Dairy Princess

Dairy princess programs provide a way to get young women involved in the dairy community and also creates dairy advocates. Dairy princesses represent dairy farmers in their respective counties and attend numerous events with the goal of connecting with consumers.

The crown and sash worn by a dairy princess make it easy for the public to identify who she is and what she represents.

Learn more about the princess programs supported by Midwest Dairy Association in Iowa and Minnesota.

Information provided by: https://www.midwestdairy.com/young-dairy-leaders/dairy-princesses/

MORRISON COUNTY

Daizy Dickmann

Town: Pierz

Parents: Josh and Linda Dickmann

Tell us about yourself and your dairy-related background. I grew up on a dairy farm outside Pierz. I am attending Ridgewater College, where I will graduate this winter. I am going for two degrees: agribusiness and dairy management. Most of our cows are Holsteins, but we have a variety of other breeds such as Jerseys, Brown Swiss, Red & Whites, and crosses. We raise our own heifer replacements. Along with our dairy cattle, we also have a bunch of chickens running around and a couple of goats.

What is a special memory you have associated with the dairy industry? Doing chores with my siblings. When we all milked cows together, we always had the radio on in the barn and would sing and dance in the parlor while we waited for the cows.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess? I had a lot of influence to run for dairy princess. Both of my sisters ran for dairy princess along with a handful of my friends. I also wanted to learn more and improve skills such as communication, confidence and professionalism.

What about the agriculture industry and/or the dairy princess program stands out the most to you? The love and respect that farmers have for their animals always stands out to me. The dairy princess program helps to promote that as well.

What are your future plans? I am currently attending Ridgewater College and I am getting two degrees: agribusiness and dairy management. I have not entirely decided on what I want to do after college, but I would like to stay involved in the dairy industry.

Kayla Virnig

Town: Pierz

Parents: Kevin and Rose Virnig

Tell us about yourself and your dairy-related background. I live on my family dairy farm, Virnig Farm, and help with whatever is needed. I am also a very active in my local community through school clubs and sports.

What is a special memory you have associated with the dairy industry? Although I cannot pick just one special memory of growing up on a dairy farm, I think collectively, the most special ones were from when I finally got to do some things by myself for the first time. The feeling of accomplishment when I fed my first calf or successfully haltered and walked one around for the first time was amazing and I think helped to shape me into the independent girl I am today.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess? To represent local dairy farmers such as my family. Since I was a young girl, I remember being told, “You will be one of those princesses one day,” and now, here I am, a dairy princess.

What about the agriculture industry and/or the dairy princess program stands out the most to you? One thing about the dairy princess program that stands out the most to me is the support that we receive from local farmers and community members. The events we attend like parades and the fair are always met with great excitement, and I feel as though we are truly appreciated in our community.

What are your future plans? My plans are to go to a four-year college and attain a degree in nursing.

Cheyenne Keehr

Town: Pierz

Parents: Emmy and Joe Keehr

Tell us about yourself and your dairy-related background. I live on a beef farm 10 miles north of Pierz, where my family raises around 50 head of Angus cattle. I’ve grown up surrounded by agriculture, and over the years, I’ve started building a small herd of my own, including two mini‑Hereford cow‑calf pairs, a mini‑Hereford bull and several beef cows with calves. Working with cattle has always been a big part of my life, but so has dairy. Dairy farming runs deep in my family. Generations before me milked cows, including my dad and my grandpa. Even after our farm transitioned from dairy to beef, dairy never truly left our lives. My dad continued working on a dairy farm, and my uncle owned one as well. That connection is part of what inspired me to get involved myself. For the past three years, I’ve worked for Darrel and Amy Saehr on their dairy farm. My family likes to say I’m following in my dad’s footsteps, and in many ways, I feel that, too. Working with dairy cattle has strengthened my appreciation for the industry and the people who keep it going. It’s become more than a job to me; it’s something I’m proud to be part of.

