Erin Schnobrich Eischen, 2001

Erin Schnobrich Eischen, crowned 2001, is pictured here with her father Richard.

Erin Schnobrich Eischen, 2001

Parents: Richard & Kathy Schnobrich, New Ulm
Currently: Comfrey, MN
Erin shares her favorite part of being princess: “Teaching youth about the dairy industry was what I enjoyed the most. We visited schools and daycares while I was princess and it was disappointing that so few children actually knew where their milk came from. The children were amazed to learn how the milk came from the farmers’ barn to the grocery store where their parents purchased it.” Erin has been married to Matt Eischen for 4 years. She is currently working in Windom, MN as an Accounting Clerk for Fairland Management Company. To current princesses, Erin says, “Reach out to the youth in our communities, they are our future.” To continue promoting dairy products Erin reminds people that dairy products are a part of a healthy diet and she encourages them to have their “3-A-Day”!

Christy Wensauer Kallevig 1996 & 1997

Christy Wensauer, Dairy Princess 1997.

Christy, far right, with the other canidates for Region 9 Dairy Princess in 1997 (Deanne Tauer Horter is behind her, also a 1997 Brown County Dairy Princess).

Christy Wensauer with Annette Seitz (holding a young Maggie Sellner) serving ice cream at the Divine Providence Nursing Home, Sleepy Eye.

1997 Dairy Princesses and Ambassadors.

Dairy Ambassadors from the past =)

Christy Wensauer Kallevig 1996 & 1997

Parents: Jim & Pat Wensauer, Comfrey
Currently: Belgrade, MN
Christy served as a Brown County Dairy Princess as well as a Regional Attendant in 1997. She fondly remembers going to classrooms to talk to children. She also enjoyed the Regional Contest, which was hosted by Brown County in Sleepy Eye at the Inn of Seven Gables. Christy and her husband Allan have a 3-year-old daughter Lily. They live on a farm south of Belgrade where they raise small grains, alfalfa and grass hay. Christy works as a Developmental Disabilities Social Worker for Swift County. Christy tells current princesses, “Enjoy it! The memories and friendships you take from this experience will stay with you forever!” Often times, Christy’s clients have health issues which helps her share how dairy fits into a healthy diet. As a mom she is always encouraging her daughter Lily to eat dairy. “Kids love it when she brings snack for daycare because it is usually cheese and crackers or ice cream. I must be doing something right because she tells her friends that milk comes from grandpa’s cows!”

Corinna Moldan Erickson, 1989

Pictures here feature area parades and the Brown County Holstein Association Twilight Meeting.

Corinna Moldan Erickson, 1989

Parents: Mike & Joyce Moldan, Comfrey
Currently: Springfield, MN 56087
Corinna was also a Regional Attendant in addition to Brown County Dairy Princess. Corinna enjoyed participating in community events and outreach projects such as the Brown County Holstein Association Twilight Meeting and the Brown County Fair. Corinna is married to Tom Erickson, they have 2 children: Dominic, age 10 and Ana age 6. Corinna enjoys her work as a Special Education teacher at Wabasso Public School, Wabasso, MN. Corinna simply says to current princesses, “Enjoy the opportunity!” and to continue her support of the dairy industry, Corinna makes sure to buy only “Real” Dairy products for her family!

Pat Zwaschka Ahlers, 1983

Pat Zwaschka Ahlers, 1983

Parents: Harold & Agnes Zwaschka, Comfrey
Currently: Spencer IA

Pat was honored as being a Regional Princess in 1983, having her head carved in butter at the Minnesota State Fair and running for Princess Kay of the Milky Way. With all of these events, Pat still tells that her favorite promotion was a milk drinking contest hosted in New Ulm. Pat is currently married to Ray Ahlers and has 3 sons: Mike, age 20; Randy and Brent, both age 17. Pat works as the Business Manager at the Clay County Regional Events Center in Spencer, IA. She’s been at the fairgrounds since 2003, when the new Events Center opened. To current princesses, Pat says, “Be confident in who you are”. To continue promoting the dairy industry, Pat still eats and drinks “Real” Dairy Products!

Jeri Cunningham Hanson 1972

Photos of Jeri, showing her dairy cattle at the Brown County Fair.

Jeri Cunningham Hanson 1972


Parents: Russell & Louise Cunningham, Sleepy Eye MN

Currently: Comfrey MN 56019

When asked about her favorite promotion, Jeri commented, “It’s been 38 years, I really don’t “remember” much. I can only recall a couple of events, the two coronations (regional and local) and the Hanska Parade. It was very hot the day of the South Central Dairy Days, for regional coronation. It was hosted in Lewisville with so many dairy princesses from each county in the region. There were so many more dairy farms back then.” Currently Jeri lives on a farm two miles northwest of Comfrey with her husband Jim. They raise corn, soybeans, and oats and have a Registered Hereford Cow/Calf operation. They have 2 girls Jody and Jamie, who have shown their cattle at several shows each year, locally, regionally, and nationally. These shows are considered family vacations by the Hanson family. Jim and Jeri are also busy with various organizations: church board, Redwood Area Cattleman’s Association, REA Board, Minnesota Hereford Breeder’s Association, Brown County 4-H, and they volunteer at school whenever needed. Jeri’s two sons, Adam (New Ulm) and Aaron (New Prague) are also active. To current princesses Jeri says, “Be proud of who you are and the industry you represent! Believe in yourself and what you are promoting! Know the facts! It’s very important when speaking with anyone, especially activist groups.” Currently Jeri’s family promotes the dairy industry by consuming lots of milk, cheese, butter and ice cream. Jeri states that she only buys REAL dairy products and not fake. Also in any conversation, where appropriate, Jeri feels comfortable stating, “There are no harder working, dedicated people than the dairy farmers. I truly believe that, having grown up on a diary farm and working with so many great farmers as a representative with DHIA.” Jeri also shares that to this day she uses the original cookbook which was given to the contestants at the regional contest in Lewisville and she notes that the length of the dresses during the 70’s are very similar to that on the length today!

Jeri Cunningham Hanson's home farm.