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 

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. 

O is for Optional

Once a month our kitchen becomes a TV studio as Daughter Sara films the next installment of her cooking show Aprons Optional for our local television station. Each episode features three recipes, most of which have dairy ingredients. Way to go farmer's daughter! Sara concludes each episode with these words- "The apron is optional, but the flavor isn't." So true Sara, so true! 

Each June, for National Dairy Month, Sara invites Princess Kay of the Milky Way,  goodwill ambassador representing Minnesota's dairy farmers, to our kitchen. Let's see what Princess Kay Rebekka Paskewitz is cooking up.

You can find more dairy delicious recipes on Sara's Apron's Optional Facebook page and also at Midwest Dairy.

Learn more about Princess Kay of the Milky Way on her Facebook page too!

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?

Royalty Visits Bremer Farms and Aprons Optional

Daughter Sara's TV show, Aprons Optional had a special guest at last weeks filming. Princess Kay of the Milky Way (Minnesota's official goodwill ambassador for the dairy community), Emily Annexstad stopped by to share her recipe for Creamy Cheesecake. 

The show will air on Hastings Community TV as well as Youtube for June Dairy Month, but I couldn't wait until June to let you try this yummy cheesecake recipe.

Creamy Cheesecake

Crumb Crust:

• 11 whole graham crackers (22 squares)
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Filling:

• 5 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/3 cups sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon peel
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Topping:

• 2 pints strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/2 cup raspberries

Directions:

1. Crush the cracker crumbs. Add butter and sugar and mix. Press onto the base of a 9-inch springform pan. Chill. Beat cream cheese on medium-high for 2 minutes. Blend in sugar. 

2. Add the flour and beat until combined. ON low speed, beat in the eggs, one at a time, just until blended, scraping the sides of bowl often. Add the sour cream, lemon peel, and vailla and beat just until blended. Pour over crust in pan.

3. Bake at 325F for 1 1/4 hours. Turn the oven off and place a wooden spoon in oven door to keep it open. Let cheesecake sit one hour. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Run a knife around sides. Cover; chill for 6 hours or overnight.

4. Remove the pan sides. Slide the cheesecake onto a serving plate. For the topping, overlap the strawberries in circles on the cheesecake. Fill the center with raspberries.

Secrets of success:

• Let the cream cheese soften on the counter for 2 hours or unwrap and microwave each package 15 seconds.
• Don't over bake. The cheesecake will firm as it cools.
• A sudden change in temperature can cause a cheesecake to crack. Let it sit in a turned-off oven to cool gradually.
• Cheesecakes are ideal make-ahead desserts. Wrap the undecorated cake in foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days, or double wrap in plastic and foil and freeze for up to 2 months.

Source: Great American Home Cooking Made Easy

Sara and Emily tried out some other dairy good recipes too. You can find them at Midwest Dairy

I'm Not Retiring, I'm Reinventing

There have been a lot of changes in my world lately. 

For the past 19 years I have helped students that struggle with reading and math, but this past week was the end of my career as a Title One Instructor. I have chosen to retire. I think my friend Becky said it best, "You're not retiring, you're reinventing." I feel that is a pretty good description of what's happening. Retirement can mean laying on the beach sipping drinks with those little umbrellas, or traveling, or spending time with grand kids. Nope, nope, and nope. For me it means devoting time to other adventures.

One of those adventures came about last January when my responsibilities as the Minnesota Dairy Princess Coordinator increased. Besides the opportunities I mentioned in 12 Good Reasons, I now also organize the May Leadership and Promotion Event that was held this past weekend where the finalists for Minnesota's goodwill ambassador, Princess Kay of the Milky Way, are chosen. I am happy to announce that the dairy farmers of Minnesota will again be represented by twelve dedicated young woman ready to share their passion for the dairy community. 

