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.