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 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!

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.”

Connie Sellner Schroepfer, 1982

Connie Sellner, in the 1982 Sleepy Eye Herald Dispatch Dairy Outlook-June Dairy Month addition.

Connie Sellner Schroepfer, 1982

Parents: Lawrence & Nadine Sellner, Sleepy Eye
Currently: New Ulm, MN 56073
Connie really enjoyed serving ice cream at the various events, parades and meeting new people while promoting the dairy industry. Connie currently works in the North Mankato at Corporate Graphics International where she runs a digital press. She resides in New Ulm and is engaged to Jerry Baltrusantis. She has one daughter, Megan, who graduated from Cathedral High School this year and will be attending Gustavus for nursing this coming fall. To current princesses, Connie advises, “Enjoy the opportunity to promote dairy and meet and mingle with new people.” Connie also shares that she proudly owns a “cow” kitchen and consumes many different dairy products, as well as “I had a blast serving with Mary and Julie! They were awesome to reign with!”

Mary Beth Weber Schmit, 1979

Mary Beth Weber Schmit, 1979Parents: William & Evelyn Weber, Springfield, MN
Currently: Randolph WI 53965
Mary Beth enjoyed serving ice cream at the F & M Bank in Springfield. “It was a great place to meet folks from around the community and thank them for supporting the dairy industry.” Mary Beth also has fond memories of parades as well. Currently Mary Beth is married to Curt Schmit, residing in Wisconsin for the past 20 years. She lives in a rural area, much like home, with several dairy farms as neighbors, but not as many as when they first moved. She raised 4 children: Travis, Patric, Tiffany, & Paula in their small community, perfect because of the well-connected school, home, and community, as well as the convenience of living only 30 minutes from Madison (filled with culture & diversity). Mary Beth works for a stainless fabrication company: Apache Stainless Equipment Corporation, as the Purchasing Manager for the past 14 years. She loves the people she works with and the work that she does. Some projects that her company works on are dairy related, but most are for heat processing and other industries that require stainless vessels. “It’s amazing how farming continues to be the center of my life”, says Mary Beth. Mary Beth’s parents are still living on the farm they were married on June 17, 1946 and raised 10 children on. For most of those years they also milked cows. “It was a great place to grow up and I appreciate the life lessons that dairy farming gives to anyone in the industry.” To other princesses, Mary Beth advises, “Enjoy the fun that you will have and thank the individuals that have given you this opportunity. Dairy farms are a great place to grow up!” Mary Beth continues the promotion of dairy products as a life long fan of cows. Mary Beth reflects, “Often I am asked how I know so much about mechanics and I say with a smile, I grew up on a dairy farm. You had to know how things worked to keep things running everyday!” Mary Beth is also a life long lover of MILK!

Kayla Schauman Nason 1979

Kayla Schauman Nason 1979 Parents: Gilbert and Janette Schauman, Sleepy Eye
Currently: Sleepy Eye, MN 56085

Kayla departed shortly after being selected as a dairy princess to join the US Army. Currnetly, after 20 years in the military, Kayla retired as a SFC in the US Army. She has returned to Sleepy Eye. She married a SFC from Chicago, currently widowed with 3 sons. She supports dairy producers by buying lots of milk and ice cream for her sons.

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!”

Marcia Ann Seidl Ward 1970

Marcia Ann Seidl Ward 1970


Parents: Leonard & Leona Seidl, Hanska, MN

Currently: Eyota, MN
Marcia’s favorite promotions include parades, the meal at the Kaiserhoff and serving milk and ice cream. Currently, Marcia lives on a hobby farm in Eyota, MN. She has 3 children: Elizabeth, Nathan, and Matthew. All 3 children are married and she enjoys 2 grandchildren. Marcia currently works at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester in the Gastro Intestinal area as an LPN. Her husband David is retired. To current princesses, Marcia advises: “Enjoy and learn as much as you can while you’re a princess.” Marcia’s family drinks milk with every meal, enjoys cheese (all kinds), eats lots of ice cream and loves beef.

LaVonne Turbes Vix 1968

LaVonne (Turbes) Vix 1968

Currently:  Sartell, MN
LaVonne reflects that she has no single favorite promotion and memory “As I said before it was all fun and full of good memories especially the fair”. LaVonne is a wife to Rodger Vix, an awesome husband and has seven children; four girls and three boys. LaVonne and Rodger are finally empty nesters and are thinking about down sizing to a smaller home. She works at a high school as a Paraprofessional with Special Ed Students in St Cloud. She is also a Mary Kay Consultant and a Representative for Primerica. LaVonne and her family lead a busy and full life between church, family, and jobs in Sartell, MN. To current princesses LaVonne advises, “Be yourself, be your best and don't let anyone else take away these fun times that become good memories. Today more than yesterday, know your dairy industry and you will go far.” Still now, LaVonne’s family drinks milk and uses butter.

1961 Princess Carol Lambrecht

1961 Region Contest at Lewisville, MN. (L to R) Patricia Traver, Nancy Lee Stranton crowns Marian Eigen of Comfrey, 1960 Princess Kay Marilyn Christianson hands flowers, Regional Attendant Carol Lambrecht 1961.  Photo taken June 29th, 1961.

1961 Brown County Dairy Princess Carol Lambrecht

Brown County Attendant Marian Eigen, Princess Carol Lambrecht, Attendant Lois Huiras.

