard work pay off in the shows in the fall.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? To share my love and passion for the dairy industry with those around me and educate consumers on the benets of dairy products. Being named a dairy princess is an awesome experience and provides me with more opportunities to share the importance of the dairy industry with others. My favorite part about being a dairy princess is connecting with youth and answering their questions about dairy farming and dairy products.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? I enjoy visiting with consumers about current strategies that dairy producers are utilizing to be environmentally sustainable. My favorite fact to share with consumers is that by simply planting crops, farmers are sequestering carbon into the soil and helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I can use my experiences from working on the farm to share the care and commitment that producers put into working with every one of their animals. Working on the farm has allowed me to better understand the daily care that is required to produce healthy, wholesome dairy products.

Parents: Paul and Heather Wright

Employer: Wright Family Farms

Hutchinson, Minnesota

McKenna Wright, 19

would spend the summer training our heifers and had a blast at the fair. As the last family member in 4-H, it’s bittersweet to look back at the memories we made as a family, especially as I prepare to graduate out of 4-H this year. These experiences taught me valuable skills and created lasting bonds I will cherish.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? Growing up, I would see the dairy royalty in the community, and I always looked up to them. Once I was of age, I became a McLeod County dairy ambassador. I quickly learned how important this program is and knew I wanted to take it to the next level. I became a princess because it’s an amazing platform to share my experiences and knowledge of the dairy industry. It lets me be a positive role model for youth. I am honored to represent my family’s farm, county and the dairy industry.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Farmers work together with policymakers and industry professionals to ensure we are as sustainable as possible. This may involve recycling water or manure, using soil conservation techniques and much more. Consumers need to know we care about our land just as much as they do, and we would do anything to preserve it for generations to follow.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? Each of our memories and experiences on the farm is unique and valuable. Sharing these experiences is important because they offer different views to consumers and other farmers. I plan to use my experiences to talk about sustainability, the care put into our livestock and the benets we receive from dairy at our many events.

Meeker County

Parents: Josh Frenchick and Melissa Tessmer

Employer: Frenchick Dairy Manannah, Minnesota

for a good quality of life. Some nights get late when two cows decide to calve at 8:30 p.m., and you need to get colostrum in the calves so they get their essential nutrients from that rst milk. Dairy farming is unpredictable, but farmers always ensure their cattle are getting the care they need from calf to cow.

Morrison County

Parents: Kennard and Laura Fellbaum

Employer: Scherping Farms

Swanville, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I grew up on our family’s dairy operation near Swanville. However, this last summer, we made the courageous decision to sell our milking cows. Wanting to still be a part of the dairy industry, I spend a lot of time at our family friend’s farm about a mile away from where I live.

Paige Fellbaum, 17

Dairy

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. I have been involved in 4-H since I was in kindergarten. My fondest memory would be working with our winter or spring heifers and getting to know them.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I can advocate for the dairy industry even though my family’s operation does not currently milk anymore.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Without the promise of sustainability, there would be no future for producers. Dairy farmers don’t just provide milk. They care for the animals that provide the product and the environment around them.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? Creating a strong personal connection when sharing a message is very important to the overall comprehension of the information being shared with community members.

Paige Frenchick, 18

Dairy Star Sponsor: Lake Henry Implement Inc. Lake Henry, MN 320-243-7411

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. Both my parents lived on dairy farms growing up, so I spent a lot of time at both grandparents’ farms. My dad was involved in showing Jerseys for 4-H, so that’s what I also did from the minute I was able to. We have our own farm where we raise and show our Jersey cattle. I plan to attend the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to major in life biology/genetics and get my teaching license.

Parents: Jamie and Rebecca Gerads

Employer: J & M Dairy Upsala, Minnesota

Dairy Star Sponsor: Midwest Machinery Co. Stewart, MN 320-352-6511 mmcjd.com

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I am the fourth generation on my family’s dairy farm. From a young age, I was active on the farm, helping with milking, feeding cattle and much more. I started showing dairy cattle as a Cloverbud in 4-H. I also competed in dairy bowl and dairy judging for a few years through 4-H. I was also active in FFA and my church. I am a freshman at South Dakota State University studying agricultural education. I am involved in many clubs but found a home in the SDSU Dairy Club. I hope as I get older, I nd more ways to promote agriculture.

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. When my siblings, cousins and I showed dairy cattle together in 4-H, all six of us

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. My favorite memory from the farm is when we nally nished our barn. The rst cow that was led into the barn was our oldest cow, Janice, who was about 13 at the time.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? It is important to be a voice for the farmers who may not have the time or resources to be their own voice. Being an advocate for dairy is one of my biggest passions, and this is one way to help with that.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Everything is a cycle. We grow food for our cattle to eat, and what’s left over gets turned into bedding. Cows use energy from their food to make milk and manure, which then gets put on to the eld. It repeats all over again.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? There are truly no days off when it comes to raising dairy cattle. Whether it’s 20 degrees below zero or 90 degrees, we are outside feeding, bedding, watering and milking cows, because they need all of that daily

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I grew up on a dairy farm near Upsala. I helped milk, feed youngstock and helped my dad with everyday chores. As I got older, I took over some of the chores so my dad could work in the eld or with equipment. I was in charge of daily milking until we sold our cows this past January. I help my father with eldwork. I am working toward my Bachelor of Science degree in social work at Minnesota State University-Mankato. I hope to move home and work in child protective services.

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. My grandparents were often at our farm helping. My grandma would always allow me to tag along with her chores. This meant I was typically found in the calf barn with her taking care of them. Being able to spend that time with her is something I

have always been grateful for and one of my favorite memories of growing up on the farm.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I remember the past princesses coming into my classes and wanting to be them someday. I would ask my dad if that was something I could do someday. He encouraged me not only when I was little but last year and this year as I debated running. It connects me to a community that was a big part of my life growing up, and I am happy to share my experiences and advocate for a wonderful industry.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Farmers are committed to environmental sustainability in multiple ways. One of the biggest ways they are committed is through their cows’ diet. They feed their cows diets rich in oil seed, almond hulls and grains that help reduce methane emissions from the animals. This is one of the ways dairy farmers are committed to working toward environmental sustainability. Undeniably Dairy’s website is a great place for consumers to learn more about how farmers are committed to being environmentally sustainable.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? Having spent my childhood working, learning and growing up on a dairy farm, I learned many life skills. I learned how to complete different tasks and go about not only farming but also life. After selling our cows, I realized how much the dairy community truly did for me and how much I wanted to give back. I will use these experiences to connect with other farmers and consumers to share how deeply myself and farmers I know are connected to their farm.

Mower County

Parents: Tom and Katie Koenigs Adams, Minnesota

Emma Koenigs, 18

Dairy Star Sponsor: Meyerhofer Bagging Stacyville, IA 507-259-5863

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. Within the last few years, I have leased dairy heifers from local dairy farms. We lease our dairy heifers from Jax Dairy Farm, bring them to our home and work with the heifers daily. I prepare the cattle for the Mower County Fair. Showing heifers gives me the opportunity to then become a dairy princess. Being a part of the dairy royalty program helps me engage and learn more about what’s going on around me. Next fall, I will attend Winona State University for the nursing program.

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. My sister and I were getting ready for the day when we looked out our bedroom window and saw the cows in our front yard.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? Being a dairy princess helps me obtain and learn more about the dairy program. Both my parents grew up on a dairy farm and helped encourage the importance of the dairy industry. Dairy royalty gives me an opportunity to help in the community and learn great leadership skills.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Dairy producers are taking further steps to be environmentally sustainable. Many try their best to protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving water and promoting biodiversity. Dairy farmers are mindfully committed to protecting the environment while providing us with great dairy products.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? Being a part of the dairy industry has made me a better person. After taking care of daily tasks to care for heifers, it gives me a glance of the hard work that goes into taking care of dairy cows. Taking care of

the animals requires dedication and commitment. By talking about the importance of care and love given to animals as well as the nutritious dairy products made, people will be more educated and understand the big picture of the dairy industry.

Parents: Chris Swenson and Jessica Smith Adams, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I grew up on my grandparents’ dairy farm. I used to help milk cows, clean pens and bottle feed calves. I have great memories, and I learned a lot. Next fall, I will attend Winona State University for nursing.

