Preschool Farm Tours this Week!

Brown County Dairy Princess Kelsey Sellner will be helping with a Preschool Dairy Farm Tour this week!  This is a great opportunity for kids and parents as well, to learn from a real dairy farmer on a real dairy farm.  Typically Orange Patch Dairy hosts these tours, annually, but this year Brian and Jill Nelson have graciously offered to host the kids.  Please stay tuned for pictures from this fun event! 

What is a Dairy Princess?

Since this blog is all about dairy princesses and ambassadors, let's start at the beginning....What is a Dairy Princess? 

In Minnesota we have a great program, funded by Minnesota Dairy Farmers, called Princess Kay of the Milky Way.  Princess Kay serves as the goodwill ambassador of the entire dairy industry in Minnesota, but for counties, such as our own...we have our own princesses.  Princesses are at least a senior in high school, while our 9th-11th graders serve as ambassadors.

In order to be a dairy princess or ambassador, you first must be a daughter of a dairy farmer or dairy employee, or work as a dairy employee.  This year we have 7 young women who are proud dairy farmers' daughters.  Princesses are selected based on their communication skills in a mock media interview, prepared speech and a personal interview.  The county dairy princess plays a critical role as an extension of Princess Kay, so she needs to be able to communicate well.  Princesses and ambassadors are able to discuss the 5 key messages for consumers:

• Dairy cows are well cared for.
• Dairy farmers work hard to care for their land and environment.
• Dairy is important to the Minnesota Economy.
• Milk and dairy products are safe, wholesome, and nutritious.
• Dairy farmers and thier families are proud to feed the world.

Our county dairy princesses' roles have evolved over the years, changing into a role as an advocate for the industry instead of serving as a "pretty face".  Princesses work hard all year doing a variety of events ranging from school visits, to visiting health fairs.  At the end of their reign, each princess takes a little piece of the role with them, to continue spreading the positive messages of dairy farming....check out our archived blogs to learn more about those princesses of the past.

New Pictures on our FB Page!

Nicollet & Brown County 2010 Butterheads: Megan Herberg, Ashley Swenson, Angela Sellner

Milk does these bodies good!

2010 and 2011 Brown County Dairy Princesses

Angela Sellner has some fun with her butterhead ;)

2011 Advocates for Dairy...ambassadors and princesses!

We added some new pictures from our January Dairy Princess Banquet...be sure to check them out here!

New 2011 Brown County Dairy Princesses!

Well, 2011 is going to bring some new changes to this blog...first, since we have celebrated our 50th Anniversary, we are now going to focus on celebrating our future in the dairy industry.  Brown County's long tradition of dairy princesses will continue, and to highlight that we will be using this blog to feature those young women, throughout the year.  We anticipate guest posts from the canidates as well as updates and summaries from yearly happenings.  So...in our latest news, we celebrate the coronation of our newest dairy princesses.

2011 welcomes our Princesses Kelsey Sellner, Boston Portner and Laura Rosenhammer, all of Sleepy Eye.  We know they will do an excellent job serving our industry!  Stay tuned for more information about and from these lovely ladies!

We had a GREAT DAY!

Thank you so much to those princesses that were able to come back to New Ulm last Saturday and help us celebrate our 50th Anniversary!  It was truly amazing to see so many lovely princesses back!  It was a pleasure to finally meet so many of you in person as well.  We had over 40 princesses in attendance!  Thank you also to so many of you that supplied us with picutres, information from the past and newspaper articles that were so useful in piecing the history of our successful Dairy Princess Program in Brown County!  We couldn't have done it without you!!!!

As promised, I have attached a link to where I have the photos from the event posted. Please see this link!

Also check out the surprise we had for Princess Kay of the Milky Way Finalist Angela Sellner!

