58th Princess Kay of the Milky Way

DAIRY ST R Special Edition

August 24, 2011

Jennifer Janak April Johnson

Chaneen Haler

Chelsey Johnson

Erin Daninger

Mary Zahurones

58th Princess Kay

Stephanie Kasper

of the Milky Way

Emily Krekelberg

Theresa Twohey

Kelsey Sellner

Emma Motl Janet Oelfke

Princess Kay of the Milky Way Hall of Fame

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Tina Rettmann Renville County

Rebekah (Dammann) Reuter McLeod County

Audrey (Mohr) Boerner Brown County

Ann (Miron) Tauzell Washington County

Kristy (Mussman) Miron Steele County

Elizabeth Olson McLeod County

Katie Miron Washington County

Page 2 • Princess Kay Special Edition • Dairy Star • August 24, 2011

Looking back to basics

Do you remember when you were in elementary school and the cafeteria was like the floor of the New York Stock Exchange? When the price of milk wasn’t dollars per hundred weight, but how m a n y tater tots or cookies you could t r a d e to get another m i l k carton?

By Katie Miron When the 57th Princess Kay of world was the Milky Way black and white and you knew exactly what something was worth? When you were excited to learn something new every day?

As I come to the end of my reign as Princess Kay of the Milky Way and I think

back on my year, I realize that not much has changed since elementary school.

This year has made me realize how much there is to learn and understand about the dairy industry. With only 14 dairy farms in my home county, I never thought about how different dairy could be from farm to farm and how dairy farmers use their talents to uniquely approach the opportunities and challenges a family dairy farm presents.

In the end, however, the most important thing is what brings us all together: passion. The undeniable and unexplainable reason that we work from sunup to sundown is to ensure that our animals are happy and healthy, producing quality products for consumers.

The landscape of our state is so diverse. From the bluffs

Photo submitted

Miron reads to children during one of her many visits throughout the year. Miron served as Minnesota’s goodwill dairy ambassador during the past year.

in the southeast, to the plains of central Minnesota and all of the rolling hills in between, I have driven through and been lost in it all. Off the beaten track and on the back roads, I have had the opportunity to see Minnesota and give my Dad an overview of crop growth across the state.

No matter where I went or what I was doing, I could be sure of a few things.

One: Dairy farmers treated me like family. Welcomed with a hug, fed and put to work; it felt like home no matter where I went. I wasn’t able to spend much time on my own dairy farm, but I found family everywhere.

Two: That I was sure to meet someone who did not know who Princess Kay is and had never met a dairy farmer.

I have been asked more times than I can count what pageant life is like and if a cow likes being milked. What that tells us is that advocating for the dairy industry is more important than ever.

And three: I received one of three reactions when meeting children: excitement (from the girls), impatience (from the boys, if I had tattoo stickers to hand out) and fear (you never know when a child will burst into tears). Princess Kay of the Milky Way has become an icon in Minnesota.

No matter the reaction, this tradition makes people stop and think about the dairy industry.

I have learned a lot during my year of service as Princess Kay. I have been taught to expect the unexpected – whether that’s meeting a farmer who wants to talk

Photo submitted

Miron helps visitors feed one of the calves during the Family Night on the Farm, hosted by Steve and Kerry Hoffman in New Ulm, Minn.

Photo submitted

Katie Miron, the 57th Princess Kay of the Milky Way, spent the past year promoting Minnesota’s dairy industry.

about the finer points of cattle breeding or an excited hug from a little girl meeting a “real life princess” for the first time. I discovered that there are many ways to reach your destination and that the most direct route may not always be the best way to go. I have found that you never know what kind of reception you are going to get when you show up wearing a crown and that it is always good to have a

backup plan.

There have been many twists and turns, but I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. I want to thank Minnesota’s dairy farmers for this unique opportunity and for the trust that you place in the princess program.

You have made my year memorable and I know that the next Princess Kay will be welcomed with open arms and as one of the family.

Photo submitted

Miron hand milks a cow while explaining the milking process to interested fairgoers. Princess Kay spends all 12 days at the Minnesota State Fair.

Princess Kay Special Edition • Dairy Star • August 24, 2011 • Page 3

58th Princess Kay of the Milky Way

Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011 8:30 p.m. Coronation of 58th Princess Kay Minnesota State Fair Band Shell Free and Open to the Public

Who will be the next Princess Kay?

Princess Kay of the Milky Way is the official goodwill ambassador for Minnesota’s dairy industry. Throughout her yearlong reign, she participates in numerous public appearances, promotional events and media interviews.

Twelve county dairy princesses are vying for the title of Princess Kay after being selected as finalists during a statewide competition held in May. They will be judged on their communication skills, general knowledge of the dairy industry, personality and enthusiasm for dairy promotion.

One young woman will receive the coveted Princess Kay title and begin her immediate duties on opening day of the fair by having her likeness carved in a 90-pound block of butter. The other candidates will also have their likenesses carved in butter during the remaining days of the fair.

The Princess Kay contest is funded by dairy farmers through the dairy checkoff, to help increase demand for dairy.