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Milking cows with my aunt and uncle.

Haylea Swenson, 17

Dairy Star Sponsor: Meyerhofer Bagging Stacyville, IA 507-259-5863

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I get to be a role model for all of the younger kids in the dairy industry. I also am able to connect with people in the dairy industry. My grandpa, who owned the dairy farm I grew up on, passed away, so I am honoring him in a way.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Farms use responsible waste management, and the animals are well taken care of. Farms also try and keep water usage to a minimum.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? The dairy community is a great place to be. I made so many connections while being on the farm. We have each other’s backs, and we trust each other. We support others when others need any help at all. Everyone in the dairy community looks out for each other. When my family had to sell our cows, all of the neighboring farms were there for us.

Murray County

Parents: Jeff and Jody Schaap

Employer: TimberView Farms Chandler, Minnesota Murray County

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Dairy producers have been striving to do more with less for decades. They do everything from reusing water to breeding for more feed-efcient cows to using the manure to reduce the use of commercial fertilizers for crop production.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? Sharing stories and experiences from the farm to help educate people in the community.

Nicollet County

Parents: Rob and Gail Moline

Employer: Annexstad Dairy Farm St. Peter, Minnesota

Makayla Moline, 20

Dairy Star Sponsor: Bongards’ Creameries Norwood Young America, MN 952-277-5500

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. My dairy background started around eight years ago, when the Annexstad family came up to me at the county fair and asked if I wanted to show. So, the next year I started my dairy journey. On top of showing, I have to work 10 hours at the farm. I started to do my 10 hours but fell in love with the work. I eventually started working there with showing. I plan to become a large animal veterinarian and to give back to everyone and show people my love and passion for the industry.

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. My favorite memory is seeing how far the cattle come from the beginning of the year to the time at the fair.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I want to be an advocate for the dairy industry and tell everyone my passion. I want the general public to know all the good within the dairy industry and how much farmers care about cattle. Being named a princess is a huge honor and will be a rewarding experience.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Dairy farmers are constantly looking at ways to sustain the environment and have the best farming practices. Farmers want to preserve the land for future generations.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I will use my personal experience and show others how much love and support the communities have for farmers.

Kaitlyn Schaap, 17

Dairy Star Sponsor: Chandler Feed Co. Candler, MN 507-677-2237

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I have lived on a dairy farm for all of my life and have helped with it ever since I was little. Going out and feeding calves with my grandma was something I looked forward to every day. I also learned how to milk cows at a very young age. The snowstorms that we get prevented the employees from making it to work. I plan to go to college and earn a degree in nursing.

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. I remember going out early one Christmas morning to the barn to milk the cows with the whole family. It was not easy getting up at 4 a.m., but I was excited to learn how to do it. There was a bad snowstorm that night, and the morning milkers couldn’t make it in. We got all of our layers on and walked to the parlor. I stood on a bucket in the middle of the parlor to watch my mom and dad. When we got done, we had a big breakfast that consisted of my favorite: wafes with strawberries and whipped cream.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I want to be an advocate for the dairy industry, and being a dairy princess will be a great experience.

Parents: Rob and Gail Moline

Employer: Annexstad Dairy Farm St. Peter, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I work at the Annexstad Dairy Farm doing calf chores with Jean in the mornings. I plan to attend Minnesota State University-Mankato to major in nutrition on a dietetics track.

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. I have learned so much working with Jean. My favorite

Mackenzie Moline, 18

Dairy Star Sponsor: Bongards’ Creameries Norwood Young America, MN 952-277-5500

memories are when there are newborn calves and we bring them to the barn to get them settled.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? Nutrition from dairy products is extremely important. With my passion in that eld, I like to advocate about the 13 essential nutrients. I have had experiences where I lacked the proper nutrition due to gastrointestinal issues. Learning as well as advocating about the nutrition our bodies need to thrive is something I love to do.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Dairy farmers are practicing new ways of being environmentally sustainable every day. Farmers work toward minimizing runoff from manure by forking it into the ground, feeding their cows different so we can lessen the methane gasses and reusing water in many ways to limit waste. These are a few examples of how our dairy farmers are sustainable.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I have learned many things, from the care of the calves to how the Annexstads practice sustainability on their farm. Those experiences will help me answer questions from consumers and educate in a positive way. I continue to learn every day from working at a dairy farm and will continue to share the information I learn.

Olmsted County

Parents: Bruce and Melissa Rott

Employer: Badger Bluff Farm Elgin, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I grew up on my family’s dairy farm, where we raise Holstein heifers. Since 2010, I’ve shown dairy cattle as a 4-H student in Olmsted County. I also participate in 4-H and FFA dairy judging, competing at three national judging contests. I am a freshman student-athlete at the University of St. Thomas, Minnesota, double majoring in business operations/ supply chain management and nance while competing as a thrower on the track and eld team.

Lauren Rott, 19 Dairy Star Sponsors: Midwest Machinery Co. Plainview, MN 507-534-3116 mmcjd.com Northern Valley Livestock Services Plainview, MN 507-534-4356 dairymed.com

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Spending time outside with my family. No matter what we’re doing or when we’re doing it, I enjoy getting outside in the fresh air and helping wherever I can. Family is such a strong part of the dairy farming tradition. I value all the time I’ve spent working with my family on the farm.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? To be named an Olmsted County dairy princess is an honor. I’m blessed to have this opportunity to represent the dairy farmers of Olmsted County. It means the world to me as I look forward to attending all the exciting summer events, like county fairs, parades and breakfast on the farm. I’m eager to meet people at these events, strengthen my connection with the dairy community and tell my dairy story.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? As an operations/supply chain management major, I recognize the prominence that environmental sustainability holds in the eyes of consumers. As someone who has grown up within the dairy community, I’ve learned about the commitment dairy farmers promise. From environmental sustainability to responsible animal welfare to the production of nutritious products, the dairy community promises excellence and constant improvement in all aspects.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? Everyone’s experience within the dairy community is unique, including my own story. From a kid who grew up on a dairy farm to a Division I athlete, my story is lled with unique opportunities and experiences that many members of the dairy community never get. There’s just something about the dairy farming lifestyle that has allowed me to nd success in everything I do. I’m looking forward to sharing my story and my successes as a dairy princess.

Pine County

Parents: Matt and Crystal Peterson

Employer: Birch Creek Dairy Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. My family and I joined our dairy farm in 2012 when I was 7 years old. At a young age, I enjoyed spending time with the calves and watching them grow up to be milk producers. Now, I enjoy helping with calves and also with milking. I also show our dairy cattle in 4-H.

Lillia Jordan, 18

Dairy Star Sponsor: Birch Creek Dairy Willow River, MN 218-658-4355

Fluegge’s Ag Mora, MN 320-679-2981

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Being able to see and help with calves being born. This is a truly amazing experience, and I have always loved welcoming calves.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I am able to show my love for the animals as well as for the community. Teaching others about dairy cattle is also something I love doing as I can share about what goes on at a dairy farm and why. These cows have been a huge part of my life, and it is a blessing every day. I want to show everyone how important these animals really are. By being a dairy princess, I am able to do that.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? It is in their best interest to be good stewards of the land. Taking care of the environment is the only way to keep doing what they love.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I will share what happens on a dairy farm and show others the high importance of the farm. With my experiences, I am able to teach others about dairy cattle and spread the word on how wonderful it is.

Pipestone County

Parents: Keith and Jeanna Welgraven Employer: Welgraven Dairy LLC Ruthton, Minnesota

Katelyn Welgraven, 18

Dairy Star Sponsor: Gorter’s Clay and Dairy Equipment Pipestone, MN 507-825-3271

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Before I was too little to actually help milk the cows, I would start doing random things in the parlor. Well one day, I started to randomly clean using my scrub brush. As I was cleaning the walls, our dog had gotten into the parlor, so I decided to give him a bath, even if he didn’t really appreciate me giving him one.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? It is important for people to be properly educated about the dairy industry. The opportunity also allows me to educate people, especially the younger generation, in a fun manner. I can also partner with businesses and offer free ice cream. Even doing little events, people always want to have conversations or ask questions which allows me to help spread the dairy industry in a positive manner.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? I would explain the many ways that dairy farmers are continually looking for ways to make their farms sustainable. Dairy farmers keep the soil healthy by rotating crops to improve soil quality. I would also encourage people to reach out to their local dairy farmers or read articles from reliable sources about how dairy farmers incorporate sustainable practices.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I’m going to tell people what I experienced growing up on a dairy farm and what I have done as a princess. Even in college, I have conversations with friends, and we will get on the topic of dairy. I do my best to answer their questions about dairy. I also like to make sure that people know that dairy is healthy for them, especially since there are so many options and misinformation.

