The young woman who serves as Minnesota’s dairy princess wears the title of Princess Kay of the Milky Way, a name selected in a Department of Agriculture contest almost 60 years ago.
The contest happens every August in Des Moines – on the night before the Iowa State Fair begins. Once chosen, winners help tell the public about the dedication dairy farm families have to producing wholesome products for consumers, and how committed those families are to responsible animal care and environmental stewardship.
The North Dakota Dairy Princess program is the longest-running one in the United States, initiated in 1946. The princess, who serves as a goodwill ambassador for the state’s dairy farmers, makes media appearances, talks with children about the importance of consuming three servings of dairy every day, and visits with consumers in various settings.
The South Dakota Dairy Princess has served as the state’s official goodwill ambassador for the dairy industry for 58 years. The dairy princess typically makes appearances at consumer events, provides media interviews and helps to inform people about dairy farmers’ dedication to their work, as well as communicating the importance of dairy products in our diet.
The Nebraska Dairy Princess represents both the dairy producers and the dairy industry in 6 to 8 highly public events, with the goal of reaching the general public and school children.