Meet the Candidates

Erin Daninger, 19 Forest Lake, Washington County

Chaneen Haler, 18 Norwood, Carver County

Jennifer Janak, 19 Northfield, Dakota County

Katie Miron 57th Princess Kay of the Milky Way

April Johnson, 22 Heron Lake, Cottonwood County

Daughter of Pat and Sharlene Daninger. Erin attends the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, studying agricultural education, where she is a member of Gopher Dairy Club, Agricultural Education Club, Beta of Clovia sorority, University Honors Program and Research Apprenticeship Program. In her free time she enjoys showing and judging dairy cattle, volleyball, being outdoors and spending time with friends and family.

Daughter of Rick Haler and Connie Helget.

Chaneen will be a freshman at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in the fall and plans to study Spanish. In high school she was involved in rugby, 4-H, FFA, show choir and National Honor Society. Her hobbies include reading, helping out on the farm and swimming.

Daughter of Roger and Julie Janak. Jennifer is studying animal science with a pre-veterinary emphasis at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She is a member of Gopher Dairy Club, Block and Bridle Club, Collegiate Agri-Women and Beta of Clovia sorority. She enjoys reading and sports, such as swimming, snowboarding and water skiing.

Daughter of Dean and Elizabeth Johnson. April will be a senior at South Dakota State University in Brookings in the fall where she studies dairy production and agricultural education. She is president of the dairy club, co-chair of SDSU Dairy Camp and also participates in collegiate dairy judging and Little International. In her free time she enjoys dairy judging and showing, cooking, baking, shopping and gardening.

Chelsey Johnson, 20 Heron Lake, Cottonwood County

Stephanie Kasper, 19 Owatonna, Steele County

Emily Krekelberg, 20 Le Sueur, Le Sueur County

Emma Motl, 19 Browerville, Todd County

Daughter of Dean and Elizabeth Johnson. Chelsey attends South Dakota State University in Brookings and studies agricultural communications and English education. She participates in dairy club, Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, Sigma Alpha Sisters in Agriculture sorority, Little International and is a new student orientation leader. Her hobbies include basketball, softball, 4-H, dairy showing and judging, reading, making stained glass, photography and sewing.

Daughter of Peter and Karen Kasper. Stephanie studies agricultural education with an emphasis in communications and leadership at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She is involved in 4-H, FFA, Beta of Clovia sorority, Gopher Dairy Club, Agricultural Education Club and Collegiate Agri-Women. She enjoys being outdoors, boating, swimming, walking, watching movies and showing dairy cattle.

Daughter of Dale Krekelberg and Patty Krekelberg. Emily attends the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities where she studies animal science with an emphasis in dairy production.

She is a member of the Beta of Clovia sorority, Gopher Dairy Club, Collegiate Agri-Women and Agricultural Education Club. She enjoys cooking, reading, spending time with friends and family, and going to dairy shows.

Daughter of Mike Motl and Kim Harff.

Emma studies chemistry as part of the premedicine program at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn. She is involved in 4-H, Chemistry Club, the Costume Shoppe Crew and Pre-Health Club. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, quilting, sewing and showing goats and dairy cattle.

Janet Oelfke, 19 Hamburg, Sibley County

Kelsey Sellner, 19 Sleepy Eye, Brown County

Theresa Twohey, 20 Stewartville, Olmsted County

Mary Zahurones, 18 Pierz, Morrison County

Daughter of Jim and Jody Oelfke. Janet attends North Dakota State University in Fargo and studies public relations, communications and business. She is part of the Bison Dairy Club, dairy judging team, and Saddle and Sirloin Club.

Outside of school she participates in 4-H, FFA and showing cattle. She enjoys gardening, shopping, volleyball, running and ice skating.

Daughter of Mike and Judy Sellner. Kelsey will be a sophomore at Minnesota State UniversityMankato in the fall and studies mass communications with an emphasis in public relations.

She is involved in 4-H and softball, and in her free time enjoys running, rollerblading, watching movies, showing cattle, helping out on the farm, and spending time with family and friends.

Daughter of Edward and Sherri Twohey. Theresa will be a junior at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in the fall where she studies agricultural education, leadership and communications. She is involved in Gopher Dairy Club, Agricultural Education Club, dairy judging, Beta of Clovia sorority and is a CFANS student board member. Her hobbies include softball, basketball, watching wrestling and Vikings football, and showing and judging dairy cattle.

Daughter of Chuck and Pat Tax. Mary plans to attend the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in the fall as a pre-med student studying biology and chemistry. In high school she was president of Student Council and Business Professionals of America, a member of peer helpers and National Honor Society, and captain of the cross country, dance and track teams. In her free time she enjoys reading, running, hanging out with friends and playing with her dog.

Page 4 • Princess Kay Special Edition • Dairy Star • August 24, 2011

Erin Daninger, 19

Parents: Pat and Sharlene Daninger Town: Forest Lake County: Washington

“Providing wholesome, high-quality products that come from well-cared for cows is a dairy farmer’s top priority.

Milk and dairy products are locally produced, going from farm to store in two days. My family and 4,500 more Minnesota dairy farmers take pride in producing nutritious dairy products that feed their communities.”

What is your current status? I am currently entering my sophomore year at the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities, majoring in agricultural education.

What is the most unique aspect about your farm? My family farm hosts Farm-City Day each year to showcase what dairy farmers do every day. Seeing the milk from start to finish is a highlight, since we bottle some of the milk produced on our farm in an on-farm creamery. They also are able to experience milking demonstrations, cow nutrition, hay rides, and a petting zoo. Our family takes pride in being able to connect our community to the dairy farmers that provide their dairy products.