What is a special memory you have associated with the dairy industry? A special memory I have connected to the dairy industry comes from my family. I was young when my family stopped milking cows, so I don’t remember those days myself, but I grew up hearing the stories. My uncles, my aunt and my dad loved talking about the times they spent milking in our small barn, the same barn that is now our heifer barn. Those stories were always filled with laughter, hard work and a sense of pride. After my uncle, Jayme, passed away this past year, those stories became harder for my family to tell, but they’ve stayed with me. They’re a reminder of where we came from and the values that shaped us. Over the past three years, I’ve had the chance to create my own memories while working on a dairy farm. I’ve learned what it truly takes to care for cows, to manage a dairy operation and to show up every single day no matter the weather or the hour because the animals depend on you. Those experiences have strengthened my connection to the dairy industry, and I’ve genuinely enjoyed every moment of being part of it.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess? Because I want to represent an industry that has shaped my life, even though I don’t live on a dairy farm myself. For a long time, I never believed I would have the chance to run. So, when Holly Saehr asked if I had ever considered it, I was surprised but also incredibly excited. It felt like an opportunity that not every girl gets, and I didn’t want to pass it up. I decided to run because I care deeply about agriculture and the people who dedicate their lives to caring for their animals. The dairy princess program reflects values that matter to me: leadership, confidence, connection and a genuine passion for the dairy community. I want to support a program that celebrates those qualities and gives young women a voice in an industry that means so much to so many.

What about the agriculture industry and/or the dairy princess program stands out the most to you? The sense of community, pride and purpose that comes with it. Agriculture is built on people who care deeply about their animals, their land and each other. No matter the weather, the time of day or the challenges that come up, farmers show up because they know their work matters. That dedication is something I’ve always admired and something I’ve experienced firsthand while working on a dairy farm. The dairy princess program reflects that same spirit. It brings together young women who share a passion for agriculture and gives them the opportunity to represent an industry that feeds and supports so many. What I appreciate most is how the program encourages leadership, confidence and connection not just with consumers, but with the farming community itself. It celebrates the hard work behind every gallon of milk and every dairy product, and it gives us a chance to help others understand the value of the people who make it all possible.

What are your future plans? Right now, I am enrolled in Central Lakes College and am on track to graduate from high school with my Associate of Arts degree. After earning my AA, I plan to attend Ridgewater College in Willmar and complete their two‑year veterinary technician program. Once I finish school, my goal is to return to the Pierz area and work close to home, primarily with large animals. I’ve always loved working with livestock, and I want to build a career where I can support farmers and their animals while staying connected to the agricultural community that has shaped me. My hope is to also continue growing my own herd and remain involved in the cattle industry, carrying the values of hard work, responsibility and animal care into everything I do moving forward.

Joslynn Wyatt

Town: Hillman

Parents: Amanda and Joshua Wyatt

Tell us about yourself and your dairy-related background. I am a 16-year-old junior at Pierz Healy High School, I am a part of Minnesota Honor Society, and I am a part of the Aitkin Flyers as a student pilot. I am working toward building my flight experience and expanding my knowledge of aviation. I grew up on a dairy farm and currently work on one where I milk cows. This experience has taught me responsibility, a strong work ethic and time management, since farm work must be done every day regardless of conditions. I have developed problem-solving skills and independence through both agriculture and aviation. In my free time, I enjoy reading and flying, and I am always looking for opportunities to improve my skills.

What is a special memory you have associated with the dairy industry? Growing up working alongside my sisters and spending time with my family on the farm. Some of my best memories come from being in the barn together, helping with chores and learning from each other. Those moments not only taught me important skills but also brought us closer as a family. The time we spent working side by side is something I’ll always value.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess? Because it is a great opportunity to represent the dairy industry and share something I’ve grown up being a part of. I’m excited for the chance to meet new people, build connections and learn more about the industry. I also want to help promote dairy and educate others about the hard work that goes into it.

What about the agriculture industry and/or the dairy princess program stands out the most to you? What stands out most to me about the agriculture industry, especially the dairy industry, is the dedication and hard work that goes into it every single day. It is not just a job; it is a lifestyle that requires commitment, responsibility and passion. The dairy princess program stands out to me because it gives young people the opportunity to share their stories with others. I like that it focuses on promoting agriculture, educating the public and connecting with the community. It is a chance to be a positive role model and help people better understand where their food comes from.

