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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - When Ana Schweer's parents encouraged her to run for dairy princess in the past, she said she wasn't prepared. But this year was different.

"I decided this year I'm ready," Schweer said. "I'm excited about the dairy industry ... and I'm ready to take on the position."

Chosen from a total of eight contestants, 19-year-old Schweer, from Watertown, S.D., earned the title of 2009 South Dakota Dairy Princess April 1, in Sioux Falls. Larissa Neugebauer,18, from Dimock, S.D., was selected as runner-up and Miss Congeniality. The dairy princess coronation was held in conjunction with the Central Plains Dairy Expo.

"I was in shock," Schweer said of the moment when outgoing 2008 South Dakota Dairy Princess Stephanie Nussbaum placed the crown on her head. "But I really want to do this. I'm just elated."

Now representing the 441 dairy producers of South Dakota, Schweer said her number one goal as South Dakota Dairy Princess is to inform children about the importance of the dairy industry and dairy products in a daily diet.

"Every month I want to do visits to school, making it to at least two schools per month or more," Schweer said. "I want to teach them how the milk gets from the cow to you and use farm tours to teach about and promote the dairy industry."

Schweer also said she wants to correct the misconceptions consumers have about dairy products.

"I will answer those people's (the consumers) questions the best I can and try to lay their worries aside," she said. "I'll let them know what they're getting is one of the most highly regulated products in America and it's very safe."

Claiming the South Dakota Dairy Princess title took Schweer a lifetime of preparation.

"It started a long time ago when I was young and started helping on the farm," she said. "I fell in love with it right away."

Schweer's parents, Randall and Diane, operate a dairy with 90 registered Holsteins. Growing up, Schweer learned many farm responsibilities. Now on the farm, Schweer milks the cows, feeds cows and calves, does herd checks and keeps the farm looking its best.

Her love for her family's business also led her to South Dakota State University. Schweer is a freshman pursuing a degree in dairy production and pre-veterinary medicine. At SDSU, she works at the dairy plant. Her time at the university has also helped her prepare for the crown and its responsibilities."

"[Working at the SDSU dairy plant] has helped me gain knowledge about dairy products," Schweer said. "That will be key as dairy princess."

Her parents have also seen Schweer grow in knowledge.

"This last year at SDSU has really helped her continue to develop and give her more ideas about dairy farming, dairy production and dairy manufacturing," Randall said. "She's grown to really love it. That's her life right now."

The Schweer family is familiar with the dairy princess program. Schweer's mom, Diane, held the South Dakota Dairy Princess title in 1981. But Schweer said she made her own decision about trying for the crown.

"My parents didn't force me to do it," Schweer said.

"Yes, I think it's always been a dream for her," Diane said about Schweer becoming dairy princess. "She spent many hours wearing my crown. I was so elated they chose Ana. She's just so passionate about our dairy farm and the dairy industry. This really is her love and I'm just very excited for her."

For the next year during her reign, Schweer wants to promote the industry she has grown to know and love.

"I have a passion for the dairy industry. It's in my blood and I can't get it out," Schweer said. "It's my family's livelihood, and representing dairy farmers is very important for promoting dairy products and letting consumers know they (the products) are nutritious and safe."

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