Pope County

Parents: Nate and Angie Walter

Employer: Walter Dairy Villard, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I am the fourth generation on my family’s dairy farm. The farm was started in 1935, and in 2013, we transitioned to organic. We farm 390 acres and prioritize grazing. I mainly help by milking the cows. Growing up on a dairy farm led to my involvement in activities, including 4-H and FFA. I am graduating from South Dakota State University with a degree in agricultural business and a minor in economics.

Laureen Walter, 19

Dairy Star Sponsor: Midwest Machinery Co. Glenwood, MN 320-634-5151 mmcjd.com Minnesota Dairy Initiative mn-dairy-initiative.org

I will be moving home for a summer internship with Hurley & Associates and will help on the farm. My goal is to nd a career allowing me to connect with farmers and help them become more protable.

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I grew up on the dairy farm my grandpa started. When I was old enough, I became the dairy ambassador and later the dairy princess. I am a freshman at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, and I am majoring in elementary education with a minor in deaf education. While I am not getting a degree in something agriculture or dairy related, I would love to stay connected and continue to educate people about the industry.

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. The numerous skid loader rides with my dad when I was still young enough to t behind the safety bar. We had two games we played to pass time. The rst one was called, “What do the cows eat?” We would ask each other silly questions, like if the cows would eat jelly beans. The other was, “I Spy.” The trick was that the, “I spy with my little eye, something red” was the color of the hat on my head.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I can share all of the reasons why I love dairy. From the nutritional benets of dairy foods to the love and dedication dairy farmers have, there are so many things consumers should know. Ever since I was younger, I have dreamed of becoming a dairy princess. Watching the coronation and the carving in the butter booth are emotional but inspiring to me. It is a tradition that I would be proud to become a part of.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? In the dairy industry, recycling is all around. Cows are great recyclers. They eat forages that humans could not digest. A substantial portion of cows’ diets come in the form of byproducts. Then, the manure the cows produce is put back into the soil to keep it healthy. On most farms, water is recycled too.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? Growing up on a farm has to be one of the greatest gifts in the world. The experiences and lessons learned are invaluable. One of the best parts is joining a community that feels like home. We are connected in a way that is hard to explain, but it is real. It is more than just an occupation; it is a lifestyle. There is a strong passion and dedication that comes with it.

Redwood County

Parents: Ron and Jennifer Coudron

Employer: Coudron Dairy and D&S Hilltop Farm Milroy, Minnesota

Elizabeth Coudron, 18

Dairy Star Sponsor: Farmers Cooperative Association Milroy, MN 507-336-2555

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I grew up on my family’s farm where we grow corn and soybeans and milked cows until 2012. Since then, we have raised heifers for different dairies. My passion for the industry began when I started showing dairy cattle at the 4-H county level. I started raising my own heifers to show. I competed in dairy project bowl for 4-H and am on my FFA chapter’s dairy judging team. It met many new friends and learned new things. I plan to attend South Dakota State University and major in animal science.

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Being able to work with my family on the farm, whether it is feeding calves, baling hay, working cattle and everything in between. Many memories have been made, and we have become closer as a family because of it.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? To share about the dairy industry with consumers. I want kids to know where their food comes from and help them appreciate the ones who do this for them. I am able to share the industry I am passionate about to the public and hopefully be able to share excitement about the industry with them.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Farmers constantly recycle nutrients. The cycle starts with planting then harvesting the crop to feed the cows. The cows use the nutrients to make milk, which contains the vital 13 nutrients for consumers. Whatever nutrients are left go back into the eld to start the process over again. There have been many steps made to control environmental pollution by controlling runoff. Finally, most dairy producers live in the area that they produce, so they want to keep the environment healthy in that area.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I will share that the dairy industry is growing smaller in the area I live. It is making it harder for younger generations to start in the industry. I have also seen what dairy farmers go through. Many do not understand the work involved in the production of milk. I learned to appreciate hard work. Every day, when having a dairy product, I rst say, “Thank you, dairy farmers.” It is important to appreciate their work before enjoying nutritious dairy products.

Renville County

Parents: Curt and Lisa Nachreiner

Employer: Nachreiner Dairy

Fairfax, Minnesota

Lydia Nachreiner, 17

Dairy Star Sponsor: Bongards’ Creameries Norwood Young America, MN 952-277-5500

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. Growing up on my family’s dairy farm has been a memorable experience for me. I have spent time riding with my dad in the tractor when I was younger, helping with the calf chores. The past four years I have been on the payroll as a milk technician and barn hand. These experiences have given me a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the value of hard work. In August, I plan to attend Minnesota State College Southeast-Winona. I am excited to pursue a degree in radiography. I hope to become a traveling technician.

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. When my older sister and I would spend time doing various things with my dad in the shop.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I am pleased to be given this opportunity to not only introduce others to the dairy industry but also help others learn more about how important the dairy industry is to ourselves and our communities. It is also important to realize how much work dairy farmers put into their farms to produce products for others.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? We have started to reduce tillage for soil and fuel conservation. Every year, we try to incorporate environmental improvements on the farm.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? Growing up on a dairy farm has had a signicant impact on the individual I am today. It taught me the value of hard work and instilled in me a strong work ethic. Witnessing the effort and dedication that my father put into his farm shows me how much farmers put into their daily lives. It is a valuable lesson that has stayed with me. It’s important to show appreciation for the hard work that farmers do for their communities.

Parents: Curt and Lisa

Nachreiner

Employer: Nachreiner

Dairy Fairfax, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I grew up on a 250-cow dairy farm, and my parents taught me the importance of hard work and dedication to the industry. For the past six years, I worked on the farm as a milk technician and farm hand. My goal is to obtain a degree in agricultural business, service and management and then work for a cooperative while continuing to contribute to my family’s dairy operation. I am also committed to remaining involved with the National Professional Agricultural Student Organization throughout my college education.

Dairy Star Sponsor: Bongards’ Creameries Norwood Young America, MN 952-277-5500

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. When my dad broke his arm, which gave me my rst opportunity to be his right-hand man, literally. I was able to operate his precious chopper and combine, and it was a great bonding experience to help him harvest the crops for the year. I felt privileged to assist him in this way.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? Serving as a dairy princess allows me to network with others and also enables me to promote the industry through community engagements. I am excited to spread my love for cows throughout the community.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Dairy farmers strive for maximum efciency in their daily conservation and economic choices.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? Agriculture is a fundamental aspect of my life, and I have gained a wealth of experience in growing crops, producing beef and milking dairy cows. This has enabled me to develop a deep appreciation for the agricultural lifestyle, and I take pride in sharing my knowledge and experiences with others.

Parents: Brad and Sara Nosbush

Employer: Lax Pietig

Dairy Fairfax, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I grew up on a dairy farm. The farm was owned by my dad, Brad, and his two brothers, David and Leroy, and was recently sold. My dad works on the farm, which milks 1,000 Holsteins. I attend the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities for biology on a pre-med track and plan to be a family physician.

Annika Nosbush, 18

Dairy Star Sponsor: Lake Henry Implement Inc. Lake Henry, MN 320-243-7411

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. I loved feeding and helping with calves. I loved helping my dad with calf chores and giving bottles. I’ve always loved working with anything related to the calves and seeing them grow.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? To be able to share the importance of the dairy industry with consumers. Many people do not realize the health benets of dairy and its importance in a diet. Being a princess means being able to share this with others and spread this message to many people.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Many farmers use different practices to help protect the environment. These practices may include the use of cover crops to prevent soil erosion and manure management while also preventing overfertilization and water contamination.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I learned about the importance of dairy in my diet and want to share this message with consumers. I also saw how hard farmers work to take care of their animals. There can be misconceptions around this topic, and I would like consumers to know how much farmers work to care for their animals.