What are your future plans? To become a pilot and continue building my experience in aviation. I plan to earn my certifications and become a certified flight instructor so I can teach others to fly while gaining valuable flight hours. I am excited about the opportunity to keep learning and improving my skills along the way. After that, my goal is to pursue a career with the airlines. I hope to turn my passion for flying into a lifelong career and continue growing both personally and professionally in the aviation industry.

Addison  Marshik

Town: Hillman

Parents: Kevin and Amanda Marshik

Tell us about yourself and your dairy-related background. I am a 17-year-old junior at Pierz Healy High School. My whole life, I have lived on a farm that was previously owned by my grandparents. We milk 55 Holstein cows and also have beef cattle, pigs, a few chickens, many cats and a dog. I do chores in the mornings when I am home. I help feed the cows, youngstock and chickens. I also do any miscellaneous chores including driving the tractor for picking rocks and rolling soybeans or any other random things needed.

What is a special memory you have associated with the dairy industry? Just going to the county and state fairs and having so much fun with my family and friends learning new things each year.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess? Because I want to involve myself more in my community. I think this will be a great way to meet new people and connect with others. I want to learn more about the dairy industry, better my public speaking and be a representative of my community.

What about the agriculture industry and/or the dairy princess program stands out the most to you? What stands out to me most in the dairy industry is how many fun activities there are to get more people involved. They are constantly teaching people about dairy to inform them about the benefits.

What are your future plans? I am not 100% sure what I want to do in the future, but I would like to work with younger children.

Lydia Kokett

Town: Little Falls

Parents: John and Lori Kokett

Tell us about yourself and your dairy-related background. I grew up on a fifth-generation dairy farm, so I have always been involved in the dairy industry. Whether it is helping on the farm or being around the cattle, dairy has always been a big factor in my life.

What is a special memory you have associated with the dairy industry? I am involved in 4-H and have been showing dairy since I was a Cloverbud. Showing dairy cattle helps me to learn more about responsibilities and the importance of agriculture. It teaches me about hard work and dedication.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess? Because I want to represent and promote the industry that gives me so much. I enjoy talking about where our food comes from, and I think that promoting the dairy industry positively is so important in today’s society.

What about the agriculture industry and/or the dairy princess program stands out the most to you? What stands out the most to me are the people and farmers involved in agriculture. Farmers are passionate about what they do, and the dairy princess program is a great way to promote their hard work.

What are your future plans? I plan to continue my education after high school and obtain a bachelor’s degree in an undecided major. No matter what it is, I want to stay involved in the dairy industry and agriculture in my community.

Breanna Houdek

Town: Little Falls

Parents: Lisa Gosiak and Jamie Houdek

Tell us about yourself and your dairy-related background. I grew up on a beef farm on the outside of Little Falls. When I was looking for a job, I went down the road asking the dairy farmers there if they needed another worker. Since then, I have been working for four years, feeding calves every day and treating them. I have also learned a lot about cattle, farming and a lot of life lessons.

What is a special memory you have associated with the dairy industry? A special memory would be when I first started driving the tractor. I accidentally got pushed into a ditch by a semi; since then, they have always treated me like a part of their family. I also got close with the dogs and cats there. I ended up giving a lot of cats new homes and even took two home with me.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess? I got introduced to it by my bosses. I used to see the dairy princesses in parades when I was younger. I always thought it was so cool; they were so pretty. It made me want to make someone’s day and learn more about the industry.

What about the agriculture industry and/or the dairy princess program stands out the most to you? The thing that stands out most for me would have to be how the animals act and are treated. When you can tell they’re sick, I just want to be able to help them in any way. I care for all creatures; even if I can’t help them, I must try.

What are your future plans? After graduation, I plan to attend the University of Wisconsin-River Falls for animal science and pursue becoming a veterinarian.

