Princess Kay, Who will it be in 2021?

This year the 68th Princess Kay of the Milky Way, Minnesota's goodwill ambassador for the dairy community, will be crowned. Dozens of dairy enthusiasts from across Minnesota all gather in May to participate in 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 raise or lease dairy animals. At the conclusion of judging, the 10 Princess Kay of the Milky Way finalists are announced. 

Brenna Connelly, 67th Princess Kay of the Milky Way

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.

The 2021 finalists include:

• Emeliya Dose, 18, of Plainview, representing Wabasha County; daughter of Paul Dose and Miranda and Rob Young 
• Kelsey Erf, 19, of Oakdale, representing Washington County; daughter of Dave and Kathy Erf 
• Anna Euerle, 19, of Litchfield, representing Meeker County; daughter of Vaughn and Joan Euerle 
• Alaina Johnson, 18, of Dakota, representing Houston County; daughter of Ryan and Tracy Johnson 
• Kelsey Kuball, 19, of Waterville, representing Rice County; daughter of Shannon and Nathan Kuball 
• Emily Leonard, 21, of Norwood Young America, representing Carver County; daughter of Tim and Amy Leonard 
• Isabelle Lindahl, 20, of Lindstrom, representing Chisago County; daughter of Kevin and Tara Lindahl 
• Megan Meyer, 17, of Rollingstone, representing Winona County; daughter of John and Connie Meyer 
• Jessica Ohmann, 20, of Albany, representing Stearns County; daughter of Ron and Ami Ohmann 
• Katrina Thoe, 22, of Hayfield, representing Dodge County; daughter of Susie and Jeffrey Thoe 

What Happens To All That Butter?

Flashback to late August 2017 at the Minnesota State Fair. 

If you were one of the thousands of people who stopped by the Dairy Building to see the butter sculptures, you probably asked this question, "What happens to all that butter after the Fair?" 

2017 Butter Sculptures of Princess Kay and the finalists

M.A. Rosko of Fox9 Television has wanted that answer for years, so this week she met up with Princess Kay of the Milky Way finalist Margaret Socha, to get an answer to her question. 

Margaret and M.A.

Margaret began by explaining that after sharing 1 pound packages of her sculpture with supportive friends and family, much of the 90 pound butter sculpture was donated to her local FFA chapter for their annual sweet corn feed. The hardest part was making the first cut, and Margaret admits that it may be a long time before the face will be used.

Making the first cut was the hardest.

In the meantime, much of the butter is finding its way into baked items including the cookies that Margaret will be sending to her cousin in the Army, to share with his unit when deployed.

Warm cookies and cold milk. Who can resist?

You can view the "What happens to all that butter" episode at the link below. And Margaret was willing to share her cookie recipe too! So preheat the oven,  pour a  cold  glass of  milk and enjoy the show!

What Happens To Dairy Princess Butter Heads After The Fair? Video

Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 1/4 cup  flour

1  tsp baking soda

1 cup butter, softened

1/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 3.4 ounce package instant vanilla pudding mix

2 eggs

1 12 ounce bag chocolate chips

Cream butter. Add  sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, pudding mix, and eggs. Mix flour and baking soda and add to above ingredients. Stir in chocolate chips. Bake on parchment paper for 10 minutes at 375 degrees.

Two Little Steps and What They Taught Me

August 22, 2017 - Two days before the beginning of the Minnesota State Fair. Two days before I begin my 12 days of chaperoning Princess Kay of the Milky Way and her court. This is what happens when you don't see two little steps in a dimly lit room. 

Thanks to my daughter Sara and the great staff of Midwest Dairy I was able to rest up at home the first four days and then return via a motorized scooter for the remainder of the fair. But I'm getting ahead of the story...

August 24- Two days after falling- can't get a shoe on my swollen foot- trip to ER- Dr. says "two broken bones- here's some crutches- can put some weight on it- don't think you will need surgery but call surgeon after the Fair."

September 8- I'm in surgery- staple permanently implanted in my foot- no weight on foot for 2 weeks- can't walk up steps- bedroom on second floor- sleeping in a recliner is not ideal- eating in a recliner is awkward.

September 21- Transitioned from surgery wrap to a cast- red is my favorite color- no weight for 2 more weeks- getting tired of sitting- nothing good on TV- my family is amazing help- thinking of my Mom and Dad a lot as they were not mobile for the last several years of their lives- reality check- stop complaining and be thankful.

October 5- Transitioned from cast to walking boot- no weight for 1 week- progress?- still sitting- sorted magazines- read two books- made two Christmas stockings- isn't being waited on supposed to be a luxury?- feeling helpless but thankful.

