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May 9, 2009
More than a crown and sash Mussman passionate about Princess Kay responsibilities By Krista M. Sheehan Staff writer CLAREMONT, Minn. – Kristy Mussman admits that at the Princess Kay of the Milky Way coronation last August, some of her biggest concerns were related to tripping on stage, ripping her dress or having a heel break. But since the moment the crown was placed on her head, Mussman has realized her experiences and responsibilities as Princess Kay are more important than worrying about wardrobe malfunctions or being considered royalty. “I want people to know it’s not just about wearing a crown and sash,” Mussman said about her role as 55th Princess Kay of the Milky Way. “It’s being an ambassador for what my family and I do everyday.” For the past nine months, Mussman has not only shared the dairy farming story of her parents, Mike and Julie, but the stories of the nearly 5,000 dairy producers in Minnesota. Mussman said her first appearances as Princess Kay during the Great Minnesota Get Together opened her eyes to what the year would be like. “During the state fair... seeing the support from consumers made my heart swell …” Mussman said. And the support has grown exponentially. Since Labor Day, Mussman has made over 30 appearances ranging from the Corn Growers Association banquet and the Farm Bureau convention to the Peanut Butter and Milk Festival and the Central Plains Dairy Expo. But her favorite events have been the classroom visits. “I never know if I’ll get the
photo by Krista M. Sheehan
Since August, Kristy Mussman from Claremont, Minn., has been promoting the dairy industry in Minnesota as the 55th Princess Kay of the Milky Way. Mussman said the title is more than wearing a crown and sash; it’s about telling the story of the nearly 5,000 dairy producers in Minnesota, including her parents, Mike and Julie. squirrelly kids or the ones that ooh and awe over my crown,” Mussman said. “Either way, they’re all so interested in what I have to say and that’s the key area of the industry … because you start good habits at a young age.” Mussman is looking forward to working with more youth and consumers of all ages through summer events, especially during dairy month. “June is going to be a wonderful time for not only me, but dairy producers across the state to get our messages out,” she said. “It’s our opportunity to tell our stories because they’re one in a million.”
photo submitted
Over the past nine months of her reign, Mussman said her favorite events have been classroom visits. Because developing healthy habits starts at a young age, Mussman said teaching kids about the benefits of dairy products is important.
One message Mussman continues to convey to consumers is the nutritional value of dairy products. “They (dairy products) are something we really can’t put a dollar value on,” Mussman said. “What we have to give to our consumers everyday – providing the food and fiber of our world – is huge. We have a great product and it’s one of nature’s most perfect foods.” As Mussman teaches others about the dairy industry and its products, she said she is learning and strengthening skills of her own. From working with the media and making several keynote addresses, Mussman said she has improved her interviewing and speaking abilities. But she has learned the most from the people she has encountered. “Anyone I’ve met throughout the year – the other 11 Princess Kay finalists, dairy producers, agriculture enthusiasts – has made this a life changing experience,” Mussman said. “I’ve made relationships with people who have the same interests and I’ll always remember those people.” She’s also thankful for being able to rely on a network of support. “I’ve learned you can’t do everything by yourself,” Mussman said. “It takes the hard work of many in order for good things to come about. There are a lot of people who worked really hard with me.” Her professors understand her Princess Kay time commitment and her sorority sisters have been there to lend a helping hand. But her family – parents, Mike and Julie, along with sisters, Missy and Kelsey – has been the biggest support. “They’ve bent over backwards to help me out and come to my appearances,” Mussman Mussman continued on page 24
Introducing Your County Dairy Princesses For 2009...