DOUGLAS COUNTY

Kelsey Krohnfeldt

Town: Alexandria

Parents: Kevin and Steph Krohnfeldt

Tell us about yourself and your dairy-related background. I’ve lived and worked on our three-generation family-operated dairy farm my whole life. We milk 75 Jerseys and raise our own calves and replacement heifers. I do pretty much anything on the farm: feeding the calves, pitching manure, cleaning the cattle shed with the skid loader, feeding and bedding the cows, driving tractors and machinery, repairing machinery and farm facilities with my dad, welding, mowing the lawn, caring for the small animals we have, etc. I started learning to milk cows as well. Off the farm, I work two jobs, both in the food service industry. Through college, I volunteer with the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program to help people file their taxes. I am also continuing with FFA in the Alexandria Alumni chapter and am working toward earning my American Degree. In my spare time, I find things to do around the farm or learn new tasks and skills like guitar and pottery.

What is a special memory you have associated with the dairy industry? There are so many memories to choose from, growing up on the farm. I was always in the barn and on tractors since I was young. My parents hung a swing from the rafters of the barn so I could watch as my dad milked the cows and did chores in the evening. As I grew a bit older, my brother and I would ride our small bikes in the barn. We would ride in the tractors with Dad, Mom or Grandpa whenever given the chance. A few years ago, we had a calf born without eyes. We decided to raise her and learn from the challenges, naming her Helen. She lived with our goats for a while, and then, we brought her back up to the barn and put her with calves younger than her so she could still compete for food. She has now had two calves, both had eyes, and has learned how to navigate areas of the barn with her other senses. Helen moves through hearing and touch, so she is very calm and friendly; she knows all our voices, and I think that is super cool. It’s so incredible to grow up as the next generation in the dairy industry and learn alongside my family members.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess? It is important to advocate for the dairy industry and agriculture in general. Many people never had the chance to experience life on the farm, so they don’t know how it works or what daily farm life looks like. Educating the community is important, as farms need all the local support they can get. A lot of people take for granted the food and dairy products they buy from the store. They may not realize the process or work it took to get that product from the farm to their table, and as a dairy princess, I get to educate consumers in the community.

What about the agriculture industry and/or the dairy princess program stands out the most to you? The agriculture and dairy industries can be very separated from the consumers. Dairy princesses help bridge that gap through educating the public and their local communities. Being a part of the dairy princess program doesn’t mean speaking from a script; it means sharing what we know from our experience and what we have learned from other people and generations in the industry. We share our experience not just as work and chores, but as a sense of home. We share the behind-the -scenes of farming while rooted in tradition and stewardship for the land and animals. As a dairy princess, I get the opportunity to go out into the local communities and teach about agriculture. Educating the community can be done in many ways, such as farm tours for the public, going into classrooms, being involved in community events and simply being able to answer questions anyone may have.

What are your future plans? I plan to finish college at Alexandria Technical & Community College with majors in accounting and business management. I plan to continue to help on the farm with various things whenever I can, no matter where life brings me. I plan to start a roadside bakery and farm stand this summer. My goal is to start my own long-term business using my hobbies and skills, something that will serve or bring joy to others. I could build any business I wanted, like creating a barnyard open to the public to teach kids about everything on the farm during the day and hold line dancing gatherings or special events at night.

Emma Krohnfeldt

Town: Alexandria

Parents: Brian Krohnfeldt and Elizabeth Paul

Tell us about yourself and your dairy-related background. I am a junior at South Dakota State University studying animal science and pre-veterinary. Throughout high school, I was in 4-H, where I participated in many opportunities such as Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors, leadership/mentorship programs, static project areas, and showing cattle, dogs, sheep, goats and rabbits. I was also involved in FFA, National Honor Society, AAHS ambassadors and band. Now, in college, I am involved in pre-vet club, Alpha Zeta honors fraternity, Little International and some dairy club events. I live on a generational, 70-cow Jersey family farm north of Alexandria. While growing up and living on the farm, I was able to involve myself in FFA dairy cattle judging, 4-H dairy shows, Minnesota State Fair dairy workshops and the dairy princess program. I have also been fortunate to take some classes at SDSU centered around the dairy industry.