Madalynn Nachreiner, 19

Rice County

Parents: Pat and Clarice DeGrood

Employer: J & P DeGrood Bros Faribault, Minnesota

Karlie DeGrood, 18

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Being able to ride in tractors, the chopper and the combine with my uncles during eldwork. My cousins and I would always pack lunches and crowd into the equipment so we could spend all day in the eld. Throughout the day, we would switch which tractor we were riding in and who we were with.

Parents: Jim and Wendy Dieball Employer: Dieball Dairy LLC Green Isle, Minnesota

Dairy Star Sponsor: Midwest Machinery Co. Northeld, MN 507-645-4886 mmcjd.com

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. My family and I custom raise dairy replacement heifers for a farmer who milks roughly 120 cows. I am also raising Red and White Holsteins that started as a 4-H project. I plan to graduate from South Dakota State University with a major in agricultural business and minors in commodity risk management and communication studies. I hope to be a grain market consultant along with returning back to the farm part time.

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Doing morning feed chores with my dad. After the silage was done running into the bunks, it was my job to walk in the bunk and spread the mineral across the silage and make sure that all the heifers got their morning scratches.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? By wearing the crown and holding the title of a dairy princess, we are to be good representatives for the dairy farmers within our county and state. We are to connect with farmers, learn from them and better educate the general public about the importance of the dairy industry. I want to share with the general public how farmers truly care for their land and livestock along with their surrounding community.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? I have grown up to see how farmers are responsible caretakers of our land and how they care for the livestock in sustainable ways. As a representative of those farmers, I would take it upon myself to invite and educate the general public about the benets that farming has on the land and environment along with the practices they use on the farm to ensure the safety of the environment.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I hope to meet more people from the general public and educate them about the daily life of a farmer. I plan to have outreach opportunities with not only farmers but the public as well. I hope to also reach out to the youth in my community and connect them with farmers so they can learn about the wonderful industry.

Parents: Gordon and Hindy Saemrow

Employer: Saemrow Dairy Waterville, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. My family owns and operates a 750-cow dairy farm. We raise our calves and replacement heifers. Some of my responsibilities include milking, helping with herd checks and helping feed calves. I am also part of my county’s dairy judging team where we have attended local, state and national contests. I am a student at the University of WisconsinRiver Falls, studying agricultural business.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? To represent dairy farmers in Minnesota. I want to communicate to consumers just how important the work dairy farmers do is. I plan on educating the public and acting as a bridge between consumers and producers. Many people are confused on what dairy farmers do and what goes into the production of dairy. I want to be able to show consumers how safe, healthy and ethical dairy is.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Resource management is a vital way farmers can increase the sustainability of their farms. Some farmers have turned to renewable sources of energy, such as solar panels, to power their farms. Many farmers also utilize recycling on their operations. Water scarcity is a problem facing agriculture. To combat this, many farmers nd ways to use water multiple times. Water can be used to cool milk, water cows, and clean oors and equipment.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I will educate consumers on what it is like growing up and working on a dairy farm. My experiences allow me to have knowledge of how a farm operates and how much care goes into each animal. My experiences of feeding calves, milking cows and working with animals allow me to educate the public on issues facing the dairy industry.

Sibley County

Parents: Mitch Anderson and Heidi Grams-Anderson Employer: Gramson Farms

Buffalo Lake, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I own dairy cattle with my brother and sister. The cattle are not on my farm. They are on family’s and friends’ farms, but one day, I would like to have them on my own farm.

Jacy Saemrow, 19

Dairy Star Sponsor: Ag Partners agpartnerscoop.com

Midwest Machinery Co. Northeld, MN 507-645-4886 mmcjd.com

Nicole Anderson, 18

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Giving the calves milk replacer and getting kisses from them.

Dairy Star Sponsor: Bongards’ Creameries Norwood Young America, MN 952-277-5500

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I can inform the community if they don’t know anything about dairy.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? The products are a reasonable part of our environment.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I will use my experiences at locations while talking about dairy products to consumers who may not understand.

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I live and work on my family’s fourth-generation dairy farm. I am attending Northeast Iowa Community College for early childhood education. I am graduating in May, and in the fall, I will return to school to study precision agriculture.

Shelby Dieball, 19

Dairy Star Sponsor: Bongards’ Creameries Norwood Young America, MN 952-277-5500

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Sitting in a stroller in the parlor watching my grandma milk cows.

Minnesota Dairy Initiative mn-dairy-initiative.org

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I love being able to promote the dairy industry. It always means that I am able to educate people about the dairy industry and why it is so important.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? To reassure consumers, I would help consumers understand what famers do for us and what they provide for us. I would also share stories from my own experience on the farm.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I will be able to use examples when I talk to people that may be interested in the dairy industry. It is always important to include personal stories whenever possible.

Parents: Will and Michelle Sampson Employer: Five Star Dairy LLC

Gaylord, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I visited my father’s dairy farm a couple of times, and I now work at his butcher shop in Gaylord. I plan on studying marine biology at the University of Maine or Coastal Carolina University.

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. When my dad would let me give milk to the calves.

Isabelle Sampson, 17

Dairy Star Sponsor: Bongards’ Creameries Norwood Young America, MN 952-277-5500

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? To help others understand the importance of dairy in our everyday lives. I can show more appreciation to dairy farmers and the product they produce.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Whether it’s the care of the animals or the recyclable jug they put milk in, dairy producers value the well-being of their animals as well as what products they are producing for the consumers.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I can use my personal experiences to help others understand how the dairy industry works and to teach others how important dairy is in an everyday diet.

Sibley

Parents: Robert and Gina

Schuft

Employer: Schuft Dairy Arlington, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I grew up on a dairy farm where we milked around 50 cows in a tiestall barn. We sold our dairy herd; however, my family owns a few cows from the original herd that we work with and show at the fair. I am attending Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences and majoring in radiography.

Maggie Schuft, 19

Dairy Star Sponsor: Bongards’ Creameries Norwood Young America, MN 952-277-5500

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Every morning before school, my brother and I would get up to do chores before getting on the bus. I would head out to the calf barn to feed grain and then make my way over to the calf pen where I would feed calves. Feeding bottle calves was always my favorite chore, but I also enjoyed getting cows home from the pasture and helping in the milking barn.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I can positively represent the dairy community. Being named a princess is a privilege but also a big responsibility. I look forward to promoting our hard-working dairy farmers and educating consumers about the dairy industry.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? I would reassure consumers by giving examples of how dairy farms practice being sustainable every day. For example, dairy cows help with food waste by turning foods humans can’t digest into milk. They also provide fertilizer with their manure, which is a great source of nutrients for crops.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? My personal experiences of growing up on a dairy farm make me passionate about advocating for the dairy community. Coming from a knowledgeable dairy-related background will improve my ability to share the message of the dairy community.

Stearns County

Parents: Ross Lemke and Kelly Corona, and Steve Corona

Employer: Groetsch Dairy Albany, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I work on Groetsch Dairy by helping fetch cows. We milk 260 cows with four Lely robotic milking units. I’m also involved in the University of Minnesota Gopher Dairy Club at college. I’m passionate about the dairy community and plan on nding a marketing job promoting dairy.

Selena Corona, 21

Dairy Star Sponsor: Midwest Machinery Co. Sauk Centre, MN 320-352-6511 mmcjd.com

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. When I’m having a rough morning and one of the cows comes up and comforts me.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? To get further involved in dairy. I also love educating consumers on the benets of dairy and helping bridge the gap between them and farmers.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Farmers are working every day to

implement new protocols as they are discovered to help become a more sustainable operation.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I will share my experience of getting involved in the dairy community later in my life. This experience helps me connect on a deeper level with consumers because I used to experience similar questions and confusions. As a well-versed dairy advocate, I’m thrilled to educate those who are not involved in dairy.