Why is being a Princess Kay finalist important to you? Being a Princess Kay finalist is important to me because I not only have the opportunity to represent my family, but also my neighbors and every dairy farmer across Minnesota. Informing others about dairy farming and agriculture is something I take pride in and love to do, so this gives me a greater avenue to follow the passions that being a dairy farmer’s daughter has instilled in me.

If crowned Princess Kay, what would your main message be to audiences?

My main message would be connecting consumers with their dairy products.

Consumers want to know where their food comes from and that it is safe and nutritious for them. Encouraging them to talk to a dairy farmer in person is a great opportunity to connect the public with a way to get questions answered from a knowledgeable source. Meeting the people behind the product allows for a trusting relationship to be developed and lets them know that their dairy products really are safe and nutritious.

Chaneen Haler, 18

Parents: Rick Haler and Connie Helget Town: Norwood County: Carver

“By simply incorporating dairy into curricular studies, educators have the ability to teach students about a healthy lifestyle. I believe that it is an educator’s duty to teach children life lessons cohesively with English and algebra.”

What is your current status?

I will be a freshman at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities this fall.

What is the most unique aspect about your farm? The most unique aspect about my farm is that my family does not live on the farm site.

Why is being a Princess Kay finalist important to you? As one of the youngest Princess Kay finalists, I find this title to be an honor. I have the opportunity to represent all of Minnesota’s dedicated dairy farmers. I am truly blessed to have the chance to bring the public to a greater awareness of the dairy industry.

If crowned Princess Kay, what would your main message be to audiences?

My main message to audiences of all ages would stress not only the importance of dairy, but the versatility of dairy. Dairy can be taught in classrooms, as well as at home, to educate kids of all ages (and parents too) about a healthy lifestyle.

Princess Kay Special Edition • Dairy Star • August 24, 2011 • Page 5

Jennifer Janak, 19

Parents: Roger and Julie Janak Town: Northfield County: Dakota

“Dairy farmers work endless hours each day to provide our communities with a wholesome, nutritious product that we can enjoy. Farmers ensure the health and safety of their cows, because a healthy cow creates a healthy product.”

What is your current status?

I will be a sophomore this fall at the University of Minnesota studying animal science with an emphasis in pre-veterinary medicine.

April Johnson, 21

Parents: Dean and Elizabeth Johnson Town: Heron Lake County: Cottonwood

“For generations my family has been producing wholesome dairy products, proudly and sustainably.

Today we continue to take pride in caring for our cows and caring for the land that we call home. We also care about you receiving the highest quality nutritious dairy products three times each day. “ What is your current status?

This fall I will be a senior at South Dakota State University in Brookings, S. D., majoring in dairy production and agriculture education.

What is the most unique aspect about your farm?

The farm I work on is owned by Bruce and Cheryl Mohn. Cheryl founded Udder Tech Inc. after being inspired by the cows on the farm to create a business that made dairy farming easier and more efficient.

She currently manages the business from the farm in Lakeville, Minn.

Why is being a Princess Kay finalist important to you? Not growing up on a dairy farm and choosing to be a part of the dairy industry by working on a farm, I have developed a deep appreciation for the hard work farmers do every single day to ensure their cows are producing a wholesome product that we can all enjoy. Being given this opportunity to be a Princess Kay finalist has allowed me to proudly represent the dedicated dairy farmers of Minnesota, while at the same time teaching and informing consumers about the benefits of having dairy in their lives.

If crowned Princess Kay, what would your main message be to audiences?

Consuming three servings of dairy products each day is vital for bone growth and development, especially in the adolescent years. By consuming dairy, you are supporting a healthy lifestyle and adding to a well-balanced diet.

What is the most unique aspect about your farm? Dairy farming has long been a tradition for my family. Both my grandfathers were milking Milking Shorthorns before they were married. My grandmothers on both sides of my family convinced my grandfathers to switch to Holsteins. Today my family and I continue the tradition of milking Holstein cows that my grandmothers started.

Why is being a Princess Kay finalist important to you? Being a Princess Kay finalist is important to me because it gives me the opportunity to share my story and promote dairy to a larger audience. Serving as a dairy princess is my opportunity to give back to an industry and lifestyle that has made me who I am today. I am honored to be representing an industry of hardworking people who take pride in caring for their cows and the land that they call home. As a dairy princess I feel fortunate to be promoting wholesome and nutritious products that enrich the well being of those who consume dairy products.

If crowned Princess Kay, what would your main message be to audiences? Dairy farmers like my family and I work hard each day caring for our cows by providing them with a nutritious diet, good medical care and healthy living conditions so you and your family can enjoy high quality dairy products. Be sure to enjoy and refuel with dairy products at least three times each day. Our commitment goes beyond caring for our cows and providing you with wholesome dairy products; we as dairy farmers are also committed to caring for the land and natural resources that we call home.

Page 6 • Princess Kay Special Edition • Dairy Star • August 24, 2011

Chelsey Johnson, 19

Stephanie Kasper, 19

“Dairy farmers are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, grandmas, grandpas and so forth that are driven by a passion to provide a safe wholesome and nutritious product not only to consumers but also to their own families. Dairy farmers don’t just farm for a living; to them, farming is living.”

“My family and I are passionate about our cattle, and the land we call home. We work hard, seven days a week, to ensure our cattle are well cared for with the perfect diet.

