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.

JoAnn Fischer Eischen 1972

JoAnn Fischer Eischen 1972


Parents: Herbert & Irene Fischer, Sleepy Eye, MN

Currently: Comfrey, MN 56019
JoAnn confesses that she doesn’t recall doing promotions like the current princesses do during the year, but she does remember parades with fellow princesses Donna Guggisberg and Jeri Cunningham Hanson. JoAnn has been married to her husband Kurt Eischen since 1978. They have 5 children: Leah, Matt (married to 2001 Princess Erin Schnobrich Eischen), Russ, Dan, and Laura. They farm, with the help of their sons, about 1600 acres of corn and soybeans as well as custom feeding 7200 head of hogs per year. Kurt and JoAnn also help with their son’s cow/calf herd. JoAnn is employed at the Comfrey Public School as the Food Service Director. To current princesses JoAnn says: “Enjoy and appreciate the honor, remember that the impression you make and information you share with people shows that you know how important farming is to the Minnesota economy.” As a food service director JoAnn makes sure to include dairy products in many different ways in menus that she plans and prepares. She may not live on a dairy farm anymore, but she will never forget where she grew up. JoAnn also shares that the following, “It’s great to see this Dairy Princess Program still going after 50 years!! It shows that the farm girls are still excited about promoting our rural lifestyles ad are actively involved in the dairy industry. Keep up the good work!”