Celebrating Dairy Month by Honoring Stearns County Farmers and Their Vital Role

(KNSI) – June is a time to celebrate the farmers who churn out cows’ milk to give people one of nature’s essential sources of nutrition.

Milk “does the body good” from newborns to those in their golden years. According to the University of Minnesota, it has 13 important nutrients, such as calcium, phosphorus, B vitamins, potassium, and vitamin D and is an excellent source of protein.

Whether it’s a good old-fashioned glass of milk, butter, cheese, cottage cheese, cream, ice cream, whey protein, or yogurt, there is a good chance it came from the area, according to local Dairy Princess Coordinator and Freeport farmer Lisa Maus, “Stearns County is the biggest dairy county in the state.”

Despite the area’s distinction, there’s no Breakfast on the Farm event again this year. The last get-together was held in 2021 as a drive-thru event. Maus told KNSI that without the opportunity, the role of the area’s nine princesses and ambassadors is critical to advocating for area farmers. “The dairy princesses talk about what passion we have as dairy farmers, to the industry and for the industry. They speak for the farmers.”

Two princesses, Selena Corona and Grace Woitala, will have their likeness carved in butter at the state fair and are finalists to take home the coveted title of Princess Kay of the Milky Way.

This year, the group will participate in 12 parades to promote dairy farming and hand out cheese sticks and other treats.

National Dairy Month began in 1937 as a way to encourage people to drink milk to strengthen bones and build a foundation for good health.

Find out more about the dairy industry by clicking here.

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