P is for Princess Kay of the Milky Way

This year the Princess Kay of the Milky Way title marks its 71st anniversary. Dozens of dairy princesses from across Minnesota all gather in May to participate in workshops and judging. Dairy princesses are young women who are from dairy farm families or are involved in the dairy industry through their employment or that of their parents, or the animal lease program. At the weekend’s conclusion, the 10 Princess Kay of the Milky Way finalists are announced. 

70th Princess Kay of the Milky Way Emma Kuball

Princess Kay finalists are then judged again in August. Judging involves a written application, a short speech, a professional interview and a simulated media interview. Princess Kay is then crowned the night before the Minnesota State Fair opens and serves as the dairy industry’s goodwill ambassador for a year, helping people understand the dedication of dairy farmers to wholesome and nutritious food, and the way milk is produced. Dairy farmers sponsor the dairy princess program through Midwest Dairy.

Princess Kay of the Milky Way makes appearances in classrooms, at parades and community events, Breakfast on the Farm events, and county fairs.

I am contracted by Midwest Dairy as the Minnesota Dairy Princess Coordinator. So what does this mean? I organize the May Leadership Event, and plan an orientation in July for the finalists.  Starting bright and early the morning after coronation, Princess Kay and her court of princesses begin their appearances at the state fair. It is my responsibility to schedule, chaperone and keep everyone smiling for the 12 days of the fair. Following the fair, I work with Princess Kay on her appearances, speeches and media presentations for the remainder of her year.

I am beyond thrilled to be associated with the Minnesota princess program. I am a past County Dairy Princess, and a proud mom of a past Princess Kay state finalist. I have seen this program build confidence and poise in hundreds of young ladies in the dairy community, and I am so proud to be a part of it in this capacity!

August 21, 2024 we will crown the 71st Princess Kay of the Milky Way. 

Who will be the next Princess Kay of the Milky Way?

Joining me are Princess Kay of the Milky Way Emily Annexstad and the 2018-19 Princess Kay finalists

I don't know what I did to deserve this, but I get to spend the summer with these wonderful young women from the dairy community who feel just as much love for this crazy world of dairy farming as I do!

Each year the Dairy Princess Promotion and Leadership Event is held in St. Joseph, Minnesota. It is a weekend devoted to skill-building to share the message of dairy farmers commitment to providing safe, high-quality milk and dairy foods, including taking care of our cows and the land.

But how are these young women chosen to attend this workshop? Each of the 70+ attendees are from a dairy farm family, or they, or their parents or guardian are employed by a dairy farm. They are selected as their county's dairy ambassadors, and then move on to the May Event. This is also where the 12 finalists are selected for the Minnesota dairy community's goodwill ambassador, Princess Kay of the Milky Way. Candidates are judged on a written application, a short speech, a professional interview, and a mock media interview.

After a busy summer of June Dairy Month promotions, appearances, and County Fairs, the 12 finalists come together in August for more judging. Princess Kay is then crowned the evening before the start of the Minnesota State Fair and will represent dairy farmers for the next year.

I am pleased to be working with this year's Princess Kay of the Milky Way finalists-

• Amy Broll, Chaska, daughter of Dan and Kathie Broll, and representing Carver County;
• Blaize Dankers, Plainview, daughter of Annette and Travis Reimers, and representing Wabasha County;
• Katherine Gathje, Richmond, daughter of Scott and Denise Gathje, and representing Meeker County; 
• Laura Grimm, Waconia, daughter of Joel and Barb Grimm, and representing Carver County;
• Megan Hollermann, Burtrum, daughter of Shawn and Debbie Hollermann, and representing Todd County;
• Korissa Lindquist, Kerkhoven, daughter of Rod and Naomi Lindquist, and representing Kandiyohi County;
• Calissa Lubben, Edgerton, daughter of Cal and Char Lubben, and representing Rock County;
• Ashley Maus, Freeport, daughter of Darrel and Lisa Maus, and representing Stearns County;
• Melendy Miller, Plainview, daughter of Stacy and Julie Miller, and representing Wabasha County;
• Julia Mullenbach, Rose Creek, daughter of Al and Lynette Mullenbach, and representing Mower County;
• Rebekka Paskewitz, Browerville, daughter of Alan and Vicki Paskewitz, and representing Todd County; and
• Catherine Thompson, Plainview, daughter of Donny and Holly Thompson, and representing Olmsted County.

Following the Minnesota State Fair I will be working with Princess Kay scheduling her appearances, and assisting with her speeches and media presentations. I am proud to be a part of this program. As a dairy farmer, the mom of a past finalist, and currently the Minnesota Dairy Princess Coordinator, I have seen, first hand, the amazing young women who represent the hard-working, dedicated dairy farmers of Minnesota.

Who will be the next Princess Kay of the Milky Way?