We do all of this to ensure that you get the most wholesome and nutritious product – milk.”

Parents: Dean and Elizabeth Johnson Town: Heron Lake County: Cottonwood

What is your current status? I am currently a sophomore at South Dakota State University in Brookings, S.D. I am double majoring in ag communications and English education.

What is the most unique aspect about your farm? We have visitors from a local retreat center come and visit our farm. We have given tours to people from all different areas – some from as far away as South Africa.

Why is being a Princess Kay finalist important to you? I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I hadn’t grown up on a dairy farm. I am grateful for the life lessons I have learned and for the chance it has given me to work so closely with my family. I couldn’t be more proud to represent such a family-focused and hardworking industry.

However, not only do I have a passion for the people of the industry, I also believe in the products of this industry. Dairy products are delicious, wholesome, and nutritious.

If crowned Princess Kay, what would your main message be to audiences? I think the main message to deliver as Princess Kay varies by audience; however, I think a universal message that can’t be told enough is that dairy farmers put forth 365 days a year of work to be sure that their cows are well cared for and the environment is protected for future generations; they wouldn’t go to such lengths if they didn’t truly love what they do and support the products they produce.

Parents: Peter and Karen Kasper Town: Owatonna County: Steele

What is your current status?

I will be a sophomore at the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities, majoring in agricultural education with minors in animal science and sustainable agriculture. I am working for Pioneer Hi-Bred as the marketing intern this summer.

What is the most unique aspect about your farm? The most unique thing about our family farm is that my siblings and I have our own Jersey herd that we have been growing since I was 6 years old.

Why is being a Princess Kay finalist important to you? The dairy industry is my passion. I have been actively involved in every aspect of my family’s dairy farm for numerous years. Being a Princess Kay finalist gives me the opportunity to share my passion with the people that make my passion possible – the consumers.

If crowned Princess Kay, what would your main message be to audiences? Dairy farm families work hard to produce a wholesome product for all to enjoy. Our cattle and land we call home are well cared for to ensure the best dairy foods. In order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, I encourage you to get your three servings of dairy daily!

Princess Kay Special Edition • Dairy Star • August 24, 2011 • Page 7

Emily Krekelberg, 20

Parents: Patty Krekelberg and Dale Krekelberg Town: Le Sueur County: Le Sueur

“Dairy cows receive the best nutrition, living conditions, and care to ensure they are both happy and healthy.

Happy, healthy cows produce high quality milk that can be used for wholesome dairy products for every consumer to enjoy three times daily.”

Emma Motl, 19

Parents: Mike Motl and Kim Harff Town: Browerville County: Todd

“They say it takes a village to raise a child; that’s the same way we raise our dairy animals. We work alongside veterinarians and nutritionists to ensure our animals are healthy and comfortable. Because of our commitment to our animals, we are able to ensure that our products are safe, nutritious and wholesome.”

What is your current status?

I will be starting my junior year at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities where I’m majoring in animal science with an emphasis in dairy production.

What is your current status?

I am currently attending Gustavus Adolphus College where I will be a sophomore studying chemistry with a pre-medicine focus.

What is the most unique aspect about your farm? My grandmother, who grew up on a farm, is the one who started our family farm.

What is the most unique aspect about your farm? One unique aspect about my farm is that my mom is a veterinarian. This means our cows have access to immediate health care 24/7.

Why is being a Princess Kay finalist important to you? Being a finalist is a dream come true and is such an honor. I have dedicated myself to being an advocate for the dairy industry, whether or not I’m wearing a crown. My family has been so supportive and inspiring, and I’m so happy I can celebrate this amazing experience with them.

If crowned Princess Kay, what would your main message be to audiences? The most important thing for any consumer to know is that dairy farmers are dedicated to producing a wholesome, nutritious product for everyone to enjoy three times every day. This includes upholding the highest standards of cow care and environmental preservation.

Why is being a Princess Kay finalist important to you? Being a finalist is such an honor, but even being a county princess is an honor. I have been so blessed by this industry and it is important for me to give back to dairy farmers. They work hard all day and often they are unable to meet with the public themselves, so it’s important that princesses and finalists alike are there sharing our message.

If crowned Princess Kay, what would your main message be to audiences? If I am crowned Princess Kay, I believe one of the main messages to share with consumers is that we care for our animals like family. Going to college has shown me that many people do not understand what happens on the farm, and it is imperative that we show them the truth – that our animals are our business and keeping them healthy and happy is our No. 1 goal.

Page 8 • Princess Kay Special Edition • Dairy Star • August 24, 2011

Janet Oelfke, 19

Parents: Jim and Jody Oelfke Town: Hamburg County: Sibley

“The protein naturally found in milk helps to build strong muscles for my active lifestyle. Studies show that drinking low-fat chocolate milk after exercising will help refuel my muscles and rehydrate my body better than water or a sports beverage.”

What is your current status? I am currently a sophomore at North Dakota State University where I am majoring in public relations and advertising with a minor in communications.

What is the most unique aspect about your farm?

Our family dairy farm has been owned and operated by the Oelfkes for six generations. This year marks 115 years of our family farm providing safe and high quality milk.

