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Edgewood, Iowa - There is no doubt Iowa Dairy Princess Gina Fisher stays busy.
She is currently a senior at Ed-Co High School.
"I am always busy with the farm, as I do chores morning and night and do the registrations and other paperwork, Fisher said. "As for school, I'm busy with FFA president activities, varsity golf, FBLA, and 4-H."
The Dave and Mary Fisher family milks about 75 cows on a third generation farm. On the farm, Gina is in charge of the calves, as well as handling all the cattle registration and other paperwork. She milks morning and night and does other chores around the farm. The Fishers raise registered Holsteins, Jerseys, Ayrshires, Brown Swiss and Red and White Holsteins.
"So far this year has gone smoothly; I haven't had any bumps in the road, yet," she said.
Fisher said she has enjoyed all her dairy princess activities so far.
"They have given me the opportunity to speak to people of all ages, but the most interesting one thus far has been a local story hour in Elgin."
In Elgin, the kids were able to make homemade ice cream, taste different cheeses, and cream cheeses. "It focused on not only milk and the care of cattle, but the making of all of the products," she said.
Fisher was aware of the types of events she would attend as State Dairy Princess because of her experience serving as the Clayton County Dairy Princess, but some of those promotional activities and events are on a much grander scale. "I am going to be throwing the first pitch at an I-Cubs game," she said excitedly.
Fisher is also looking forward to being at the 2012 Iowa State Fair to hand out ribbons and speak to the public.
She will have many opportunities to speak in front of crowds over the next few weeks, since it is the time of the year for dairy banquets.
"So far, I have attended one banquet, but from now on my Saturdays are booked," she said. "I have been busy writing my speech, re-reading it over and over and making sure I am up to date with all the programs involving the dairy industry and farmers."
"My theme for the banquets is for the audience to get to know me, focus on the consumers and producers, and getting active in the dairy industry," Fisher said.
Fisher said her main message to dairy farmers is, "to keep producing that wholesome product we all love so much, and that their hard work does not go unrecognized, we truly do applaud all their work."
She has also been working closely with the Midwest Dairy Association and their marketing programs. The MDA sponsors the Iowa Dairy Princess program.
"So far I have been promoting two fairly new programs, Fuel Up to Play 60 and People Behind the Product," Fisher said. "These two programs give me the opportunity to reach youth and adults, not only in the dairy industry, but as consumers as well."
She said her main message to the public is, "Three a day everyday. Keep yourself healthy and hardy with dairy."
She adds, "Thank a farmer. They are the ones who made it possible to consume those yummy treats."
Fisher will serve as the Iowa Dairy Princess until the 2012 Iowa State Fair, held in August.
Next fall she plans on attending Iowa State University for dairy science/pre-vet.[[In-content Ad]]

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