Marjorie Sellner Holmes, 1975

Marjorie Sellner Holmes, 1975

Parents: Wendlin & Grace Sellner, Sleepy Eye MN
Currently: Brooklyn Park, MN
Marjorie fondly remembers June 26th, 1975, when she ran for Regional Dairy Princess, which was hosted in Sleepy Eye. Marjorie currently lives in Brooklyn Park, MN where she and her husband Mark have 3 daughters: Sarah (Senior at University of Minnesota Carlson), Patricia (Sophomore at University of Minnesota Duluth) and Julia (Sophomore at Park Center High School). Marjorie teaches as a Music Specialist, grades K-6th at Zanewood Community School in Osseo School District #279. Marjorie explains how she still promotes dairy products, “I support the dairy industry by purchasing dairy products at local stores and passing on information to our community about growing up in Sleepy Eye on a dairy farm and what that experience entails.” Marjorie also shares, “Our family is still very involved with the dairy industry. My brother (Loran Sellner) is farming and running a 200+ head of dairy cattle on our 125+ year old farm that has stayed within our family.”

Alissa Fischer, 2005 & 2006

Alissa Fischer, pictured with fellow Brown County Dairy Princesses: Audrey Mohr (Princess Kay of the Milky Way) and Stephanie Krzmarzick.

Alissa Fischer, 2005 & 2006

Parents: Larry (Stretch) and Deb Fischer, Sleepy Eye, MN
Currently: Saint Paul, MN 55104
Alissa’s favorite memories of being a dairy princess were the classroom visits. Alissa says, “In particular, I really liked the portion of the visit where we asked the students questions. My favorite question to ask was, "Can you name any kinds/breeds of cows?" We always heard the answer, "Chocolate cows."” This fall, Alissa will be starting her second year of law school at William Mitchell in Saint Paul, MN. To current princesses, Alissa advises, “Have fun! I loved attending Princess Events because I always had such a great time! Your time as a dairy princess goes quickly, so enjoy every minute!” Alissa is very proud of her farming background, and enjoys to telling her roommates and friends all about it. “I will forever be a promoter of the industry!” Alissa exclaims. Another interesting story Alissa shares, “After 5 years as dairy ambassadors and princesses together, Stephanie Krzmarzick and I finally synchronized and perfected our parade wave!”

Samantha Seidl, 2010

2010 Brown County Dairy Princesses: Angela Sellner, Laura Rosenhammer, Kelsey Sellner, and Samantha Seidl.

Sam helps show the preschool kids on the farm tour how to bottle feed the baby calves.

Samantha Seidl, 2010

Parents: Dan and Bonnie, Sleepy Eye
Currently: Sleepy Eye, MN
Sam shares that her favorite promotions include, “Parades and classroom visits because its fun to see what the little kids know and the questions they ask are interesting.” Sam recently graduated from St. Mary's in Sleepy Eye. She works at the Sleepy Eye Aquatic Center as a lifeguard. Sam will be attending college in St. Cloud, MN for Law Enforcement. When asked about how she works to promote the dairy industry, Sam responded, “By being a good example to others.”

Julie Sellner Wilson, 2000

Julie Sellner Wilson, 2000

Parents: Richard & Karen Sellner, Sleepy Eye
Currently: New Ulm, MN
Julie remembers fondly, memories of the coronation night. “After a long day of judging 6 candidates, only 3 of us would be crowned. I was the last one crowned and it was such a relief and so exciting! It was my only opportunity since my dad sold the cows the following year.” Julie is currently married to Cory Wilson, who is a Nicollet county dairy farmer. They have a 1 year old son, Carter. Julie works as an Agriculture/Commercial Loan Processor at South Point Federal Credit Union in Sleepy Eye. To current princesses, Julie advises, “Enjoy your time promoting the dairy industry, but don’t take it for granted. Being a princess is a privilege and not a right, so take it seriously and make time for appearances.” Julie continues to serve the dairy industry in several ways: she is currently the President/Chairperson of the Nicollet County ADA and she helps out when needed at her husband’s parent’s farm.

Shannon Sellner Seifert, 2001 & 2002

Shannon Seifert with her sister (future Brown County Dairy Princess in 2009 & 2010, and canidate for Princess Kay of the Milky Way) Angela Sellner. 2002 Princess Kay of the Milky Way Coronation.

Shannon Seifert with Princess Kay of the Milky Way Sarah Olsen and fellow finalist Karin Norling, MN State Fair 2002-Got Milk Mustache Photo Booth.