What is a special memory you have associated with the dairy industry? The memory that comes to mind is when my grandparents gave me a calf that I could call my own. As a young child, I thought that my name was the greatest in the world, so I named that calf Emma. Emma was the beginning of my longstanding interest in the dairy industry. Through Emma, I have grown my herd to what it is now and learned valuable life skills. Emma also inspired me to try new things in the dairy industry such as showing cattle, attending workshops and judging dairy cattle. Lastly, caring for Emma developed my love for large animal veterinary work and has prompted me to continue that dream into a career.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess? I choose to run for dairy princess because I want to be an advocate for the dairy industry after it has been such a major influence on my life. Being in the dairy princess role gives me the unique opportunity to interact professionally with consumers and build a bridge between them and the farmers who produce their dairy products. As an advocate for the dairy industry, I can share my own experiences along with general facts to both educate and reshape any misinformed ideas about the production of dairy products.

What about the agriculture industry and/or the dairy princess program stands out the most to you? That everyone is like one big family. The industry is always ready to help someone in need, whether that’s sending hay to wildfire victims or supporting a family in need within their local community. In the dairy princess program, every young female leader is supportive of one another like a large family.

What are your future plans? After graduating from SDSU, I hope to attend veterinary school. I plan to practice mixed animal veterinary work around central Minnesota. If veterinary school does not work out, I plan on pursuing a career in bovine nutrition. Along with this, I aspire to be the next generation to run my family’s farm.

MEEKER COUNTY

Claudia Frenchick

Town: St. Martin

Parents: Amanda Frenchick

Tell us about yourself and your dairy-related background. I am a freshman studying animal science with a pre-vet emphasis at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. In college, I participate in a variety of different clubs and organizations like the Gopher Dairy Club and the Beta of Clovia sorority. My dairy background started by going out to my grandparents’ dairy farm since I was a baby, and from there, my passion for dairy flourished. I have owned Jersey cattle since around 2011 and Holsteins since 2024. I have a small herd that I show at local, county and state shows and have some cattle mainly for production. Growing up, I have always had a passion for dairy and taking care of them, so I have worked on and alongside numerous farms as well as the one I am currently working at and where my animals reside. I also participated in 4-H dairy knowledge bowl, going all the way to nationals, and judged dairy cattle with 4-H and FFA while also participating in their state events.

What is a special memory you have associated with the dairy industry? Making the decision to step out of my comfort zone and buy a Holstein. I bought my first heifer, Anna, in May 2024 from a sale that Manannah Valley was having. After buying Anna, I decided to take her to a couple of local youth shows where I got to watch the long days of working and taking care of her pay off. As the summer continued, I got her ready for the county fair, where I won a state fair trip. This was the first trip that I had ever won with my own animal. At state, I was able to place well in my class and got 10th in showmanship. It was such a special moment to have learned and grown over the summer; to watch the hard work and dedication pay off was so rewarding. The other special part was Anna was bought from one of the original owners of Manannah Valley, so in honor of her, I decided to name her first calf, Agnes, after her.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess? Because of my love for dairy. I love being able to talk and connect with consumers and producers alike about dairy. Dairy plays a vital role in supporting local economies, providing essential nutrients and sustaining agricultural communities. This position offers a meaningful opportunity to communicate information about dairy production, promote its benefits, and represent the producers in a positive and professional manner. I love being able to work on my leadership and communication skills to promote and use my passion to drive my conversations. I want to inspire everyone, especially younger kids, to get involved in agriculture and be proud of it because the next generation gets to help decide the outcome of the agricultural and dairy industries.

What about the agriculture industry and/or the dairy princess program stands out the most to you? What stands out to me the most about the agricultural industry is its essential role in supporting both local communities and the broader economy through the production of safe, reliable food. Within that, the dairy princess program is particularly impactful because it focuses on education and outreach, connecting consumers with accurate information about dairy production. The program works to provide a platform to promote agricultural literacy, address misconceptions, and highlight the importance of the dairy industry and the hard work that goes into ensuring overall health and balance. The dairy industry surrounds our everyday lives and helps to develop strong communication and leadership skills.