Introducing the 2017 finalists:

• Emily Annexstad, 19, St. Peter, daughter of Rolf and Jean Annexstad, and representing Nicollet County;
• Anna Broll, 19, Chaska, daughter of Dan and Kathie Broll, and representing Carver County;
• Shelby Campbell, 19, Maple Lake, daughter of LeRoy Campbell and Donna Decker, and representing Wright County;
• Gina Holdvogt, 19, Freeport, daughter of Alvin and Bernie Holdvogt, and representing Stearns County;
• Abby Hopp, 19, Chatfield, daughter of Doug and Heather Hopp, and representing Fillmore County;
• Madelin Lindahl, 20, Lindstrom, daughter of Kevin and Tara Lindahl, and representing Chisago County;
• Quinci Scherber, 23, Rogers, daughter of John and Staci Scherber, and representing Hennepin County;
• Rebecca Schubert, 18, Rice, daughter of Natalie and Jerome Schubert, and representing Benton County;
• Margaret Socha, 18, Corcoran, daughter of Michael and Donna Socha, and representing Wright County;
• Samantha Traxler, 18, Cleveland, daughter of Brian and Patty Pettis, and Brian and Heather Traxler, and representing Le Sueur County;
• Ashley Warren, 19, Watkins, daughter of John and Carol Warren, and representing Meeker County; and
• Jessaca Zuidema, 19, Blomkest, daughter of Jan and Jolene Zuidema, and representing Kandiyohi County.

N Is for Nibbles, Nuggets, and News

Welcome back for today's entry for June Dairy Month. Today we salute letter N.

Earlier this week I joined up with Princess Kay of the Milky Way, Kyla Mauk to visit with shoppers at Hy-Vee in Oakdale, MN.

We were invited by Hy-Vee Registered Dietician, Jena Pape to speak with shoppers about the importance of having three servings of dairy each day, and what better way to reach out to these consumers than to offer a nibble of cheese. The Chipotle flavored cheese was a big hit, even for those of us who aren't spicy food eaters.

We also invited shoppers to go to the Midwest Dairy website to pledge to have their Dairy 3 For Me servings each day, and also to view even more recipes than the ones in the recipe books we handed out.

Kyla answered several questions about being Princess Kay (who doesn't like meeting a princess?) and Kyla and I both answered lots of questions about dairy foods and dairy farming. We both agree we love speaking right to the people that buy, consume, and enjoy the foods we produce. Thank you to the shoppers at Hy-Vee Oakdale that came to us, the people behind the product, to get their questions answered right from a farmer!

Thanks Jena, for inviting us to share some nuggets and news with your friendly shoppers, about the dairy community we are proud to represent!

Miss America, The Farm Girl

I loved watching the Miss America pageant as a little girl. All my friends did too. I think secretly we all thought, one day that will be me! The closest I ever got to being Miss America was being crowned Washington County Dairy Princess. Don't get me wrong, as that too was a huge honor, but I never got to be serenaded by host Bert Parks. 

Miss America 2016 Betty Cantrell didn't get to be serenaded either, as Bert Parks retired before Betty was even born! Did you notice I called her Betty. Yep, we're on a first name basis. You see Betty is one of us, a farm girl.  

Here I am with Miss America. Who would have thought...

 I met Betty at her recent visit to  Wolf Creek Dairy a dairy farm in Dundas, Minnesota owned by the Liebebstein family. Betty's platform, "Healthy Children, Strong America" encourages children to make healthy choices and stay physically active. It is in partnership with the American Farm Bureau Foundation For Agriculture.

Miss America and Princess Kay of the Milky Way, Kyla Mauk, touring with Mary Liebenstein.

This partnership brought her to Minnesota to visit schools in the area that participated in the First Peas To The Table contest.  This national competition for schools encourages children in kindergarten through fifth grade to plant, raise and harvest peas this spring. What better way to learn, than to get your hands dirty!

This farm girl loves cows!

 So why not visit a few farms while you're here promoting agriculture?