Shannon Seifert, Erin Eischen, Maria Pinks, and Melissa Fischer were all crowned in a surprising moment at the 2001 Brown County Dairy Princess Coronation.

Shannon was all smiles in the butter carving booth at the MN State Fair!

Passing on the torch: Shannon crowns 2003 Brown County Dairy Princesses: Julia Strand, Robyn Schnobrich and Sarah Haala.

Shannon Sellner Seifert, 2001 & 2002

Parents: David & MaDonna Sellner, Sleepy Eye
Currently: Sleepy Eye, MN
Shannon not only served as a Brown County Dairy Princess, but was also chosen as a Finalist for Princess Kay of the Milky Way in 2002. She was honored to have her head carved in butter. When asked about her favorite promotion, she shares, “Being at the State Fair was an amazing experience! I loved working at the Moo Booth, sharing about my farm and how we care for our cows everyday of the year!” Shannon has been married to Jonathan Seifert for 5 years. They reside in Sleepy Eye, where they operate a dairy farm in partnership with Jonathan’s parents. To current dairy princesses, Shannon advises, “Be proud of where you come from. Less than 2% of the US population works as farmers, but we feed so many! Don’t be afraid to share you story! So many consumers don’t understand where their food comes from and we need to work to change that.” Shannon is active in promoting everyday through her Orange Patch Dairy Blog, as well as working as the coordinator for the Brown County Dairy Princesses. “Dairying is my passion and I love sharing that with anyone who will listen. Hosting preschoolers at our dairy farm has to be my favorite promotion!” Shannon also shares, “I will never forget the surprise party that the Brown County ADA hosted for me before I ran for Princess Kay of the Milky Way. It was amazing to see so many producers and friends show their support, and I will never forget that! I continue to promote dairy, to give back to an industry that has given me so much.”

Audrey Mohr, 2006

Brown County Dairy Princess Audrey Mohr and cousin at her "Congratulations" Celebration, following her coronation as Princess Kay of the Milky Way.

It was an awesome honor to have a Princess Kay to be available for local farm visits.

Official Princess Kay of the Milky Way portrait.

Ah...the famous butter carving, hours of work for a delicious piece of art!

Sure looks like a good match to us!

Audrey, at the Princess Kay Coronation...I think she was surprised to have earned the crown! But we all know she deserved it!

At the MN State Fair, Audrey enjoyed handing out milk at the "All You Can Drink" Milk Stand.

Audrey Mohr, 2006

Parents: Ron & Penny Mohr, New Ulm, MN
Currently: New Ulm, MN
In addition to serving as a Brown County Dairy Princess, Audrey is also the only Princess Kay of the Milky Way to come from Brown County! Audrey’s head was carved in butter in 2006. Audrey shares, “I still have the butterhead in my freezer and haven’t decided what I want to do with it yet!” “I enjoyed the entire state fair as Princess Kay-the media promotion was overwhelming! I enjoyed throwing the first pitch at a MN Twins baseball game as Princess Kay. I also enjoyed having 11 of the 12 2007 PK finalists tour the New Ulm AMPI butter plant where our butterheads are packaged!” Audrey is a geology student at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She loves her work as an Admissions Intern and has completed undergraduate geology research projects over the past two summers. “My fiancé and I will be married next summer after which I will attend graduate school in Minnesota or Wisconsin for hydrogeology or environmental policy.” To current princesses, Audrey advises: “Enjoy your days as a princess! You have a wonderful responsibility. Don’t be afraid to think creatively when presenting to all audiences; there’s almost always a new way to do a promotion.” When asked about promoting dairy in her life now, Audrey shares, “Eau Claire is a relatively urban community so I meet lots of people that have never experienced dairy farms, agriculture or even heard of Princess Kay! I like to share my experiences with my classmates and coworkers and look forward to applying my agriculture background to my future career.

Stacy Hillesheim Tauer, 2000

2000 Brown County Dairy Princesses, Sarah Braulick, Stacy Tauer and Julie Sellner at the Region 9 Dairy Princess Banquet.

Stacy Tauer, Sarah Braulick, and Julie Wilson at the 2000 Brown County Dairy Princess Coronation, shortly after coronation.

