Tiaras, sashes and beautiful dresses – doesn’t every little girl dream of becoming a princess? Waving to fans along the parade route, greeting people at events and giving speeches. It’s all part of being a princess.
So why is Progressive Dairyman featuring an article about royalty? Here in Minnesota, being a dairy princess is the next best thing to being part of a royal family ... possibly better.
To be eligible to become a county dairy princess in Minnesota, a young lady must be from a dairy farm family, or she or her parents or guardian must be employed by a dairy farm. She must also be a high school graduate and not yet 24 years old. Candidates are typically evaluated on a written application, a short speech, a professional interview and a mock media interview.
After being selected as a representative of the dairy farmers in their county, these princesses have the opportunity to compete for Minnesota’s dairy community goodwill ambassador, Princess Kay of the Milky Way. After a busy leadership weekend in May, devoted to skill-building to share the message of dairy farmers’ commitment to providing safe, high-quality milk and dairy foods, including taking good care of their cows and the land, the 12 finalists for Princess Kay of the Milky Way are named.
It’s a jam-packed summer of June Dairy Month promotions, many appearances and of course county fairs for these young ladies. Then the 12 finalists come together again in August for more judging. Princess Kay is then crowned the night before the Minnesota State Fair opens, and she serves as the goodwill ambassador for one year, helping people understand the dedication of dairy farmers to wholesome and nutritious food, and the way milk is produced. Dairy farmers sponsor the dairy princess program through the Midwest Dairy Association.
I have the privilege of being the Minnesota dairy princess coordinator. As Minnesota’s dairy princess coordinator (affectionately referred to as the Queen Mum), I spend the 12 days of the Minnesota State Fair with these qualified and passionate princesses. Following the fair, I schedule Princess Kay’s appearances throughout the year, as well as assist with her social media, and edit her speeches and print work.
I have so much respect for the dairy princess program. I have been a past dairy princess and a mom of a Princess Kay finalist, so I can appreciate each girl’s nervous excitement as well as their parents’ pride. As the coordinator, I again witness the passion, dedication and joy these young ladies put forth to promote the dairy lifestyle they enjoy.
I have seen this program enhance confident women with amazing leadership skills and strong work ethics. Past dairy princesses continue to advocate for dairy through their careers. Most have taken jobs in agriculture-related fields, and many have become dairy farmers. The tiaras and sashes may be safely tucked away on the closet shelf, but their commitment to promoting the dairy community will be worn forever. PD
Janet Bremer has a blog and is also on Facebook and Twitter.
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Janet Bremer
- Dairy Producer
- Hastings, Minnesota
PHOTO: Janet Bremer, center, poses for a photo with the 2016 Princess Kay finalists. Photo provided by Janet Bremer.