Carol Lambrecht Schapekahm 1961


Parents: Lee & Valeska Lambrecht, New Ulm MN

Carol was fortunate to be a Regional Attendant, representing Brown County, but ironically, Brown County Attendant Marian Eigen was honored with the title of Regional Princess. Carol didn’t have a favorite promotion, as there were few promotions, there were a couple parades, serving milk at the Citizen’s Bank in New Ulm for June Dairy Days, and Regional Dairy Days at Lewisville, MN. Currently, Carol lives in New Ulm, married for 46 years to her high school sweetheart. They have 4 children, Jodi, Jana, James, and Jason, as well as 10 grandchildren. Carol is retired and loves it, commenting “I don’t know when I had time for a job!?!” Carol shares that she worked at the AMPI Regional Office for 9 years in the Cheese/Butter Marketing Department. To current princesses Carol advises: “Drink Milk! Have fun promoting the dairy industry and Eat ice cream!” Carol still is a big milk, ice cream, butter, and cheese consumer, using only real dairy products in her recipes.

1967 Brown County Dairy Princess Carol Fischer Waibel

Carol Fischer Waibel was crowned Brown County Dairy Princess in 1962, and later named Regional Attendant.

Article published in local newpaper regarding Carol Fischer's coronation.

Carol Fischer Waibel 1967

Parents: Herbert & Irene Fischer, Sleepy Eye, MN

Currently: Searles MN 56073-5170

Carol also enjoyed riding in parades the most. Carol is married to her husband Jerry Waibel. She has 6 children, one of which married a dairy farmer (up until 2007, now farms crops and beef). Three of Carol’s daughters live in Colorado, each working as social worker, a geologist and a CPA. Another daughter works at Emma Krumbees and she has a son in electrical school. Carol works as a teller at Frandsen Bank and Trust in New Ulm. To current dairy princesses: “It’s an honor to represent your heritage and occupation as dairy farmers” Carol continues to promote dairy through using real butter and lots of dairy products. Carol’s brother is still a dairy farmer on her family’s home farm. At Carol’s very first parade, in Hanska, the convertible never showed up. Luckily another driver came back for the princesses and made a second trip through the parade route. At their meal prior to judging, Carol remembers having peaches with cottage cheese. The lucky girl next to her said she hated cottage cheese, as one of the judges was sitting across the table…not a smart move!

1962: Connie Besemer & 1964: Shirley Marti

News paper clipping from New Ulm Journal featuring the newly crowned Connie Besemer, Dairy Princess 1962, from New Ulm.

Connie Besemer Ibberson 1962

Parents: Mr. & Mrs. Melvin Besmer, New Ulm MN

Currently: Sleepy Eye, MN

Connie’s favorite dairy promotion was during the state fair promoting ice cream. Even today she loves it! Connie left New Ulm shortly after being princess; moved to Nebraska, Minneapolis, California, back to Minneapolis, and then back to New Ulm, now residing in Sleepy Eye. Connie is retired and a volunteer for Seniors of Brown County. To current princesses: “Enjoy yourselves, but remember you are a spokesperson and represent the great dairy industry” Currently Connie continues to promote the dairy industry by eating lots of ice cream, advising others to drink milk rather than gallons of soft drinks. Connie has 2 daughters in Pennsylvania and Texas with 2 granddaughters as well as 3 step-children in Michigan, North Carolina, and South Dakota.

Shirley Marti Cuykendall 1964

Parents: Oliver & Verla Marti, Sleepy Eye, MN

Currently:  Freeville, NY
Shirley shares that her favorite promotion was riding in parades. She and her husband Charles live in Central New York. They have 3 adult children and 5 grandchildren. She is retired but keeps very busy with volunteer work for her church. After receiving her B.S. degree in Home Economics Extension from the University of Minnesota, she worked in interior design for a few years, then was a full time mom and went back to work in the school system working in cafeterias. She was Director of Food Service for Lansing Central School for 13.5 years running 3 cafeterias. Shirley promoted the dairy industry through her profession, she would use the dairy industry’s promotional materials sent to her schools and put the posters up. She even used an inflatable cow, hanging from the ceiling.

1960, it all began!

The first Brown County Dairy Princess Judy Kettner is seated front row, center. To the right of her is Ralph Stadick, the first princess coordinator in the county.  Local dairy farmer Floyd Marti (age 16) is in the back row, third from the right.

In 1960 Brown County honored it's very first dairy princess, starting what has become a 50 year tradition, giving tribute to daughters of area dairy farmers that were interested in promoting the products, the animals, the farmers and the lifestyle.  The young woman crowned in 1960 was Judy Kettner of Springfield.  Her role was to ride in area parades and present awards at the regional dairy banquet.  Judy was also a canidate for region dairy princess, being awarded the honor of South Central Dairy Day attendant.  Though Judy's role was limited as princess, she was a spokeperson for the dairy industry, laying the foundation for the dairy princesses to come.  We have learned that early princesses were mostly used for formal public appearances, but as years passeed the role of the county dairy princess expanded to include other education roles for comsumers of all ages. 

The above photo is from a New Ulm Journal article, Novemeber of 1960.  These are the award winners from the county Dairy Incentive Committee.  4-Her's were honored for total pounds of butterfat that each cow milked that were included in their dairy project.  Today awards go to 4-Her's based on total milk pounds produced, as well as butterfat, protein and milk quality (Somatic Cell Count).