What are your future plans? I hope to get on the VetFAST program, which works to help veterinarian students get through school faster to be able to work with production animals. My lifelong dream has been to become a large animal veterinarian and work alongside the dairy industry as well as other livestock species. I also have intentions to keep working and growing both my show and production herd of cattle and work with the next generation to show them what they can all achieve with a little hard work and dedication.

Elizabeth Thyen

Town: Grove City

Parents: Heather and Russ Thyen

Tell us about yourself and your dairy-related background. I’m 19 years old, and I am currently attending Ridgewater Community College to study elementary education. I live on my family farm where we raise our dairy heifers, Holsteins, Milking Shorthorns and Red & White Holsteins. I also own a small beef herd consisting of Red Angus and Simmentals. When our dairy heifers are close to calving, we send them to Fier-View Holsteins to calve, where they are milked by Lely robots. When a heifer calf is born, we bring her back and continue the process.

What is a special memory you have associated with the dairy industry? Even though I may not remember it, the story of my parents finding out they were going to get me will always come to mind. Many people may not know this, but I am adopted, and my parents were at World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, when they got the phone call that they could have me. Ever since then, going to the expo has become a big part of our lives, and we try to make it out almost every year, and we always make sure to celebrate at Texas Roadhouse.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess? The desire to become a dairy princess originated from my mom taking me to the Princess Kay of the Milky Way coronations since I was a baby. At first, I just wanted to wear a pretty dress and crown. As I grew, so did my passion for the dairy industry. Before I knew it, I absolutely loved talking about my cows and the farm. I also have friends and family that are past princesses, and from hearing their stories and experiences, I just knew I would love not only sharing my dairy story but also educating consumers.

What about the agriculture industry and/or the dairy princess program stands out the most to you? The thing that stands out the most about the princess program is what it teaches young women. I have learned so much throughout my years holding a title, from leadership to how to represent a group of hard-working people. I have learned how to talk to anyone of any age and so much more. I am so incredibly grateful that I have gotten this amazing opportunity to represent the Minnesota dairy industry and learn incredible life lessons along the way.

What are your future plans? I plan to be a teacher of some kind, be it elementary, special education or agriculture. I am unsure of which, but know I want to be an educator of some kind, and no matter what I teach or where I am, I plan to incorporate agriculture in my classroom as much as I can.

STEARNS COUNTY

Daisy Zimmermann

Town: Sauk Centre

Parents: Mike and Lori Zimmermann

Tell us about yourself and your dairy-related background. I am 18 years old and a senior in high school. My dairy background includes growing up and working on my parents’ dairy farm.

What is a special memory you have associated with the dairy industry? When I was younger, I would eat milk replacer for the calves by the handful. I absolutely loved eating it for some reason.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess? So I can help consumers understand the hard work and energy that is put into the industry.

What about the agriculture industry and/or the dairy princess program stands out the most to you? I think the energy that farmers and everyone associated with the industry puts into providing quality products.

What are your future plans? I will be attending Ridgewater College this fall seeking a major in agribusiness and hope to go into a sales position at a local agriculture company.

Isabella Schiffler

Town: Albany

Parents: John and Kristie Schiffler

Tell us about yourself and your dairy-related background. My family farms north of Albany where we milk 260 cows with four robots. Ever since I was a young girl, I enjoyed going outside whenever I was able, even if it meant just riding in the skid loader with my dad. I love going outside whenever I can to help with chores and spend time in the barn. My favorite days on the farm were when our veterinarian came out to do surgeries on cows. I have one older sister and three younger brothers. I am involved in soccer, basketball, track and field, 4-H, FFA, National Honor Society, the letter club, and captains and leaders.

What is a special memory you have associated with the dairy industry? Showing at the county fair. I remember being really nervous going into the ring, but once I got out there, I realized how much all the hard work had paid off. It wasn’t just about placing — it was about everything I had learned leading up to that moment, like responsibility, patience and confidence.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess? Because I’ve grown up around the dairy industry, and it’s something I care about. It’s taught me a strong work ethic and responsibility, and I’d love the chance to represent that. I’m also really excited to educate people about where their food comes from and help clear up misconceptions about dairy farming. Being a dairy princess would let me share my experiences and connect with others in a positive way.

