Representing dairy

ALBANY — Growing up on a dairy farm, Isabella Schiffler has seen her family farm transform and utilize technology to expand. The transformation is something she likes to share, especially in her role as a dairy princess.

“I’m really grateful that I got to grow up on a farm and witness the transition we made, because living on a farm is such a unique experience,” Schiffler said.

Schiffler, the daughter of John and Kristie Schiffler, is one of 10 Princess Kay of the Milky Way finalists.

“Running for Princess Kay is a dream come true for me,” Schiffler said. “I have been attending the coronation for many years, and now that I am one of the finalists, it almost feels surreal. Now, I get to share our story about our farm, and I like sharing about the technology that we have.”

The Schifflers milk 260 cows with four robots and have started doing embryo transfer work on their cows at their farm near Albany. Schiffler and her siblings are also active in 4-H and show their animals at area dairy shows.

Schiffler is a student at North Dakota State University, where she is studying animal science with the intention of becoming a large animal veterinarian.

“I want to become a vet because it is my way of giving back to the industry I grew up in,” Schiffler said.

When Schiffler was younger, the her family milked 120 cows in a 66-stall stanchion barn. In 2020, the fourth-generation farm that started in 1886 built a new barn with robotic milkers and increased its herd to its current size.

“I have been helping on the farm since I was little,” Schiffler said. “As I got older, I helped more and more. Now, I get up for chores every morning and help with chores at night, too.”

Schiffler’s daily chores include fetching cows for the robot, scraping, washing the robots, feeding their small herd of goats and working with the show cows.

“One of my favorite memories from growing up on the farm was the day I got my first Brown Swiss,” Schiffler said. “I kept begging Dad to let me get a Brown Swiss. We bought one from Iowa, and I remember driving down and getting her. I have shown her at the state fair for the past three years.”

As a county dairy princess and Princess Kay of the Milky Way finalist, Schiffler is taking time to share with consumers how much care and dedication farmers put towards their animals.

“Farmers give a lot of attention and care to each and every cow,” Schiffler said. “On our farm, each cow wears a collar that tells the farmer lots of information, such as if they are sick, when they are in heat and how much they are producing.”

The technology helps the Schifflers catch most sickness before the cow is showing symptoms, and they can therefore treat it early, she said.

Some highlights of being a county dairy princess for Schiffler include visiting nursing homes and other community events where she can speak to consumers.

“Last year, I went to a nursing home, and a lot of the residents grew up on dairy farms,” Schiffler said. “It was fun connecting with them and sharing about the technology we have on our farm.”

This is Schiffler’s second year serving as a Stearns County dairy princess, and she decided to try out for the program after seeing her sister as a Stearns County dairy princess.

“Hearing about what Sophia got to do made me interested in the program,” Schiffler said.

As a finalist, Schiffler will have her likeness carved in a 90-pound block of butter during the Minnesota State Fair. Schiffler plans to keep her sculpture in the freezer and enjoy her time on the farm and time in a crown and sash.

“Being a finalist is very rewarding,” Schiffler said. “I am really excited and ready to take this all on.”