Parents: Steve and Pam Herdering Employer: DLM Acres Melrose, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I grew up on a 120-cow dairy farm near Freeport. I assisted by milking and feeding cows, feeding calves, doing eldwork and equipment maintenance, and more. My parents sold the farm in 2022, so I am employed by my aunt and uncle who own DLM Acres, an 80cow dairy farm. I participate in the Melrose FFA dairy evaluation team. I plan to attend a four-year college to major in an agricultural eld.

Grace Herdering, 17

Dairy Star Sponsors:

Centre

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Being able to work beside my family each day grows a bond that I cherish. One of my favorite memories of working with my family would be walking into the parlor where my brother was milking cows while listening to jazz music. I asked him why, and his theory was that it kept the cows much calmer. Whatever works.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? To advocate for the dairy industry. I am most excited to interact with consumers to educate them on where their food comes from and emphasize the importance of dairy products in their diet.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable because they believe and depend on the future of agriculture. They care for their animals and land responsibly so future generations can farm the land they farm.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? My personal experiences will help me connect with consumers and share the message of the dairy industry. I will share how farmers are working hard each and every day to put food on the table that is nutrient rich and responsibly produced.

Parents: Josh and Kadee Rieland

Employer: McAndrews Dairy LLC Sauk Centre, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I did not grow up on a dairy farm. I joined 4-H and leased and showed dairy cattle through the farm I now work at. I plan to attend the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to study agribusiness.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I can help bridge the gap between consumers and producers and advocate for the farmers and the industry that I love. It is my turn to step up and inform consumers of the dairy industry.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? The dairy industry is committed to be environmentally sustainable by recycling and reusing both water and manure. Cows also eat byproducts that humans cannot eat. The dairy industry works every day to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? My experience from working on McAndrews Dairy has taught me many life lessons, like responsibility and a good work ethic. While working on the farm, I have learned how sustainable and locally driven the dairy industry is. I will use my experiences on the farm to help spread the message of the hard-working dairy industry.

Parents: Jeremey and Emily Smith

Employer: Smith Dairy Melrose, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. My family owns and milks 40 organic cows on a rented facility. I also am on the dairy judging team through FFA and will be competing at state this year. I plan to major in pre-med or human biology.

Smith, 17

Dairy Star Sponsor: Midwest Machinery Co. Sauk Centre, MN 320-352-6511 mmcjd.com

Hartung Sales & Service Inc. Freeport, MN 320-863-2697

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Learning to drive tractor is my favorite memory because it is denitely one of my favorite places to be. Being able to hop in and go sit in the elds for hours is a calm and peaceful feeling that you can’t get anywhere else.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? To help educate our community on the importance of dairy products and why everyone should incorporate them into their diet. To answer any questions that people may have or possible concerns. Being named a princess means to be a positive advocate for the dairy industry and to be a resource to bridge the gap between producers and consumers.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Dairy farmers rely on the environment to grow crops to keep their cattle healthy. Proper rotation and careful consideration of the effects on the environment are always prioritized in our crop planning.

Avery Rieland, 17

Dairy

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. When my show animals had calves, and I fed them.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? Because I am on the farm, I am condent on the food our family is producing every day and am therefore condent on being able to tell the community about it. I am excited to positively share the process of where our food comes from.

Stearns County continued on next page

Jaiden

Parents: Keith and Patty

Woitalla

Employer: Woitalla Dairy LLC

Holdingford, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I live and work on my family’s dairy farm with is co-owned by my dad and uncle. We are milking 125 Holstein cows in two connecting tiestall barns. I am a freshman at Ridgewater College in Willmar. I am double major for associate degrees in agriculture business and precision agriculture. I want to become an agronomist and seed saleswoman while also staying involved on my family’s dairy farm.

Grace Woitalla, 19

Dairy Star Sponsor: Midwest Machinery Co. Sauk Centre, MN 320-352-6511

mmcjd.com Hartung Sales & Service Inc. Freeport, MN 320-863-2697

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Dairy has been a part of my life since the earliest times I can remember, and I have many great memories that include my family dairy farm. When I was learning how to milk cows with my grandpa, he would tease me about being too short to reach the milk line. I also enjoy the time spent in the barns with my family and teaching my younger sister.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I continued in the dairy princess program for a third year because I enjoy educating the people in my community about agriculture and dairy. I am honored and excited to be able to serve Stearns County for another year. Being a dairy princess means I can show my support and make a difference for our local dairy communities while the farmers are busy with their chores.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? I would reassure consumers that dairy is environmentally sustainable through my personal experiences on my family farm and what I am learning through college. I would talk about safe tillage practices, recycling manure, cover crops and many other practices. Precision agriculture allows farmers to optimize how they perform and protect the environment.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? My personal experiences on the farm will allow me to effectively communicate the values, traditions and commitments of our local dairy community. I will share my personal stories about my family’s dairy farm to help me connect with people in my community. I will tell stories, share my dairy experiences on social media and give examples of what I am sharing with curious consumers.

Steele County

Parents: Andy and Lindsay Cox

Employer: Clover Glen Farm

Owatonna, Minnesota

Anna Cox, 17

Dairy Star Sponsor: Bongards’ Creameries Norwood Young America, MN 952-277-5500

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Spending time with the kittens and playing with the calves on the front lawn. Also, I enjoyed doing calf chores with my friends.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I have been a dairy ambassador for the past two years and am excited to make this next step. Being a dairy princess will open up many opportunities and give me a platform to help promote the dairy industry.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Our farmers are always striving for animal comfort, sustainable practices and giving consumers our best products.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? Sharing what actually happens on the dairy farm. Providing insight to how our local farmers run their dairy. Being a familiar face to advocate for the dairy industry.

Parent: Casey Homuth Employer: Schmity

Holsteins LLC

Owatonna, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. My family used to be dairy farmers when my dad was a boy, and when the kids got older, they got rid of the cows. I then proceeded to join 4-H and be around the dairy industry again. My plans include attending St. Mary’s University of Minnesota with a major in nursing and a minor in American Sign Language.

Madison Homuth, 18

Dairy Star Sponsor: Krause Feed & Supplies Hope, MN 507-451-3043

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. When I was a little girl, I was able to ride in the combine with my dad or my grandpa. I would fall asleep as my head was hitting the window. When I was 3 or 4 years old, my dad let me drive the combine, and instead of going straight, I managed to go in zigzags and messed up a few rows of soybeans.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I have always wanted to promote the dairy industry and keep it around as long as possible. I have always had a passion for dairy cows, and I want other people in the world to learn more about how they can get involved with the dairy industry. Being named a princess means that I have been able to work hard for my passion for the dairy industry and that I am going to have a bigger impact to get people to want to be a part of the dairy industry.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Showing them how we handle animals and why it is important to keep the dairy industry around. Without the dairy industry, we would not have the products that are made from dairy.

Parents: Jon and Kim Schmidt

Employer: Schmity Holsteins LLC

Owatonna, Minnesota Steele County

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I have been involved in 4-H for the past eight years. I started showing in 2015 with Holsteins and now show my own herd of Jerseys. I also work on the farm where we milk 200 cows. I plan to attend college at University of NebraskaLincoln.

northlandfarmsystems.com

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Watching our rst Jersey cow be born on the farm. She has grown into an excellent cow, and I have taken her to our county fair and won supreme champion with her.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I want to support the dairy community and get kids interested in learning about the dairy industry. I want to be a good representation for the industry.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? I will share how farmers have used genetics to increase milk production by using less feed and how farmers have used cover crops to help preserve the soil during crop rotations.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I will use my experiences with 4-H to help incoming 4-H students learn more about the dairy industry. I will use my knowledge from working on the farm to help educate others.

Parents: Tim and Stacy Nelson Employer: Nelsonway Owatonna, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I started through cow camp and later joined 4-H. I have been active in 4-H for several years, purchasing my rst cow in 2016. I am planning on graduating from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in 2026, with a bachelor’s degree in dairy science. I plan to work for ABS Global or PEAK Genetics upon graduation as an A.I. technician.

