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DES MOINES, Iowa — Ashley Elsbernd has been serving as a role model her whole life, growing up the eldest of four children at her family’s farm. Now Elsbernd will have a new role to serve.
Elsbernd, the 19-year-old daughter of Peter and Kristi Elsbernd of Calmar, was crowned the 2023-24 Iowa Dairy Princess on the eve of the Iowa State Fair Aug. 9 at the fairgrounds in Des Moines. Elizabeth Fossum, 18, of Waterville was named Iowa Dairy Princess Alternate.
Beginning Sept. 1, Elsbernd, who represented Winneshiek County, will serve as the goodwill ambassador for Iowa’s dairy industry. She will attend events and visit classrooms across the state on behalf of Iowa’s dairy farmers.
“The biggest thing I am looking forward to over the next year is getting to meet so many new people,” Elsbernd said. “In this position, I will get to do so many different things. I also want to stand for what other little girls can be.”
During her reign, Elsbernd said she wants to share the message that women can serve in leadership positions on farms and be essential to a farm’s success.
“Ever since I was Winneshiek County Little Miss Squirt in 2014, I knew this was a role I wanted to work toward,” Elsbernd said. … “Reaching this destination and receiving the title that carries so much responsibility, I hope to live up to all the great ladies that came before me as well as be a symbol for young girls out there looking for a goal to reach in their future.”
Through the judging process, the six young ladies competing were judged on their ability to answer essay questions, partake in interviews and advocate for the dairy industry.
“We also were able to sit down and have genuine conversations about the dairy industry,” Elsbernd said. “The dairy board does an amazing job at making it feel informal and formal at the same time.”
Elsbernd grew up on her parent’s 350-cow dairy and has been working at the farm this summer as an intern. Her main duties include calf management — feeding, bedding and vaccinating — as well as milking the cows in a double-12 parlor.
The new princess will begin her sophomore year this fall at University of Wisconsin-Platteville where she is majoring in dairy science and minoring in agribusiness.
“I am hoping to come back to our family’s dairy farm,” Elsbernd said. “I have always loved working with our animals — that and the fact that no day will ever be the same and that there will always be a new problem and you will always need to learn how to fix it. I love having the chance to learn new things and keep educating myself.”
Also attending the University of Wisconsin-Platteville this fall is the new Iowa Dairy Princess Alternate Fossum.
Fossum is the daughter of Kevin and Julie Fossum. She grew up on her parent’s dairy farm near Waterville where they milk 220 cows. Her responsibilities on the farm include milking cows, feeding calves and record keeping.
“I enjoyed growing up on a farm because it teaches you so many life lessons such as hard work and working with family,” Fossum said.
Fossum, who represented Allamakee County, is looking to return to her family’s farm or work for a local agricultural business after she finishes college.
“During the contest, I enjoyed group interviews to hear everyone else’s answers and perspective,” Fossum said.
As the Iowa Dairy Princess and Iowa Dairy Princess Alternate, Elsbernd and Fossum both said they are looking forward to sharing their knowledge and experience of growing up on a dairy farm with audiences across Iowa in the year ahead.
“I am looking forward to classroom visits and talking to consumers,” Fossum said. “I like sharing about the dairy industry.”

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