Country music recording artist John Michael Montgomery started the 2011 Central Plains Dairy Expo with a bang on March 29. More than 2,600 people were estimated to have attended the three-day event in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with the vast majority being dairy producers. Other special events included a Prayer Breakfast, where Harvey and Lisa Van Ess, Van Ess Dairy, Sanborn, Iowa, and Mike Wells, president and CEO of Wells Dairy, LeMars, Iowa gave testimonials in faith. Story continues below photo slideshow.

The coronation of a new South Dakota Dairy Princess took place Wednesday evening. Natalie Thyen, daughter of Dan and Becky Thyen, of Waverly, South Dakota, received the 2011 honor.

She was bestowed a $1,000 scholarship from the Midwest Dairy Association’s South Dakota Division. Melissa Zemlicka, daughter of Daron and Valerie Zemlicka, Watertown, South Dakota, and Hiltien Landman, Rein and Boukje Landman, White, South Dakota, were named runners-up. Each received a $500 scholarship from the Central Plains Dairy Expo.

Company participation was noted by the 200-plus all dairy trade show exhibitors that lined the convention hall. 5-Star Sponsors also hosted a variety of speakers to choose from during breakout sessions on topics from udder dissection to hypocalcaemia and nutrition formulation to manure management. PD

Photos by PD Editor Karen Lee and Central Plains Dairy Expo staff

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Karen Lee