Afton Nelson, 20

Dairy Star Sponsor: Let’s

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I started in cow camp, which is an opportunity to learn more about a dairy farm and work with a calf. For many, it ends after a two-year experience, but some, like myself, get to continue on, showing at the county and state fair level. This opened many doors for me. I joined 4-H and FFA and became a dairy ambassador. I joined the dairy judging team for 4-H and FFA and the 4-H dairy bowl team. I will be attending Harding University to major in marketing.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I will share the memories that I have from being around dairy and use those memories to impact others to help promote the dairy industry.

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. I did not grow up on a dairy farm, but I have had the blessing to be closely connected to one. A fond memory I have is an occurring one, but one of my favorites. My heifer, Dunkin, will come sprinting every time she hears her name or she sees a feed tub.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? It gives me enjoyment when I am communicating and interacting with consumers.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? There are many articles, so I highly recommend doing some digging. But, it is important to note that dairy farmers, and the daily practices associated with farming, are constantly working toward a more sustainable production practice. Most are doing small changes to start off with, as it is more efcient for them, but the goal is to be entirely sustainable by 2050.

Steele County continued on next page

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? As I did not grow up on a farm, it is important that consumers are able to have a rst-hand connection with me while I share the message of dairy. I plan to use stories based on knowledge and facts to assist me in answering any potential questions.

Parents: Tim and

Amy Woeste

Employer: Woeste Farms Long Prairie, Minnesota

Alexis Woeste, 18

the urge to run away from me to nd food. She ended up running away with me still holding on to her.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I am the proud granddaughter and niece of a dairy farmer. Family heritage is special to me, as the farm has been in our family since 1884. The dairy industry has been our livelihood, and I’m honored to be a part of it.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Dairy farmers help support keeping the soil healthy. Dairy farmers turn cow manure into renewable energy. They also optimize their cows’ diet to help reduce methane emissions.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I think that people relate the most to personal experiences. I would use my personal experiences to spark a memory in them, and then use that as a lesson on the dairy industry.

Wabasha County

Parents: Adam Eversman and Stacy Plagge

Employer: Darrell and Travis Luhmann Stewartville, Minnesota

Dairy Star Sponsor: Midwest Machinery Co. Sauk Centre, MN 320-352-6511 mmcjd.com

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. My family has been involved in the dairy industry for more than six generations. My family is involved by raising show heifers from birth to calving when they are sold or placed on a friend’s farm. I am involved in the daily care and observation of the heifers. I plan to attend the University of Wisconsin-River Falls to major in agricultural business. I would like to work for an agricultural-based Fortune 500 business.

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. My favorite memory of growing up with my heifers is doing well at shows and being able to see how much I beneted from hard work.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I know the importance of having a relationship with the consumers. They often have questions, and it is our job to answer them so they can understand to the best of their ability. I want to share my story about the impact the dairy industry has had on me and the relationships I have gained through the dairy industry.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Farmers are committed to keeping the environment clean. Farmers follow guidelines to ensure this. They reuse water multiple times and also use manure to fertilize crops versus buying commercial fertilizer, which makes it more cost-efcient.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? The dairy industry has taught me lifelong skills such as time management and responsibility. I will also share how we treat our cows and show how well they are cared for.

Parents: Chris and Andrea Slater

Employer: Schmity Holsteins LLC Owatonna, Minnesota

Ali Slater, 18

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I will educate younger children on where their milk comes from, where it gets taken, how many times a day cows are milked and how they are milked. I will advocate for dairy farmers by informing consumers why dairy is good. The nutrients in dairy products are good for bone health by providing calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus.

Todd County

Parents: Mike Wielenberg and Sarah Maland

Employer: Wielenberg

Family Farm

Long Prairie, Minnesota

Haylie Wielenberg, 17

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I lease dairy cattle from a family to show at the county fair, and I will be attending Riverland Community College to major in agribusiness.

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Joking around with mice with one of my coworkers who is deathly afraid of mice.

Alexis Eversman, 18

Dairy Star Sponsor: Pierce Sales & Service Plainview, MN Bob & Jonett 507-534-2431 Midwest Machinery Co. Plainveiw, MN 507-534-3116 mmcjd.com

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I want to grow my presence in the community and have opportunities to meet new people.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Dairy producers can reassure consumers of their commitment to environmental sustainability by implementing sustainable farming practices, investing in energy efcient equipment, and sharing their progress and achievements with consumers.

Dairy Star Sponsor: Northland Farm Systems Owatonna, MN 507-214-3430 northlandfarmsystems.com

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I grew up on our family’s dairy farm. I have helped in all of aspects of the farm from taking care of the cows to eldwork. I am a member of FFA and show dairy cattle through 4-H at the county fair. I have also earned state fair trips the last few years. I am planning on attending Rochester Community and Technical College for the veterinarian technician program. I am hoping to get a job at a local clinic, where I can also continue my education to become a vet.

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. When my family built the freestall barn in 2010 and working with my heifer, Daisy. When I was working with her, all of a sudden, she got

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I basically grew up on my grandparents’ dairy farm. We always helped out wherever help was needed. I started showing dairy cattle when I was in kindergarten. Around that time is when I fell in love and became fascinated with how our dairy farm worked and the animals, we took care of. Growing up on the farm is what helped me discover what I wanted to do with my life. I will be attending the U of M Crookston to major in animal science and completed their pre-vet program. Then I will go on to the U of M Twin Cities to go to vet school, get my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, and become a Large/Farm Animal Veterinarian.

Dairy Star Sponsor: Midwest Machinery Co. Sauk Centre, MN 320-352-6511 mmcjd.com

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. One of my favorite memories was when my brother and I were waiting for the vet to come out to help with a sick cow. My brother and I got side tracked and were off somewhere messing around. Then when we noticed the vet truck was here, we ran into the parlor and we must’ve been so quiet because when we got in there, and Dr. Wes noticed we were there he jumped and started laughing and said that he was almost going to use some ghting moves on us because we scared him.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I want to be a dairy princess because I want to show people that all the negative things, they see online about the dairy industry are not true and I want to teach them about the industry so they can better understand us. To me being crowned a dairy princess means carrying on a family tradition. My aunt was a princess and many of my cousins were princess a few were even Princess Kay Finalists. It also means that I get to teach people about the industry that shaped who I am today.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? I would tell them that we often reuse waste from other practices. Like for example the water we use to cool down the milk, cleaning equipment, or cleaning the barns is used for our elds as irrigation. I would also tell them that farmers are constantly looking for new ways in which to be sustainable, because we want our world to last for future farmers. We do our best to take care of our earth so that our future generations have the same beautiful world we have.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I will highlight the hard work, dedication and passion that goes into producing dairy products I will also emphasize the importance of sustainable farming practices, animal welfare and the nutritional benets of dairy products. By sharing my experiences and insights, I can help educate others about the dairy industry and foster a greater appreciation for the work of dairy farmers.

Wadena County

Parents: Steve and Jaime Malone

Employer: Malone Dairy, Goeden Dairy Wadena, Minnesota

Emma Malone, 18

Dairy Star Sponsor: Midwest Machinery Co. Wadena, MN 218-631-2311

mmcjd.com

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I grew up on a dairy farm until we sold the cows in 2019. I then worked on my neighbor’s farm for a summer before breaking my arm. He then sold his cows as well. A year later, I worked for another farmer who was in the process of selling his farm to another guy, and I stayed with the farm after the change of ownership. Nowadays, I help farmers who need time off for vacations and events and such.

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. When I worked for my boss, Orren, he had me do pull ups in the rafters of the barn I remember doing them when I rst started there and hardly being able to do three. By the time I had been there a few months, I think I could do about 10 or so.

Wadena County continued on next page

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? It’s a great way to get involved in the community. I also like having the opportunity to teach people about the dairy industry.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Farmers have a specic set of guidelines and regulations they follow to help keep people safe and keep the environment intact. By following these guidelines, they are actively preserving our environment.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I enjoy sharing my own experiences with people. A lot of times, I can use my knowledge to educate people more about what dairy farmers do.

Parents: Dennis Jr. and Trisha Pickar

Employer: Meech Dairy Nimrod, Minnesota Wadena County

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I grew up working on a dairy farm with family friends of ours. I plan to raise beef cattle but continue to advocate for agriculture.

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Getting the opportunity to learn something new every day in the barn.