October 12- I can stand- walking boot for two more weeks- can walk to the bathroom alone (that's a big deal!- excited to do laundry and dishes- never thought I would say that.

October 26- Can start transitioning from walking boot to shoe with an ankle brace- what shoe is going to fit this swollen foot and brace?- swelling could last 4 months or longer- sigh... slow and steady wins the race.

Thank goodness for stretchy tennis shoes! They fit over a brace and a swollen foot. I can even climb steps, all the way to the seat in the combine so I can combine corn! Ahh...life is good! 

TV Time Talking Malts

If you know me, you know that I can be quite a talker, (alright friends and family- quit snickering) and one of my favorite things to talk about is dairy. Imagine that! So when I get the chance to talk dairy, you don't have to ask me twice.

I recently appeared on a couple television programs introducing this year's Flavor Of The Fair, which is the one-year-only flavor of malts and sundaes served at the Dairy Goodness Bar at the Minnesota State Fair. (Don't worry ice cream lovers- all your yummy favorite toppings are still available.)
I blogged about this year's choices here- Flavor of the Fair.

I then visited WCCO TV so Jason and Kylie could taste the 3 finalists.
See which one they chose by clicking here.

So the votes are in, and ta-dah, the winner is...
Pie n' The Sky.
It's Minnesota dairy farmers secret recipe vanilla ice cream, tart and tangy lemon curd, spicy crisp "airplane" cookies, all topped with a drizzle of dark chocolate syrup, and it is GOOD!

So good in fact that the Minnesota State Fair featured it as one of the New Foods of 2017, a very elite list! So off I go again to talk a little dairy. This time I went to FOX 9 TV to help present the winning malt along with a few other folks that had their food make the elite New Foods list also.

L-R, Mobster's Caviar, Duck Bacon Wontons, Pie n' the Sky Malts, and Maple Cream Nitro Cold Press Coffee

FOX 9's Cody was more than willing to sample the food, and I'm happy to say he gave the Pie n' the Sky Malt rave reviews. Am I surprised? No. After all, it's brought to you by Minnesota's dairy farmers! Did I mention Pie n' the Sky is also available in Sundaes?

So there you have it. TV personalities Cody, Jason, and Kylie all agree that it's delicious!
See you at the Fair!

A Day in the Life of Princess Kay

Earlier this Summer, I became the Minnesota Dairy Princess Coordinator. I told you all about it in my blog post 12 Good Reasons.

On the eve before the start of the Minnesota State Fair, Kyla Mauk became our 62nd Princess Kay of the Milky Way, Minnesota's dairy ambassador. Congratulations to Kyla!

One of my duties as Minnesota Dairy Princess Coordinator is to chaperone Princess Kay and the eleven princess finalists at the Minnesota State Fair, so from August 26th to September 8th, I packed my bags and moved from the farm to a hotel near the state fair to spend morning, noon, and night with 12 of the best Minnesota farm girls I know!

So what does Princess Kay and the finalists do for 12 days of the Great Minnesota Get-Together? 

Princess Kay, and each of the finalists get their likeness carved from a 90 pound block of sweet, creamy butter. This tradition has been going on for 40+ years, and Princess Kay is tradtionally carved on the first day of the Fair. While fairgoers watched, six to eight hours of Princess Kyla's first day of her reign were spent in a 40 degree, rotating cooler as sculptor Linda Christensen worked her magic.

 Every afternoon Princess Kay climbed aboard the float with State Fair mascots Fairborne and Fairchild for some fun during the daily parade.  

 Each day there were amatuer butter sculptures to be judged,

presentations to be given,

 and thousands of fair-goers to greet...and lots of photo opportunities!

 Sunday morning was spent handing out chocolate milk to re-fuel the runners at the finish line of the annual "Milk Run."

   There were also many chances for Kyla to share about dairy farming and dairy foods as she was scheduled for many media appearances. Whether it was a cow milking contest-

a radio interview-

handing out Salted Caramel Puff Malts-

or helping out the local weather man-

it was always done with a smile!

As Princess Kyla looks forward to the upcoming year of representing Minnesota's nearly 3,400 dairy farmers, I look forward to watching her journey, as I am proud to say she's representing the dairy community I love!

 

Coming Soon...Princess Kay Of The Milky Way!

This is a fun, exciting and nail-biting weekend for dozens of young ladies from Minnesota. May 15-17 is the Dairy Princess Promotion Workshop in St. Cloud, MN. 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 good care of our cows and the land. 

But how are these young women chosen to attend this workshop? 