One of Stacy's fondest memories included a time when she, Melissa Braulick, Julie Sellner and Maria Tauer dressed up for Halloween and visited a local grocery store.

Stacy Hillesheim Tauer, 2000

Parents: Gary and Rosie Hillesheim, Sleepy Eye
Currently: Sleepy Eye, MN
Stacy recalls her favorite promotion, “Dressing up for Halloween with Maria Tauer, Melissa Braulick, and Julie Sellner and going to one of the New Ulm Grocery stores to hand out cheese. We got a lot of attention.” Stacy currently resides in rural Sleepy Eye, with her Husband Ron, of 5.5 years and their 19 month old twins, Sidney and Nicholas. Stacy milk cows with her parents on her home farm and raise beef steers where Ron and she currently live. Stacy also works from home for Crystal Valley Coop as a TSP assistant. To current princesses, Stacy says, “I think the Dairy program that Brown County has is one that allows our girls to be themselves and have a lot of fun meeting different people and getting to know fellow dairy princesses and ambassadors. My advice is to absorb as much Public Relation Skills as you can because they are so important once they go onto college and then enter the work force.” Stacy is very active in promoting the dairy industry! She helps organize classroom visits for the Brown County Dairy Princesses and Ambassadors each spring. Her family also helps at the Home/Farm shows, and the Brown County Fair.

Melissa Lax 2007& 2008

2008 Brown County Dairy Princesses and Ambassadors (Melissa is in the front row, far right)

Melissa Lax 2007& 2008

Parents: Steve and Jeanette Lax, Sleepy Eye
Currently: Sleepy Eye, MN
Melissa shares that she loved working the malt stand. “I always had a blast doing that!” Melissa is currently finishing her bachelor’s degree in Dairy Production (and microbiology) at South Dakota State University, Brookings SD. She says, “I have big plans for the future…stay tuned!!” To current princesses, Melissa advises, “Try everything once! Also, keep an open mind. Things are a lot different in places other than small town Minnesota, and it is easy to forget that an average consumer may not know what colostrum is or why we dehorn cattle. Even the little things can make a difference-remember, you learn something new every day!” Melissa still promotes the dairy industry: “I still get involved with the farm and have my own role in animal production. Also, I am an active member of the SDSU Dairy Club, and it has taken me places I never thought possible. I have networked with top people in the industry, got into showing, toured cheese plants, seen a 1000 head calf raising operation, helped with research projects, met many people, seen dairy cows in the mountains, made ice cream, gone to Utah, and so much more. I sometimes think I live for Dairy Club, which has done so much for me, there’s no way I would be where I am today without it.”

Laura Schmid Laechel 1999

Royalty at the 1999 Brown County Dairy Princess Coronation. 

1999 Brown County Dairy Princesses: Lori Schnobrich and Laura Schmid

Laura Schmid Laechel 1999

Parents: Jeff & Joanna Schmid, Sleepy Eye
Currently: Sleepy Eye MN
Laura shares her favorite dairy promotion “was being able to go into the classrooms and talking to the younger kids. Being able to see there faces and how excited they would be when we would talk about the dairy industry. My favorite memory would have to be when I attended Dairy Days at Gilfillan and the Regional Dairy Princesses contest in Redwood Falls. I meet some really great people. It was great to be around other princesses in our Region and talk about the dairy industry. The whole experience was very memorable.” Laura currently lives in Sleepy Eye with her husband Joe and their dog Sadie. She works in New Ulm at Beacon Promotions, Inc. as a Graphic Artist. To current princesses, Laura shares. “Remember to have fun and be proud of what your family and all the dairy farmers past and present. The industry has changed very much over the past years (less small family dairy farms). None of us (princesses and ambassadors) would be here today with out past dairy farmers that have contributed to the industry. You are one person and you can make a difference, if it is an elementary student you are talking to about where milk comes from or if it is a public official. They will remember you and what you do and what your family has done for the dairy industry and how proud you are to represent it.” Laura stays active in the dairy industry in a number of ways: “I am still involved with the dairy industry with 4-H and the Brown Co. Dairy Bowl team. I have been coaching for the last 4 years. I enjoy teaching the younger 4-Hers about cows and how the dairy industry works. And when asked to help with anything involving the dairy project, I jump in and help. Every since I was a Brown Co. Dairy Ambassador and Princesses, I have worked in the Brown Co. ADA Malt Stand at the Brown Co. Fair. Since then I have been asked every year to come and work at the malt stand. I look forward to doing it every year and look forward to working with the ambassadors and princesses and other dairy farmers.”