Why is being a Princess Kay finalist important to you? Being a Princess Kay finalist is important to me because it provides an opportunity to give back to the industry I love. Unlike most young girls who dream of being in pageants, I wanted to be a dairy princess in order to speak for the industry I believe in. Dairy farming is my life and I would have never changed it. Therefore, it is an honor to represent my county and the state as a finalist because it is important to give back to an industry that has rewarded me and my family greatly. I now have opportunities to share my story and reach a larger audience and convey the dedication and pride that dairy farmers have to provide wholesome, nutritious, and good tasting dairy products.

If crowned Princess Kay, what would your main message be to audiences? If crowned Princess Kay, my main message to audiences is that safe, nutritious milk begins with healthy cows. Dairy farmers are dedicated and committed to providing high-quality milk by caring for their animals. This hardwork pays off because dairy foods contribute to 70 percent of the calcium in the American diet. On that note, milk – whether flavored or white – contains nine essential nutrients important to a healthy, well balanced diet.

Kelsey Sellner, 19

Parents: Mike and Judy Sellner Town: Sleepy Eye County: Brown

“My family is committed to providing safe, healthy, and nutritious dairy products to the entire state. For generations, our milk has undergone strict testing and quality controls to ensure that the dairy products reaching store shelves are the best of the best. Our passion is fresh, great tasting dairy products!”

What is your current status? This fall, I will begin my sophomore year at Minnesota State University, Mankato majoring in mass communications with an emphasis in public relations.

What is the most unique aspect about your farm? The most unique aspect about our farm is that we are currently the fourth generation to farm here and it has been in our family for 136 years.

Why is being a Princess Kay finalist important to you? Being a Princess Kay finalist is important to me because it gives me the opportunity to share my story. It allows me the chance to communicate my passion with not only my county, but the entire state of Minnesota. Dairy farmers work hard to care for their animals and the environment. One of their biggest concerns is ensuring their products are of the finest quality. As a dairy princess and Princess Kay finalist, I find targeting all age groups an efficient way to spread dairy’s key messages. I have a strong passion for what I do, firsthand knowledge, personal stories, and the desire to interact with children, peers, adults, and the elderly in order to leave them with a positive impression of the dairy industry. A public relations specialist and a dairy princess hold similar duties. There’s no better way to advance my future goals and aspirations than to proudly represent the dairy farmers in the state of Minnesota.

If crowned Princess Kay, what would your main message be to audiences? My main goal would be to stress the importance of including three servings of dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt) in consumer’s daily diets. The calcium and nutrients derived from consuming dairy are beneficial to all age groups. The key to understanding dairy products is to understand where they come from. There are so many ways to piece together dairy’s story, such as visiting websites (www.midwestdairy.com), speaking with dairy princesses or farmers, or visiting local dairy farms to experience it firsthand.

Princess Kay Special Edition • Dairy Star • August 24, 2011 • Page 9

Theresa Twohey, 20

Mary Zahurones, 17

“My family and I take pride in caring for our animals.

Healthy cows are happy cows and happy cows produce higher quality milk. We are proud to produce such a wholesome product for consumers to enjoy!”

“Being an athlete, nutrition is important to me. A great way to keep healthy is to consume three servings of dairy a day; the benefits are endless! I am passionate about the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, which helps to teach kids about combining exercise with proper nutrition.”

Parents: Edward and Sherri Twohey Town: Stewartville County: Olmsted

Parents: Chuck and Pat Tax Town: Pierz County: Morrison

What is your current status? This fall, I will be a student at the University of Minn e s o t a - Tw i n Cities majoring in biology and chemistry.

What is your current status? I am a full-time student at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities majoring in agriculture education leadership and communications, with minors in animal science and mass communications.

What is the most unique aspect about your farm? The family that lived in the house before us kept calves in the basement, which is where my bedroom is now. Thankfully my parents remodeled it when they bought it.

Why is being a Princess Kay finalist important to you? It is my opportunity to share my knowledge and passion for the dairy industry. Growing up on a dairy farm, I was blessed with privileges that not many children have. Being a Princess Kay finalist allows me to share my experiences and be an advocate for the hardworking dairy farmers.

If crowned Princess Kay, what would your main message be to audiences?

Dairy farmers work hard everyday to take care of their animals so they can provide high quality, nutritious milk. My family and I along with the 4,700 other dairy farmers in Minnesota, have a true passion for what we do and are proud of the product we provide.

What is the most unique aspect about your farm?

The fact that we are constantly updating or adding to our farm. Every summer we take on new projects such as putting up new buildings, landscaping or reconstructing our house.

Why is being a Princess Kay finalist important to you? Being a finalist is incredibly important to me because it means that I get the opportunity to share my pride and knowledge of the dairy industry with others and to instill the same passion I have into the general public.

If crowned Princess Kay, what would your main message be to audiences?

My main message to the audiences would be to explain the benefits of milk and other dairy products and to show the journey of milk from farm to consumer.

I want to show the public how hardworking and committed dairy farmers are to provide great care to our animals and to ensure a quality and wholesome product. The more involved consumers are in the milking process, the more excited they can get about consuming dairy products!

Page 10 • Princess Kay Special Edition • Dairy Star • August 24, 2011

Match the Facts Match two unique facts to the girl it belongs to.

Jennifer Janak

April Johnson

1)_____________

2)_____________

Mary Zahurones

Chaneen Haler

5)_____________ 6)_____________

Emily Krekelberg

Janet Oelfke 3)_____________

Chelsey Johnson

Erin Daninger

Stephanie Kasper

Theresa Twohey

7)_____________

8)_____________

9)_____________

10)____________

A) I love milking in the parlor with my dad because I get to spend quality

time with him and we have a lot of fun. Along with that I love working with the cows.