Lexi Pickar, 23

Dairy Star Sponsor: Midwest Machinery Co. Wadena, MN 218-631-2311 mmcjd.com

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I want to be a dairy princess to be a voice for our farmers who are often misunderstood or go unheard.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Dairy producers have many laws and regulations in order to preserve land, but many farmers take extra precautions because land is valuable and is a limited resource.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I’ve found that farming is nothing but compassion and is often misunderstood by the public. The truth is that farmers love their animals and go through extensive measures to care for them.

Parents: Tom and Katie Smith

Employer: Meech Dairy, West River Dairy Sebeka, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I didn’t grow up on a dairy farm but found an interest in animals around the eighth grade. I started working for Carpenter Dairy. My parents drove me to and from the farm every time I worked. I had become best friends with Grace and was asked to start working there in the middle of 10th grade. I quit at Carpenter Dairy after three years and wanted to try something different. I started a job at West River Dairy, a dairy goat farm. I feed the kids every night. I have loved every second I have been working in the dairy industry. All the lessons I’ve learned will greatly help me in whatever profession I go into. I plan on getting my agribusiness degree though Minnesota State University and working for something agricultural-related.

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Running through the irrigators with my best friend, Grace, or milking with her. She always makes milking the most fun.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? To represent our county’s dairy farmers. I love all the connections, experiences and new friends I have made during my three years of being a dairy princess.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Dairy farmers love the community and animals. Farms are being mindful of the earth and the environment because that is what they live off of.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? By showing how fun and rewarding the industry is and by being kind and respectful to everyone I meet and talk to.

Waseca County

Parents: Ken and Julie Eichhorn

Employer: Groskreutz

Famliy Farm

Wells, Minnesota

McKenna Eichhorn, 20

Dairy Star Sponsor: Bongards’ Creameries Norwood Young America, MN 952-277-5500

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I grew up a mile from my grandparents’ farm, which is where I spent most of my childhood, helping my uncle, Terry Groskreutz, do chores, feed calves, milk and more. Being on the farm will always be one of my favorite places to be. I am attending South Central College in North Mankato, Minnesota, majoring in dental assisting. I can further educate people on how great dairy products are for strong teeth and bones.

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. There are so many fond memories to choose from, but the main ones that stick out include feeding the newborn calves, sitting in the hay loft with my cousin Jeremy watching the cows below, combine rides and having to chase after cows that break loose from the cow yard.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? I want to represent all of our hardworking farmers and help further educate others about where their dairy products come from. Being a dairy princess is so special to me. I have made some of the best friends that I could ever ask for and have gotten to travel to new places where I’ve had the privilege to speak about the dairy industry.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? The dairy industry is making new strides every day to keep our farms environmentally sustainable. Dairy farmers have been working with scientists to develop ideas to help our cows and the planet.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? Based on my family’s values, dairy farmers care deeply for their cows and are proud of the milk their cows produce for consumers.

Waseca County continued

Parents: Jason Eldeen and Cathy Eldeen

Employer: Eldeen Dairy

Waseca, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I grew up on a dairy farm north of Waseca. It has been in our family for 147 years. We milk about 65 Holsteins in a tiestall barn and raise our youngstock. We have about 700 acres of crops. In the fall, I plan on attending Rochester Community and Technical College for a veterinarian technician degree. My passion would be working on our family farm and someday raising my family.

Allie Eldeen, 18

Dairy Star Sponsor: ABS Global 507-390-5962 absglobal.com

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Playing tackle tag in the hayloft with my cousins and neighbors’ kids and playing with the cats and calves. As I got older, I learned how to milk and started to drive tractors and other farm equipment. I also helped more with giving vaccinations and caring for both cows and youngstock. The best memories of all are being able to work and have fun with my family.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? The dairy industry gets a bad reputation because consumers are misinformed about how dairy products are produced With my dairy background, I could help inform and educate consumers about the facts of the dairy industry. I truly enjoy going to all the events with the other candidates, representing the dairy industry for Waseca County and the surrounding areas.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? We try to do the best job we can by using good tillage practices, crop rotations, manure hauling and all the other crop-related practices that go with dairy farming. All antibiotics that are used are for the treatment of sick animals only. All the milk is tested before it is shipped off the farm. The processing plants test the milk from each farm when it is picked up to be sure that it is safe.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? It is my responsibility to inform consumers of all the hard work and dedication that dairy farmers put in to produce a wholesome, healthy and safe product for everyone to enjoy. Dairy farms bring more revenue to a community than most people realize. Here are some examples: farm stores, co-ops, veterinarians, implement dealers, lumber yards, plumbers, electricians, carpenters and masons. There are so many businesses that dairy farmers rely on.

Parents: Jon and Cassie Eldeen

Employer: Eldeen Farms Waseca, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I have grown up on our dairy farm where my dad and uncle milk around 64 cows, and we also produce corn and soybeans. My future is still undecided, but I want to attend college.

Katy Eldeen, 17

Dairy Star Sponsor: Wistes Meat Market Janesville, MN 507-234-6278 wistesmeatmarket.com

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. One of my favorite memories growing up was getting up early to test with my dad and always getting a treat after all of the chores were done. I was excited to have the one-on-one time with Dad and not worrying about the other siblings bothering me while helping.

Mattea Smith, 17

Waseca County continued

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? Given the chance to represent our county’s dairy farmers is a huge honor. I enjoy sharing our lifestyle and promoting the health benets of dairy products.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy products are committed to being environmentally sustainable? As farmers, we are committed to doing the best for our animals. That means giving back to the land, as the land has produced the crops that feed our livestock 365 days a year.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? My parents have shown us what hard work and compassion looks like. We truly care about the well-being of our animals. That shows throughout the day-to-day operations on and off the farm.

Winona County

Parents: Mike and Mary Ketchum Employer: Ketchum Farms Partnership LLC

Altura, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I grew up on my family’s registered Holstein and Jersey farm. We milk about 120 cows and farm 500 acres. Alongside my family, I have done a variety of chores ranging from feeding calves, milking cows or eldwork. My plans include graduating college with an agricultural education degree with a double minor in animal and dairy science. I hope to continue to grow my own herd alongside my family.

Katie Ketchum, 20

Dairy Star Sponsor: Midwest Machinery Co. St. Charles, MN 507-932-4030 mmcjd.com Ag Partners agpartnerscoop.com Northern Valley Livestock Servies Plainview, MN dairymed.com 507-534-4356

Wright County

Parents: Brian and Theresa Beaudry Employer: Beaudry Dairy Farm Otsego, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I grew on my family’s fourth-generation dairy farm where I milk cows and help with feeding chores. I plan to go to Hennepin Technical College to study child development. I plan on starting an in-home day care.

Maria Beaudry, 17

Dairy Star Sponsor: Bongards’ Creameries Norwood Young America, MN 952-277-5500

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. Getting to work alongside my siblings and dad. Getting to work alongside my siblings gave me a greater understanding of patience, communication and community. Working alongside my dad gave me an understanding of hard work and dedication.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? Being a role model to younger generations is such a blessing. With me wanting to go into child care and working with kids every day, I am a role model to them, and they look up to me. Being a dairy princess would mean that I am not only a role model to the children I see on a daily basis but also the dairy community as a whole.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable by showing them the numbers. For instance, over the past 70 years, the dairy industry has reduced its carbon footprint by 63% through innovations in animal care, feed efciency and manure management. Today, dairy farms use 90% less land and 65% less water to produce 1 gallon of milk than they did 70 years ago.

Parents: Andrew and Colette Thorson Employer: Diers Corporation Waverly, Minnesota

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I grew up on my family’s dairy farm. We milk 250 cows and raise our youngstock. In 2020, I milked cows three mornings a week and assisted with health-related duties on weekends. My love for dairy was always there, but it grew when I became more involved. I am a freshman at South Dakota State University, majoring in dairy production with minors in leadership and agribusiness. I want to return to my family’s dairy as the sixth generation.