Rebecca Sellner, 2008

2008 Brown County Dairy Princesses: Susan Hillesheim, Rebecca Sellner, and Melissa Lax.

Rebecca Sellner, 2008

Parents: Mike and Judy Sellner, Sleepy Eye
Currently: Sleepy Eye, MN
Rebecca’s favorite events were parades and classroom visits. “It was so much fun interacting with the children. They are so interested to learn!!” Rebecca is currently attending Minnesota State University, Mankato, pursuing a degree in Geography with a GIS certificate. To current princesses, she shares, “It is an honor to have the opportunity to promote the dairy industry. Make the most of your time as a dairy princess. It is definitely something you will miss!” When asked about still promoting dairy products, Rebecca shares, “Being at a large diverse college, I am often challenged by friends and classmates. Even teachers have misunderstandings about the dairy industry. I try to clear up these misunderstood topics and show them the dairy industry as the honest industry which I have come to know. This past semester at MNSU, I gave a PowerPoint presentation on the Dairy Industry, focusing on ethics. I thought that I would be highly challenged by my fellow classmates but they were actually really interested! They asked so many questions! Knowledge that I have come to know over the years I sometimes take for granted. It was a very good experience for the class as well as myself.”

Susan Hillesheim, 2008

2008 Brown County Dairy Princess Susan Hillesheim enjoyed working with children as a princess, especially on farm tours.

Susan, pictured with fellow Dairy Ambassadors at a farm tour for preschool children.

2008 Brown County Dairy Princesses: Rebecca Sellner, Susan Hillesheim, Valerie Mohr, and Melissa Lax.

Susan Hillesheim, 2008

Parents: Jim and Cindy Hillesheim, Springfield
Currently:  Rochester, MN
Susan’s favorite memory was “going on the farm visits with pre-schoolers. For many of them, it was the first time being on a farm and up close to cows and calves. It’s where we had the chance to first get them excited about cows and the dairy industry. It was also fun to see them touch their first cow and feed their first calf.” Susan is in the nursing program in Rochester, currently between her 2nd and 3rd semester. She still comes home for some weekends and winter and summer breaks. Susan works at St. John’s Lutheran Home in Springfield as a CNA when she’s available and also enjoy babysitting and helping on the family farm in her free time. To current princesses, Susan says, “Even though the dairy industry is struggling in the economy currently, stay positive and keep promoting our pure, wholesome product with pride. Show consumers we treat our animals with respect, like one of the family, despite what critics show the few, extreme situations are like. Most of all have fun and make the most of every encounter you have with consumers and fellow promoters!” When asked how she continues to promote the dairy industry, Susan shares, “Being around college students, I see many people who don’t get their 3-A-Day or would rather just take a calcium supplement. I try to convince them how important the true product is for their health and that it’s recommended they have 3 servings/day. I set an example by consuming dairy products myself. I also support the dairy industry in times of dispute over what some people see on TV or the internet. I explain to them that what they see on TV or the internet is not what is happening on every dairy farm. Critics seem to find one extreme place far and few between and blow it up into a huge story. “

Tammy Moldan Williams, 2004

Tammy Moldan Williams, 2004

Parents: Mike & Joyce Moldan, Comfrey
Currently:  Springfield MN
Tammy’s favorite dairy promotion memory “was going into schools and businesses teaching kids and adults the importance of dairy products, and answering the kids questions, they sure had a lot of good ones and funny ones.” Tammy is currently a stay at home mother of three wonderful girls: Hannah 5, Brooke 4, and Ariyanna 7 months. She has been married to her husband for almost 3 years on August 25 2007 and they reside in Springfield. To current princesses, Tammy says, “To really get out there and promote it, the more we do the more impact it will have to change children and adults habits on eating dairy products.” Tammy makes sure her family has the recommended amount of dairy products each day, and her children love the movie Moo to You!!