B) I was a winner in a national poetry contest.

C) I moved onto my farm when I was 10 years old. Before that I had never even seen a cow up close, and now I work with cows on a daily basis.

D) I enjoy doing milk sampling in retail stores, especially next to Sweet Martha’s cookies!

4)_____________

Emma Motl

Kelsey Sellner

11)____________ 12)____________

N) As any other kid in 4-H, I get very attached to my prized fair animals!

Therefore, my favorite animal is my Jersey cow, Marble.

O) My favorite job is to feed the baby calves because I love watching

them grow so fast, and they make me laugh the way they try to lick everything in sight.

P) My favorite job on the farm is feeding the newborn calves for the first time. They’re so small and precious, which makes it such a fun job!

That is, when they cooperate.

Q) My favorite animal is Emerald. I showed her at the Minnesota State

E) I play rugby.

Fair twice and she will always have a special place in my heart.

F) My favorite jobs on the farm include delivering newborn calves and milking. Milking time is one of my favorite jobs because it is a great time for my family to enjoy each other’s company while working together with pride harvesting wholesome dairy products.

G) Although I am not an agriculture major, I still hope to remain an active

advocate for dairy when I am finished with college. I hope to work as a public relations specialist for a dairy or agricultural-based company and continue my passion for promoting an industry that will forever be a part of my life.

H) My favorite job on the farm is caring for new baby calves.

I) I can touch my nose with my tongue.

J) I was a 2009 State Fair Champion with my breeding pen of Rhode Island Red chickens.

K) My grandma, Shirley, got me hooked on Shirley Temple movies.

L) I enjoy milking, there’s something about the pattern that is really soothing.

M) My favorite animal is Autumnwood Eland Daffodil (Holstein cow).

R) I have one dimple on the right side of my face that is up by my eye and it only is visible when I smile. It also makes me asymmetrical!

S) My favorite animal is my cow, 346, is my favorite animal in the barn; I call her Sweetie Pie.

T) I enjoy photography.

U) My favorite job on the farm is feeding youngstock and bottle feeding newborn calves.

V) This summer I worked for an A.I. company traveling to herds all

throughout the Midwest. The combined number of cows at all of the herds that I have visited total about 43,470 cows.

W) My favorite cow on our farm is Frosty. She is a 3-year-old cow that is

nearly all white. I have shown her as a heifer and a cow at the Cottonwood County Fair. Her mother, Polar Bear, was one of our best cows; she was completely white and gave birth to eight heifer calves.

X) My favorite cow was Dewdrop. I named her first calf Gumdrop, after that was Grapedrop, Lemondrop, and many more Drops.

Answers: 1-J, S • 2-V, F • 3-N, U • 4-I, Q • 5-C, O • 6-E, L • 7-B, W • 8-D, M • 9-T, H • 10-R, A • 11-X, K • 12-P, G

Big dairy doings at the State Fair

It’s a butter-riffic year at the Minnesota State Fair, with a lineup that includes several notable dairy events and promotions, including: sculptor extraordinaire Linda Christensen celebrating her 40th year carving likenesses out of 90-pound blocks of butter; the crowning of the 58th Princess Kay of the Milky Way; the second year of the popular “Butter-fy Yourself” Facebook app; a chance to win free groceries for a year; and locally produced products at the Dairy Goodness Bar. Butter-fy Yourself Facebook App: For the second year, fair-goers can stop by the social media kiosks in the Dairy Building (near the butter sculpting booth) and try the Midwest Dairy Association Facebook app, Butter-fy Yourself. The app transforms a simple Facebook profile photo into one of six fun butter personalities, including Dairy Princess, Butter Hippie, Butter Cow, Butter Liberty, Butter Bouffant and Butter Up (a baseball player). Visitors can also become Facebook friends with Princess Kay (find out what she’s up to the rest of the year!), and have their picture taken with a dairy princess, and – for the first time ever – butter sculptor Linda Christensen.

You can also try the app from home, by visiting http://apps. facebook.com/butterfy/.

Facebook Fan of the Day: This year, 12 people who “like” Princess Kay of the Milky Way’s Facebook page and an-

swer the question of the day during the fair – posted on Facebook and in the Dairy Building -- will be chosen to receive a visit from Princess Kay to their favorite Minnesota grade school.

Free Food Samples: Midwest Dairy will work with two partners to offer dairy samples at the Moo Booth/Milking Parlor twice during the fair. On Thursday, Sept. 1, Valley View Farms chocolate fat-free milk that is served in schools will be sampled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Sunday, Sept. 4, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., fair-goers can sample Yoplait Frozen Yogurt Bites: frozen yogurt with a fruit-flavored filling coated in granola.

Farmers Feed US Campaign/Free Groceries Sweepstakes: Register to win free groceries for a year, and learn about Minnesota farms in the process. For the second year, Midwest Dairy Association is one of the sponsoring organizations of a campaign that invites consumers to learn more about what their state’s farmers do to provide safe, nutritious and affordable food through online tours of Minnesota farms. As part of the Farmers Feed US campaign, State Fair visitors can stop by the kiosks at the Dairy Fan Booth to learn more about Minnesota’s farmers and enter a sweepstakes to win free groceries for a year. (Over the past 12 months, Minnesotans made

more than 100,000 registrations for the sweepstakes and have watched the videos of the featured farmers.) People can sign up at home, too: From August 15 through October 13, visitors to farmersfeedus.org/mn can sign up to win a grand prize of free groceries for a year – worth $5,000. Two $1,000 prices will also be given away.