What about the agriculture industry and/or the dairy princess program stands out the most to you? What stands out to me most about the dairy princess program is the opportunity to connect with people and educate them about the dairy industry. A lot of consumers don’t know where their food comes from, and I think it’s really important to share that story. I also like how the program brings people together who are passionate about agriculture and gives us a chance to represent something bigger than ourselves.

What are your future plans? I will be attending North Dakota State University for animal science. After that, I plan to attend the University of Minnesota for large animal veterinary school.

Jaiden Smith

Town: Melrose

Parents: Jeremey and Emily Smith

Tell us about yourself and your dairy-related background. I am the oldest of five kids in my family. We work together to run our 45-cow organic farm near Melrose. While I was in high school, I competed on the dairy evaluation team through FFA, where we placed second at state two years in a row. Now, I attend the University of North Dakota and am working toward a major in nursing and a minor in human nutrition.

What is a special memory you have associated with the dairy industry? Most of my favorite memories of the industry revolve around my family. Because our farm is so small, we do everything every day together. Some of my best memories are the dance and singing “competitions” that we have while milking cows.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess? Today, most people are multiple generations removed from the ag industry. By advocating for dairy producers, I can bridge the gap between producers and consumers. This allows me to correct any misconceptions and show the positives that the industry brings.

What about the agriculture industry and/or the dairy princess program stands out the most to you? Producers are committed to bringing great products to consumers’ tables. Even as the pressures of markets and regulations increase, farmers adapt and continue to produce healthy products that they are proud to say came from their farms. We are a community of hard-working, determined people who truly care about feeding the world with nutritious food day in and day out.

What are your future plans? As of right now, I plan to graduate from UND in about three years with my registered nurses degree and Bachelor of Science in nursing, then come back home and work as a nurse in a rural hospital, probably in the intensive care unit to gain experience for a few years before going to school again. I hope to eventually go to graduate school to specialize in anesthesia and work as a certified registered nurse anesthetist in a rural hospital.

Ava Smith

Town: Melrose

Parents: Jeremey and Emily Smith

Tell us about yourself and your dairy-related background. I am currently a senior at Melrose Area High School and am planning to attend Winona State University this coming fall to major in elementary education. I have grown up on our 45-cow organic dairy farm my whole life and have had the opportunity to participate in working with the animals every day to ensure they feel cared for and stay healthy.

What is a special memory you have associated with the dairy industry? When I was around 10 years old, I was at my grandparents’ house where they also have a dairy farm. My cousins and I really enjoyed playing in the hay barn, and one time, while we were up there, we built a house out of the straw bales where we stayed for the next couple of hours.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess? Because I have grown up watching the past princesses talking to consumers about dairy and the importance of it. I also love that, through this program, I can represent a community I have spent my life supporting and get to share my knowledge and love for the industry.

What about the agriculture industry and/or the dairy princess program stands out the most to you? The time and effort farmers put into their life to ensure the welfare of not only the cows and themselves but also the well-being of the community their products are going to. It really shows how important dairy is and how much it means to people.

What are your future plans? I am planning to attend Winona State University in the fall to major in elementary education with hopes of becoming a kindergarten teacher in the future at a local school where I have grown up.

TODD COUNTY

Jessie Lundquist

Town: Staples

Parents: Matt and Michelle Lundquist

Tell us about yourself and your dairy-related background. I did not grow up on a dairy farm, but I started working on one just over a year ago. I’ve always had a love and drive for animals, and the farm just fulfilled that love.

What is a special memory you have associated with the dairy industry? We had to fix the barn cleaner on one of the first few days that I started working, and my now-favorite cow, Cookie, was being curious. I offered her some cracker-cookie type things, and she ate them right up, hence why she’s now named Cookie. She and I have a relationship that nobody else in the barn has.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess? I want to show consumers that the dairy industry isn’t that bad. It’s actually such a privilege to be in a place where farming is around, and it brings a sense of livelihood into our daily lives.

