An Isanti County teenager is one of 12 county dairy princesses that have been named finalists for Minnesota’s 63rd Princess Kay of the Milky Way, an icon for the state’s dairy community best known for the Minnesota State Fair butter sculptures associated with it.
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Pictured, she recently visited local classrooms.
Meghan Skiba, 19, of Isanti County, daughter of Christopher and Melissa Skiba of Cambridge, is one of the 12 women, who come from dairy farm families or work on dairy farms, who were named Sunday, May 15, at the end of a weekend dairy princess workshop at St. Cloud State University. Each now has a chance to be crowned Princess Kay just before the opening of the State Fair in August, and will be sculpted in butter during the fair.
“I grew up working on my grandparents’ dairy farm, where we raise all of our calves, as well as care for the milking herd,” Skiba said. “My roles on the farm consist of feeding calves, milking, and assisting in vaccinating and heard health. Currently, we are milking approximately 160 Registered Jerseys. I currently have my own herd of registered Jerseys, under my personal farm Prefix of Third Rock Dairy. My passion for dairy led me to pursue a degree in dairy science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After my undergrad degree, I plan to attend vet school.”
The finalists were selected from nearly 50 county dairy princesses on the basis of their passion for dairy and communication skills. Princess Kay and county dairy princesses make appearances to help explain dairy farmers’ commitment to taking care of their animals and resources while providing wholesome, nutritious and affordable dairy products. Midwest Dairy Association manages the program.
Skiba feels she has many qualities that would make her a good Dairy Princess.
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“Both in and out of the classroom, I am a well-rounded student, and highly organized. I am capable of working with a wide variety of people and different personalities, through my dairy mentorship role,” Skiba said. “All of these qualities allow me to continue sharing my passion for dairy. A Dairy Princess should be a role model, and I have an outgoing and energetic personality that will contribute to my success as a positive image of the dairy community. Additionally, I have experience with public speaking from my role as a farm tour guide, and from serving as the president and vice president of my 4-H club.”
As Dairy Princess, Skiba would encourage dairy consumption as part of a healthy lifestyle.
“I am always excited to share my story with dairy. Dairy foods contain nine essential nutrients, including calcium, potassium, and protein, and I can encourage dairy consumption by answering questions that our consumers may have,” Skiba said. “Calcium is important for building strong bones, and potassium is necessary for healthy blood pressure. I make sure to emphasize the health benefits that dairy has, especially in growing children and maintaining a healthy weight. Three servings of dairy are recommended in a balanced diet, according to the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and dairy foods are packed with flavor and nutritional benefits.”
If elected as Dairy Princess, Skiba would promote the dairy industry by attending Breakfast on the Farm events.
“Dairy animals are well-cared for. Breakfast on the Farm is an excellent way to allow families to see first-hand the dedication that we as farmers have for our animals,” Skiba said. “From calf care to cows, all the animals are given the best care possible. Calves will be the future of the herd, so it is necessary to make sure that they will become healthy and productive cows in the future. Cow comfort is our number one priority, and comfortable cows will produce the highest quality of milk.”