Local products at the Dairy Goodness Bar: Once again this year, Midwest Dairy Association’s Dairy Goodness Bar will be serving up locally grown apples and strawberries from Pine Tree Orchard of White Bear Lake in its malts and sundaes.

It also offers its signature malts, sundaes and cones, along with locally produced milk, yogurt and cheese. Located next to the Princess Kay butter sculpting booth, the Dairy Goodness Bar regularly ranks among the fair’s top food attractions. It’s open throughout the fair from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

A “dairy” good value: Dairy continues to be one of the best bargains at the fair. A 12-ounce cup of fresh cold twopercent white or low-fat chocolate milk at the All-You-CanDrink Milk Stand is still just a buck. And the Dairy Goodness Bar will be offering Kids Days, Military Appreciation Day, Senior Days and Thrifty Thursday specials – including 2-for-1 chocolate milk and cheese sticks, and discounted ice cream cone offers.

Princess Kay Special Edition • Dairy Star • August 24, 2011 • Page 11

Four Grade-A Decades

Linda Christensen celebrating 40th anniversary of sculpting likenesses out of butter

Midwest Dairy Association marks occasion with events honoring this State Fair icon ST. PAUL – She’s stuck with it through four decades, 40-degree temperatures, more than 450 sculptures and 32,000 pounds of butter: At this year’s Minnesota State Fair, sculptor Linda Christensen is marking her 40th year carving likenesses out of 90-pound blocks of butter. Midwest Dairy Association is planning a number of events to celebrate this marvelous – and delicious – milestone.

It’s one of the most enduring traditions of the fair, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Dairy Building each year: The newly crowned Princess Kay and 11 finalists each spend about six hours in the rotating 40-degree booth, as Linda carves their likenesses out of 90-pound blocks of butter. (Princess Kay sits in the booth on the first day of the fair; the 11 finalists get their likenesses sculpted over the remaining days.)

Over the years, hundreds of

Princess Kay finalists have told Linda that as children, they had stood outside the butter sculpting booth watching her work and dreamed of becoming a princess.

Linda, a North Minneapolis native, had a similar story: In the late 1960s, as a future student at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, she stood outside the butter booth and dreamed of becoming an artist. In 1972, degree in hand, she got a call wondering if she’d like to give it a try – and the rest is history.

“I’ve worked with several more traditional media, but I like butter the best,” she says. “I really enjoy sculpting the Princess Kay finalists – it just seems so right.

The princesses have been chosen for their involvement on their family farms and their passion for the dairy industry. I have enjoyed their company in the butter booth and admire the families and communities who support them.”

In addition to Princess Kay

and finalists, Linda has sculpted the likenesses of everybody from David Letterman to former Minnesota First Lady Mary Pawlenty to Big Bird. (She even sculpted Conan O’Brien out of chocolate, with bacon for hair.) Now living in Oceanside, Calif., Linda is a mother of two, and keeps busy the 353 days of the year she’s not in the butter booth. She has taught calligraphy, sculpture and drawing; and had her own line of greeting cards for 20 years. After teaching herself to hand-tool leather a few years ago, she now makes belts and accessories.

Midwest Dairy Association has planned several events to celebrate Linda’s anniversary, including: Celebratory toast: At 9 a.m. on the first morning of the fair, August 25, dairy industry representatives will toast Linda at the Butter Sculpting Booth at the Dairy Goodness Bar, with free butter cookies (while supplies

File photo / dairy star

Linda Christensen is marking her 40th year carving likenesses out of 90-pound blocks of butter. last) for fair-goers. Festival Foods is providing the cookies.

Linda Christensen trading card: Every year, Princess Kay of the Milky Way and the other finalists are featured on trading cards. This year, for the first time, Linda will be immortalized on her

very own card.

Unprecedented gathering of former Princess Kays: On September 2, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Christensen Farms/Miracle of Birth Stage, as many as dozens of former Princess Kays and finalists will gather to surprise Linda.

What do you remember about getting your likeness carved in butter?

Mary Ann (Glawe) Hardy,

1971

What do you remember about sitting in the butterbooth with Linda? During the many hours in the butter booth Linda and I discussed art. I remember her explanation of the line of symmetry as it related to the human face. She explained that although most people believe the face is symmetrical, it is not.

I was taken with Linda’s attention to detail, as only an artist would notice the fine differences between the two parts of the face.

What did you do with your butterhead? My butter head returned to the freezer at the family farm and was later placed on display at the grand opening of my parent’s new dairy barn. Clearview Dairy Facility. (fall of 1971) Later we used the butter head for Christmas baking. Christmas baking never tasted better!

Madge (Stapleton)

Johnson, 1972 What do you remember about sitting in the butterbooth with Linda? It was a learning process – it seemed to take forever. Linda was lovely. But boy, even with a snowmobile suit on it was so cold. I was amazed at the size of the crowds watching her carve.

What did you do with your butterhead? I displayed it at our Cheese Store. It got lots of ooh’s and aah’s.

