Special Iowa Dairy Princess Edition
DAIRY ST R CONTEST
August 3, 2019
Connecting with consumers Schmitt finds place as dairy advocate By Danna Sabolik
danna.s@dairystar.com
FORT ATKINSON, Iowa – As the Iowa State Fair inches closer, so does the end of a reign. Jessica Schmitt, 19, is completing her role as the 65th Iowa Dairy Princess with the Iowa State Fair Aug. 8-18 in Des Moines, Iowa. As her year serving Iowa’s dairy farmers comes to a close, Schmitt reflects on the experiences this platform has provided her. “This year really solidified what I want to do with my life,” Schmitt said. “I want to continue to work with consumers and promote dairy for the rest of my life. I got to meet a lot of dairy farmers,
and it made me so happy to represent them and their passion.” Schmitt grew up on her family’s 50-cow dairy farm near Fort Atkinson, Iowa and is attending Iowa State University for dairy science and agricultural communications. “Until I was in this position, I didn’t realize how many people are curious about farm life and food production,” Schmitt said. “It’s rewarding to be the one with the answers to those questions.” Her position sent her throughout the state, from classrooms to open houses on farms where many attendees
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Jessica Schmitt poses with two young consumers during the Western Iowa Dairy Alliance Open House June 12 at J&S Dairy near Maurice, Iowa.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Governor Kim Reynolds (from left), Iowa Dairy Princess Jessica Schmitt and Senator Randy Feenstra gather after the signing of the June Dairy Month Proclamation June 12 at J&S Dairy near Maurice, Iowa.
had their first encounters with dairy. “[Consumers] are interested in an open conversation, which is what I try to provide,” Schmitt said. “People genuinely want to learn.” While she enjoyed all her advocacy moments in the crown, some stood out more than others. “Midwest Dairy had a promotion on Iowa State’s campus to showcase a new dairy product,” Schmitt said.
“It was called Moon Milk, and it was a new way to enjoy dairy. I don’t work with my peers a whole lot, so it was fun to show off a new product on my campus.” Her best conversations happen when she least suspects it, and she is grateful for the opportunity to share her story, said Schmitt. “It’s rewarding to represent what my family knows best,” Schmitt said. “I had a great conversation with a con-
sumer about how all farmers work hard for their animals, consumers and neighbors.” Schmitt recalls last year’s coronation and remembers the nerves she felt going into the evening. “I won the speech portion of the contest and gave my speech to the crowd before I was crowned,” she said. “It was rewarding to share what I Turn to SCHMITT | Page 2
Recent Iowa Dairy Princesses 2017 Princess
2017 Alternate
2018 Princess
2018 Alternate
2019 Princess
2019 Alternate
Katelyn Goldsmith Delaware County
Shana Hilgerson Clayton County
Rachel Grober Iowa Guernsey Breeders Association
Josie Buddenberg Winneshiek County
Jessica Schmitt Winneshiek County
Grace Howe Iowa Jersey Cattle Club