Think hoppy thoughts

    This past month has flown by, and before we know it Easter, planting and, of course, summer will be here so soon. But, until then, we can focus on what is in the present and how we can all be intentional with our families as the next holiday approaches. I am happy to share what I’ve been doing this past month.
    I started the month with some exuberant fourth graders at Glen Lake Elementary in Minnetonka. They have been studying regions of agriculture in the Midwest and were happy to learn about the dairy side of agriculture with me. They all had wonderful questions and were so excited to meet a real princess that day. They went on a virtual tour of a dairy farm and learned about a day in the life of a dairy cow: what they eat, where they are milked and, the fan favorite, where the calves are.
    Next, I attended the Minnesota All Breeds Convention and spoke about the importance of having a good mentor. I was overjoyed to be surrounded with so many familiar faces that were excited to talk about the future of the dairy community. We honored some of the instrumental members of the dairy community who have passed and the impact they left, and continue to leave, on us today. The foundation of my speech was having a good mentor, and the individuals honored that afternoon were just that for so many across our state and beyond.
    I also spent time with the Meeker County (my home county) dairy royalty at their annual banquet. My butter sculpture and I tagged along for an evening full of passion in speaking and bumping elbows with the new royalty for the year. I was able to share some words about the impact of Minnesota’s Dairy Princess Program, what I’ve done so far throughout my reign and the gratitude I have for some of the very people who got me to where I am today.
    My last appearance of the month was at the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation’s inaugural Ag Day Gala. We shared stories about agriculture, read the state proclamation declaring Agriculture Day a holiday in Minnesota and recognized some of the key individuals who are able to make the Farm Bureau organization what it is today. Our meal was entirely sourced from farms in Minnesota, all the way down to the caramel sauce on the cheesecake.  
    As Easter is coming in the next few weeks, ideally with a warm up in the forecast as well, we are slowly inching toward spring planting. Whether you choose to celebrate Easter or not, I encourage you all to take one day to spend around loved ones and those who are important in your life. As farmers, our busy season is rapidly approaching, if it isn’t already here. To kick off into warm weather fieldwork and all that comes with being a part of agriculture, it’s important we do so on the right foot. There will be trials and tribulations in every aspect of our lives, inside and out of farming. But, confiding in those around you, making an effort to spend time with them before your time is spent on the farm or in a tractor seat, can make a huge difference in the mindset you have as we embark into the next season of our lives. I hope you all have a safe and enjoyable Easter, and may you soon spend time with those you value and love.
Princess Kay of the Milky Way Anna Euerle serves as the Minnesota dairy community’s goodwill ambassador. Princess Kay is very active doing school visits, representing dairy farmers at the Fuel Up To Play 60 activities in conjunction with the Minnesota Vikings, and sharing the importance of dairy farming and dairy foods at appearances across Minnesota.
Euerle grew up in Litchfield, Minnesota, working on her family’s dairy farm. She will soon graduate from Ridgewater College in Agribusiness with a dairy emphasis. In her free time she enjoys cooking, baking and being outdoors.