Kathy Zeman, 1976 What do you remember about sitting in the butterbooth with Linda? We froze! Princess Kay always gets her head carved the first day, so on my day, the cooler was not working correctly, instead of 36 degrees it was like 30 or 32 degrees – my butt froze to that metal chair and poor Linda!

Her fingers were froze; the butter was too cold... it was a blast!

What did you do with your butterhead? All three of us Zeman sisters (me in the ‘70s, Liz in the ‘80s, Kateri

in the ‘90s) donated our heads to the Catholic schools we attended.

Beth

1977

(Aarsvold)

Olson,

What do you remember about sitting in the butterbooth with Linda? I just remember that since I was crowned Princess Kay, I was the first one to sit in the cooler that year and the temperature gauge wasn’t working properly so it was much colder than it was supposed to be. It made for a very chilly day!

Linda always made you feel so important and special. I really enjoyed talking with her throughout the day. Now when I go back to watch her in action – she always recognizes me standing on the outside and always motions for me to step up in the booth to have a chat with her.

What did you do with your butterhead? We put it in a cooler to take it home with us (now they pack the butterheads really well for them to take home). Our cooler wasn’t quite big enough, so my nose got smashed on the ride home – we just tried to mold it back in place. My school, Peterson High School, had a welcoming home celebration for me at school and so I took my head with me to put on display.

After that we cut it up – gave some of it away and did lots of baking. It was a little strange after cutting it up to have your eyeball on a butter dish!

Lisa (Schaffer) Coyne,

1983

What do you remember about sitting in the butterbooth with Linda? It was wonderful being with Linda. It was so cold in the booth but I remember Linda making it enjoyable and the day went so quickly. Twenty-five years later, I still remembering watching the people watching me – while they ate their ice cream cones! It was an opportunity for me to people watch!”

What did you do with your butterhead? I was going to use the butter from my butter head to make the food for my wedding two years later. But the butter was spoiled so it was put on display at our wedding reception instead.

Katie (Scott) Johnson,

1989

What do you remember about sitting in the butterbooth with Linda? I remember thinking that time went faster than I expected it to for sitting in a cooler a whole day. It was most likely because Linda made me feel so comfortable. With her genuine smile and her kind and pleasant demeanor, it was easy to be held captive there with her. She had the ability to both interact with you as a person without distracting from her artistic focus on you as a subject. She really is a remarkable and gifted artist. I also remember them bringing me ice cream treats from the dairy bar throughout the day just what you want when you’re freezing cold - an ice cream treat! Of course I ate it right up, though, as I’m never one to turn down ice cream.

What did you do with your butterhead? I donated my butterhead to my church for a men’s group pancake feed mission fundraiser. People loved sticking the knife right into my head!

What was left over was used for baking Christmas cookies.

Beth Mesenbring-Mastre,

1990

What do you remember about sitting in the butterbooth with Linda?

What I remember about sitting in the cooler was just how calming Linda was, as it really had not sunk in yet that I was Princess Kay. I remember having great conversations with Linda and to this day I can still hear her laugh.

What did you do with your butterhead? My butterhead spent 15 plus years in the freezer and then I pulled it out to be displayed at the Carver County 50th Dairy Days celebration, with the intention of throwing it after that. Funny thing is that when the night was over, the butterhead was still in mint condition and neither my Mother nor me could throw it away, so we boxed it back up and re-froze it. Several years later, it was the 50th anniversary of Princess Kay and it was displayed at that celebration. However, this time it was thrown away, as they had a display light on it, which the butter really didn’t care for!

Page 12 • Princess Kay Special Edition • Dairy Star • August 24, 2011

Finalists have a busy summer

Photo submitted

Princess Kay and the 2011 finalists participated in the Fourth of July parade in Forest Lake, Minn. Pictured front, from left; Emma Motl, Erin Daninger, Chelsey Johnson, Chaneen Haler, Janet Oelfke and Stephanie Kasper. Back row, from left; April Johnson, Jennifer Janak, Theresa Twohey, Emily Krekelberg, Kelsey Sellner, Mary Zahurones, and Princess Kay Katie Miron.

Photo submitted

The 12 finalists and Princess Kay took part in the Butter Head Blast on July 4 at the Miron Farm in Hugo, Minn. It was a time to promote the dairy industry and get to know one another. Pictured front, Princess Kay Katie Miron; second row, from left; Stephanie Kasper and Emma Motl; third row, from left; Emily Krekelberg, Chaneen Haler and Theresa Twohey; fourth row, from left; Chelsey Johnson and Jennifer Janak; fifth row, from left; April Johnson, Janet Oelfke, and Kelsey Sellner; back row, from left; Erin Daninger and Mary Zahurones.

Photo submitted

Princess Kay and finalists hosted dairy-related activities and gave away prizes at Family Farm Festival at the Minnesota Zoo on Aug. 6 - 7. Pictured front, from left; Princess Kay Katie Miron, Stephanie Kasper, Jennifer Janak and Theresa Twohey. Back row, from left; Emma Motl, Emily Krekelberg and Kelsey Sellner.

Photo submitted

Zoo visitors learned what cows eat from a display showcasing different types of feed during the Family Farm Festival at the Minnesota Zoo on Aug. 6 - 7. Pictured from left, Princess Kay Katie Miron, Erin Daninger, Chelsey Johnson, Mary Zahurones, Janet Oelfke and April Johnson.