Malorie Thorson, 19

Dairy Star Sponsor: Bongards’ Creameries

Norwood Young America, MN 952-277-5500

Minnesota Dairy Initiative mn-dairy-initiative.org

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. I would never trade the time spent with my mom milking. It’s truly amazing the impactful conversations we had at 3 in the morning. Whether it was the prayer we said walking to the farm or stories we shared, it was a time for us to bond. I can strongly say our relationship got stronger and moving away to college got harder. It was also a time I could start to help make decisions. She always asked for my opinion, even if it was on a topic I didn’t know much about. She created paths for me to grow within the operation and my passion as well.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? When I was younger, I looked up to the girls in our county and Princess Kay of the Milky Way. However, I have gained the utmost respect for dairy farmers. Being a dairy princess means more than the title and crown ever will. I’m trusted with the dairy community. I am capable of sharing my passion and knowledge to educate consumers about hard-working people who provide nutritious food.

Lang’s Dairy Equipment Lewiston, MN 507-452-5532

Tell us a fond memory of growing up or working on a dairy farm. All the memories I have growing up and working on my family’s dairy farm are some of my favorites. However, if I could only pick one, it’d be milking cows in the parlor with my grandparents and sister, telling jokes and laughing together.

Why do you want to be a dairy princess? It is so important for everyone to know where their food comes from as well as ask questions they have about dairy farming. I get to share a piece of how I grew up with those around me and give back to a community of people that has given me so much.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Each day we are nding new and innovative ways to not only stay environmentally sustainable but also responsibly produce high-quality, nutritious and delicious dairy products. Farmers utilize various practices, from reusing water, using solar panels for energy or simply spreading manure on our elds.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I love going to classrooms and visiting with students to share my passion with them. They ask questions about what my family does and others in our state. It is important to use examples of things that happen on the farm or chores that I do when talking with consumers and dairy farmers alike, because they get a better understanding of what happens in the dairy community.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I will use my personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community by sharing my family’s stories. I will share how being raised on a dairy farm gives me a greater understanding for hard work, commitment, sense of purpose and community as a whole.

How would you reassure consumers that dairy producers are committed to being environmentally sustainable? Farmers naturally care for the environment. Farmers care for the environment that cares for us. Dairy farmers are producing 19% less greenhouse gasses compared to 10 years ago. Most of this success comes from technology advancements. Modern innovation allows farmers to implement practices that recycle water, reduce food waste, maintain air quality and allow for proper manure storage.

How will you use your personal experiences on the farm to share the message of the dairy community? I am able to give personal examples of a real-life operation to consumers. Whether it is questions about animal care, food safety, sustainability, nutrition or the impact dairy makes on communities, I can answer with condence. I can portray my knowledge to a variety of age groups and audiences, so everyone can understand the importance of dairy.

Royalty represent industry for 70 years

Mower County dairy princess program thriving

By Amy Kyllo amy.k@star-pub.com

For 70 years, Mower County dairy royalty have represented dairy farmers. Though Mower County had 2,585 dairy farms in 1954 versus 14 dairy farms as of April, the county’s dairy royalty program remains strong.

This year, the county has two dairy princesses, three ambassadors and a milkmaid. The county also boasts three past Princess Kay of the Milky Ways and seven more Princess Kay nalists.

Julia (Mullenbach) Merten, a former Mower County dairy princess and Princess Kay nalist, is the program coordinator.

“The community ... sees that the dairy princess program is alive and well,” Merten said. ... “Even though there’s fewer farmers, we’re not going to give up on promoting and advocating for dairy.”

Cristy Sathre is a dairy farmer in Mower County who served as a dairy princess in 2002. Sathre said she likes to see that the younger generation is proud of dairy farms.

“When I was dairy princess, it was still strictly dairy farm daughters,” Sathre said. “Now, when it’s opened up to more girls, it’s really nice to see how many girls still have an interest in the dairy farm.”

Sathre was crowned the 49th dairy princess. She remembers making classroom visits, running the malt stand, giving away ribbons at the fair, scooping ice cream and partaking in parades.

Merten, who was the program’s 65th dairy princess in 2018, took over the program in 2020.

Merten did not grow up on a dairy farm but showed cattle and worked on a dairy farm. As the dairy community has changed, most of the princess candidates, like her, have not grown up on a dairy farm.

“Anyone who wants to be an advocate for agriculture, or dairy specically, we need to be building them up and teaching them how to best promote,” Merten said. “We’re not going to turn anyone away. ... We need to give them the tools to succeed.”

“I always enjoyed being in the parades and seeing all the little kids,” Sathre said. “They always admired the crown and looked up to it. ... It always made you feel special and proud to be a part of it.”

Sathre said being part of the princess program made her want to stay in the dairy industry. Sathre and her partner, Chris Suess, have taken over her parents’ dairy farm. They milk 35 cows.

“More now than ever, we need that connection (of dairy princesses),” Sathre said. “It’s nice to have that small town connection with the consumers so they can see that there is a person and a face behind the dairy industry.”

Three of the rst six Princess Kays were from Mower County. Eleanor (Maley) Thatcher was the rst woman to hold the title of Princess Kay. Thatcher, who came from Grand Meadow, Minnesota, has since passed away.

The second Princess Kay was Ruth Marie (Peterson) Faber. Faber described herself as shy and bashful as a young woman.

“It just opened doors and

windows for me as far as the whole world is concerned,” Faber said. “I thank God for that every day.”

Faber said she made around 2-3 daily appearances as the Mower County dairy princess in 1955 and another 16 appearances as the regional winner. Faber said that dishing ice cream was her favorite type of appearance as a county princess.

Faber said that over 600 people attended the county banquet.

As Princess Kay, she does not remember how many appearances she made.

Faber was also crowned the rst American Dairy Princess, representing the U.S.

Throughout her reign, Faber traveled internationally, including Cuba, Japan and Columbia. In Colombia, she attended a private dinner hosted by the president of Colombia.

Faber also met Dwight D. Eisenhower and was offered a job by then U.S. Sen. Hubert Humphrey.

“I have such happy, fond memories of all the wonderful people that I met,” Faber said. “I never dreamed in my life that I would have a private audience with the President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower.”

At the Minnesota State Fair, Faber met a girl who was in awe of meeting a princess. The two became pen pals and remained lifelong friends.

Betty Jax Cole was the sixth Princess Kay in 1959. The Adams, Minnesota, native competed against 1,646 women to win the title.

“I still appreciate the community of Mower County,” Cole said. “It’s heartwarming ... to think how people remember you and what you did.”

At the county level, Cole competed as part of a group of 21 women. She said it cost $1.50 to attend the county banquet. She said they wore hats,

gloves and high heels at the competition prior to the banquet. She made appearances at softball games, 4-H events, parades and served lots of ice cream.

Cole made 560 appearances as Princess Kay.

During her reign, Cole said the dairy industry was introducing sour cream as a new product, so that was part of her role. Throughout that year, her appearances included getting to be part of various cooking schools.

Cole lived in St. Paul, Minnesota, with a chaperone during her reign and was able to go to her hometown twice.

“It was an eye opener,”

Cole said. “You live a sheltered life when you live on a farm. ... I was like a sponge. I absorbed everything I could absorb and appreciated everything that was given to me. I still use a lot of the things that I learned.” Merten said she wants the girls in the program today to grow as individuals, both in communication and maturity as well as their passion for the dairy community. Merten emphasizes training for the princesses as well as fresh promotion ideas.

“I want to continue to try to nd new ways to promote dairy, not just the typical things we’ve done for 20-30 years,” Merten said.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Be y (Jax) Cole stands near the All-You-Can-Drink Milk Stand at the Minnesota State Fair. Cole a ended 560 events as the sixth Princess Kay of the Milky Way.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

2024 Mower County dairy royalty Kiley Koenigs (from le ), ambassador; Hayden Felten, milkmaid; and Emma Koenigs, dairy princess, pose for a photo March 23 at the Mower County dairy princess banquet in Aus n, Minnesota. Not pictured are Haylea Swenson, dairy princess; Meryn Silbaugh, ambassador; and Amy Smith, ambassador.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Julia (Mullenbach) Merten poses next to her bu er sculpture Aug. 26, 2018, at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Minnesota. Merten was the 65th Mower County Dairy Princess and a Princess Kay of the Milk Way nalist, and now, she coordinates the Mower County dairy princess program.

Ruth Marie (Peterson) Faber

Cristy Sathre