Julia Fischer Strand, 2002 & 2003

2003 Brown County Dairy Princesses: Julia Fischer, Robyn Schnobrich and Sarah Haala.

2002 Brown County Dairy Princesses: Shannon Sellner, (Matt Mages impersonating a dairy princess-that was a funny joke!) and Julia Fischer.

Julia Fischer Strand, 2002 & 2003

Parents: Larry and Deb Fischer, Sleepy Eye, MN
Currently: Janesville, MN
When asked about her favorite dairy promotions, Julia shares, “I loved the parades and dressing up in formals for them. I also loved visiting the classrooms. The children just soak up everything you tell them and their excitement rubs off on you!” Julia now lives in Janesville, MN with her husband Alan, 1 year old daughter Abigail, and their dog Mya. She currently works at True Value Company as a Human Resource Representative. To current princesses, Julia says “Have fun!” To continue promoting the dairy industry, Julia makes sure that her co-workers use butter instead of margarine! (Especially if they bring in food to share) And she ensures her family gets their 3 a day! When asked to share a story, Julia said, “I have to admit the crown can have powers. The biggest thing I remember is when little girls would come up to me wanting to try on my crown or think I was a real princess. You could always make their day by having them try it on!”

Robyn Schnobrich 2003 & 2004

Robyn Schnobrich stares down her butterhead at the MN State Fair in 2004.

2003 Princesses Julia Fischer, Robyn Schnobrich and Sarah Haala had the opportunity to visit the State Capitol  and speak with various representatives.

At the State Fair, Robyn enjoyed riding in the daily parade, pictured here with another finalist for Princess Kay of the Milky Way.

Robyn is pictured above at the Southern MN Youth Dairy Show.

Robyn Schnobrich and Audrey Mohr visited area day cares during the summer of 2004.

Robyn Schnobrich  2003 & 2004

Parents: Richard & Kathy Schnobrich, New Ulm
Currently: Gibbon, MN
In addition to serving as a Brown County Dairy Princess, Robyn was also chosen as a Finalist for Princess Kay in 2004. She also had the honor of having her likeness carved in butter at the Minnesota State Fair. Robyn shares her favorite promotion: “My favorite promotions were giving away milk and cheese at the New Ulm Farm City Hub Club Farm Show and giving away root beer floats at the Bruggemann Appreciation Day. It allowed to be give back to those producers that I represented.” Robyn will be marrying Andrew Schwab, late August 2010. She currently works for Minnesota DHIA (Dairy Herd Improvement Association) as a Marketing Director, and has held this position for the past 3 years. Robyn also dairy farms with her parents Richard and Kathy. To current princesses, Robyn shares, “Have fun and smile! You never know who’s watching!” To promote dairy products still, Robyn is a dairy farmer and makes sure that dairy products (milk, ice cream, etc.) are at all business meetings for DHIA.

Melissa Braulick Fischer, 2001

Julie Sellner Wilson (2000 Brown County Dairy Princess), pictured with Melissa Braulick Fischer (2001 Brown County Dairy Princess).

Stacy Hillesheim Tauer and Melissa Braulick Fischer read books about cows to day care kids in the summer.

Stacy Hillesheim Tauer (2000 Dairy Princess) and Melissa Braulick Fischer (2001 Dairy Princess) pictured after Melissa is crowned.

Melissa Braulick Fischer, 2001

Parents: Fred & Kathy Braulick, Sleepy Eye
Currently: Sleepy Eye, MN
Melissa shares that her favorite part of serving as a dairy princess was “going to the daycares and schools, to talk to the kids. They are so interested in learning and it’s really exciting to see their faces light up when learn something new.” Melissa is currently married to Adam Fischer and they have a daughter, Natalie who is 2 years old. They reside in Sleepy Eye where Melissa is currently working in the Accounting Department at Christensen Farms. To current princesses, Melissa advises, “Be proud to be promoting the dairy industry and have fun doing it. It’s who you are and how you grew up and it’s something that should be valued.”