Betty not only talks-the-talk for agriculture, Betty walks-the-walk. After our lunch at Wolf Creek Dairy, she shared about her life growing up on a 700 acre farm in Georgia, her journey to becoming Miss America, (she watched the contest only one year before competing!) and she sang for us (Jesus Take The Wheel). Finally, Betty shared her passion for "Healthy Children, Strong America".

Betty learned to drive a tractor at the age of 9.

  Princess Kay, Kyla Mauk, then had the opportunity to share about a similar program we dairy farmers are passionate about, Fuel Up To Play 60. This program, sponsored by The National Football League and dairy farmers across America, also encourages healthy eating and exercise. 

Miss America greets Dakota County Farm Bureau members.

Here's what Miss America, Betty Cantrell, said on Face Book about her recent visit to Minnesota, "Spending my day in my kinda territory, with our Minnesotan farmers thanks to my partner with my platform, the American Farm Bureau Federation. 🚜 I feel right at home!" ‪

Thanks for visiting Betty! You're welcome back any time...any time at all!

Princess Kay Hopefuls Meet to Learn

I'm going on a road trip! 

May 13-15 is the Dairy Princess Promotion and Leadership Event 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. 

Kyla Mauk, 62nd Princess Kay of the Milky Way

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

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 community's goodwill ambassador, Princess Kay of the Milky Way.  

2015 Princess Kay of the Milky Way finalists

  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 15th. On Twitter, updates can be obtained by following the hashtag #MNPrincessKay.

2015 Princess Kay of the Milky Way finalists

After a busy summer of June Dairy Month promotions, appearances, 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 community'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.

Princess Kay of the Milky Way, Kyla Mauk

 I am so proud to be a part of this program. As a dairy farmer, the mom of a past finalist, and now the Minnesota Dairy Princess Coordinator, I have seen, first hand, the amazing young woman who represent the hard-working, proud dairy farmers of Minnesota!

 

Gone, But Not Forgotten 2015

2015 Top Ten Most Viewed Blog Posts

My Barnyard View

10. 100 Reasons To Love Dairy - 2015 marks National Dairy Council's 100th year! Here are my top 10 reasons I am in love with any, and all things dairy...

9. Earth Day Is Everyday -
My family and I live by the motto, “Leave this world a little better than you found it”. We became farmers because...

8. It's About Time - Tator Tot hotdish -
For some reason Minnesotans are associated with hotdish, or to those of you non-Minnesotans...casseroles. I had never made Tater Tot Hotdish before. It's about time!

7. "Never A Dull Moment" Dinner - "Never a dull moment." If our family had a motto, this would be it! Fortunately, my family and I thrive on being busy...

6. #FarmLikeAGirl - Of course when you are farmers it is impossible to call your boss and declare a sick day, and you certainly can't just roll over and  pull the blankets over your head pretending this day is not happening...

5. Coming Soon...Princess Kay Of The Milky Way! - This is a fun, exciting and nail-biting weekend for dozens of young ladies from Minnesota...

4. A Day In The Life Of Princess Kay - 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!

3. 12 Good Reasons - On July 1st I was contracted by Midwest Dairy Association to be the new Minnesota Dairy Princess Coordinator. So what does this mean?

2. Christmas Cookies And Holiday Hearts - Of course, being dairy farmers, butter made its way into nearly every cookie recipe! Dairy farmer, or not- there is nothing better than the flavor of butter in baked goods. I'm sure Santa would agree, and who knows Christmas cookies better than Santa?

1. G Is For Giveaway - It’s more than a cookbook. It’s a way for each of us to learn where our food comes from and the dairy farm families around the nation that make milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, and all our other favorite dairy foods possible.

When I began writing My Barnyard View I thought, "I'll try blogging and see how it goes." Nearly four years later I have you to thank. Without your encouragement, support, comments, and blog topic suggestions, I wouldn't be sharing our story about the farm life we love. Thanks from the bottom of my heart!

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!