What about the agriculture industry and/or the dairy princess program stands out the most to you? I love the hard work that goes into it. Farming isn’t easy at all, but it’s so rewarding in the end.

What are your future plans? I’m currently attending Central Lakes College for their diesel technician program. I will be graduating in June, then working at Midwest Machinery.

Haylie Wielenberg

Town: Long Prairie

Parents: Mike and Rachael Wielenberg, and Sarah Maland

Tell us about yourself and your dairy-related background. I am currently a junior at the University of Minnesota Crookston, and I am studying animal science with a pre-vet emphasis. On campus, I am involved in the Ag-Arama club and dairy club. My dairy background strongly led me to choose what I wanted to go to college for. I grew up on my grandparents’ dairy farm where we milked about 100 cows. My uncle now owns the farm. In July 2023, we sold the milk cows and transitioned to raising replacement heifers. We raise heifers up until they are almost ready to calve, and then, we sell them to other dairy farms to be milked.

What is a special memory you have associated with the dairy industry? Honestly, I don’t have one specific memory that I associate with the dairy industry. The memories that connect me to the dairy industry are any that involve Grandpa Melvin. These include memories from milking cows with him and tractor rides to sitting in the house reading books. He very much sparked my love and passion for the dairy industry, as he had so much love for it himself. Without his guidance and love, I don’t think I would’ve been as passionate about the dairy community.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess? Because it is somewhat of a family legacy. My aunt and many of my cousins ran for dairy princess, so I wanted to follow in those steps. After my grandpa died, I wanted to live out his dream for me of being a dairy princess. I also truly feel like the dairy industry helped shape me into who I am today, and running for dairy princess felt like a way that I could give back to such a meaningful community.

What about the agriculture industry and/or the dairy princess program stands out the most to you? The family-like atmosphere. No matter where you come from or what kind of farming you do, everyone is willing to help you out if you need it. When you get together, everyone talks to each other and socializes; it feels like a big family gathering.

What are your future plans? My future plans include graduating with my bachelor of science in animal science with a pre-veterinary emphasis and then hopefully going to get my doctorate of veterinary medicine and become a large animal veterinarian.

Lily Stanley

Town: Browerville

Parents: Deja and Nathan Stanley

Tell us about yourself and your dairy-related background. I am a junior at Long Prairie-Grey Eagle Secondary School. In my early childhood, my parents milked 44 head of registered Jersey cows on our farm in Browerville. After my parents sold the milk herd, I started showing registered Milking Shorthorns for Eric and Megan Siefert, Red Willow Genetics, as a seventh grader. I will be heading into my fifth year of training and showing cows this summer.

What is a special memory you have associated with the dairy industry? Drinking ice-cold Jersey milk pulled directly from the bulk tank and making old-fashioned ice cream in summer. I was the crank operator. As a preschooler, I used to nap in the shavings stall during evening milking. In my junior year of high school, I was selected to attend the National 4-H Dairy Conference in Madison, Wisconsin, and World Dairy Expo 2025. That was an amazing experience.

Why did you choose to run for dairy princess? My entire family has a love for dairy farming. I want to share that passion with others while becoming a confident public speaker at ambassador events.

What about the agriculture industry and/or the dairy princess program stands out the most to you? I am impressed by the other candidates. They are so diverse and talented in many ways. Every girl I met was very kind. I love that their family connections and ties to their hometown community are so strong. The audience at the dairy banquet was supportive of each and every girl. That is representative of the entire dairy industry. The industry is built on the shoulders of diverse, talented, community-centered farm families. Farmers, in general, are important to the success of small towns, but dairy farmers seem especially integral because they manage so many moving parts on their dairy farm. They rely on a multitude of local services and businesses. That and faith are what connect them to their communities. The dairy industry is a part of building and maintaining healthy, stable communities.

What are your future plans? I plan to get my bachelor’s degree in animal science with a pre-vet concentration. I may minor in business. I then plan to get my large animal doctor of veterinary medicine degree, followed by a residency in large animal radiology and diagnostics. I will be going to school for a long time.