Jeni Haler, 2014-2015 Princess Kay of the Milky Way 

Each of them 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 in St. Cloud. This is also where the 12 finalists are selected  for the Minnesota dairy industry'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. Live updates of the finalist announcements will be posted to Princess Kay’s Facebook page during the luncheon held on Sunday, May 17th. On Twitter, updates can be obtained by following the hashtag #MNPrincessKay.

After a busy summer of June Dairy Month promotions, parades, and County Fairs, the 12 finalists come together again in August for more judging. 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 Association.

Jeni Haler, 2014-2015 Princess Kay of the Milky Way 

All 12 of the Princess Kay finalists have their likeness carved in butter during the Minnesota State Fair and make public appearances during the Fair’s 12-day run.

Princess Kay, Jeni Haler and her butterhead

Exhausting? You bet! Worth it? Absolutely!

We at Bremer Farms are proud to support this program and anxiously look forward to the announcement of the finalists, and the crowning of our 62nd Princess Kay of the Milky Way. 

 

 

 

 

Good-Bye Old Friend

Earlier this week the Minnesota State Fair closed its gates for another year, but my family hopped on the bus several times during its 12 day run to experience the fun and excitement. Come along as I share a few of our adventures.

 

Some days at the Fair begin with a little work, and I use the term "work" very loosely. For several years I have been asked to judge 4-H demonstrations. I love evaluating the 4-Her's presentations, and each year I am amazed at what I learn about their projects!
 After lunch and some chocolate milk refueling, it was off to watch the parade.

  We waved hello to this years Princess Kay of the Milky Way, Jeni Haler.

And yes, dairy farmers occasionally drink something other than milk. We made soda cans with our names on. No fighting over whose can is whose.

Then it was time to play detective. Since my dad passed away one year ago, and he was a huge Fair fan and supporter, our family felt it was appropriate to donate something to the Minnesota State Fair. Ta-da! The Glen Brown memorial bench!

What's a Fair without food? Time to support the hog farmers with some unbelievable maple flavored "bacon on a stick."

Son Michael and I rubbed elbows (almost) with celebrity Garrison Keillor of Praire Home Companion.

When Farmer John and I go to the Fair, part of our time is spent talking dairy. Each year we volunteer in the Moo Booth. With most people two to three generations removed from farming, this is our chance to answer questions that may have been answered by their farming relatives in the past. 

Farmer John and I were also presented with a special Champion for Dairy ribbon in acknowledgment of our 15+ years of volunteering to answer questions and share our love for the farming life we love.

Before heading home to milk our cows, we always check out the...

Our neighbor, and Princess Kay finalist, Gabriella Sorg was having her likeness carved in butter. You can learn about the Butterhead process here.

My family and I are always sad to see the Fair come to a close. Thank goodness we take lots of pictures to help us relive the memories. Until next year...good-bye old friend!

Follow-Up Friday 2

This week on Bremer Farms...

 

This week our kitchen turned into a television studio as Sara and Mike filmed the first three episodes of daughter Sara's new show for Hastings Community TV, Aprons Optional. We have been enjoying many yummy samples! Apron's Optional premieres in early October.

The hollyhocks are in full bloom near our calf barn. 

Grandpa Roy says they are his favorite flower and they remind him of the farm he grew up on.

Sara is gearing up for her biggest Holiday Outdoor display in the history of Bremer Farms. I'm thinking UPS and Fed-Ex is looking to the amount of packages Sara is receiving as their job security.
Santa's reindeer stable arrived this week.

We pride ourselves on keeping our farm neat and organized. This week our  metal recycler paid us a visit. We have been working on many projects; replacing our feeding system (blogging about that next week) re-purposing a shed (blogging about that when it's complete) and replacing gates and water tanks. We are all about recycling, not only because we like our farm neat, but we care about the environment. Reduce, reuse, recycle... priorities every day here.

It's sweet corn season on the farm, and although we do not grow sweet corn, we get a lot from a very generous neighbor. 15 quarts are already in the freezer with more to come. I shared my recipe on my blog post 

Santa Lives In Our Neighborhood

We made our first visit to the Minnesota State Fair on Wednesday night.

We were greeted by Fairchild, our state fair mascot, as John, Sara, and I attended the coronation of the 61st Princess Kay of the Milky Way. Our neighbor Gabriella Sorg was one of the 12 finalists. You can learn more about her, and the princess program by clicking on her name.

Gabriella (in the pink) was selected as Miss Congeniality. That was no surprise to us, as she is one of the friendliest and sweetest girls you will ever meet! One of these 12 "milkmaids" will be crowned Princess Kay and will represent Minnesota Farmers and the dairy industry for the next year. 

And the winner is...

Jeni Haler

Congratulations Jen!

The Princess Kay program is sponsored by Midwest Dairy