Now that the Minnesota State Fair has come to an end, school has started and harvest is either in the process or on the horizon, it’s good to be back in the swing of things. Spending 12 days at the state fair truly was a dream come true. From ringing the cowbell at the start of the Milk Run, attending the many dairy shows and, of course, being in the butter booth, there was no shortage of fun times. Thankfully we were able to brave the few days of rain, heat and just about any other weather Mother Nature wanted to throw our direction. Coming out of the Minnesota State Fair, I was incredibly excited to begin my regular event schedule.
My first event was spent with First District Association in Litchfield where I was able to join the cooperative in celebrating 100 years of being a creamery, and its newest expansion project. From talking to patrons of First District from all across the state and judging the competitive youth coloring contest, it was a great day. There were many conversations had, malts consumed and unique history learned too. It was fun to hear the reactions of everyone coming back from the factory tours also. The setup on the inside seemed to be just as impressive as the one on the outside. I couldn’t have asked for a better first event and was incredibly excited for the next one.
    My next event was spent at Kandi Land Farm in Willmar, where I was able to read a dairy book, make ice cream in a bag and share a lot of stories with those visiting the farm that day. This is Kandi Land’s first year in operation, and activities for the celebration included hay rides, corn pit fun, the pumpkin patch and a lot of information about agriculture in Minnesota. It was unique to see a space that brings all this so close to a larger community, and to be able to share so many of these experiences with visitors. For a business that is just starting out, I was glad to be a part of their dairy weekend on the farm, and I know that they will continue to grow over the years to come.
I also had a radio interview with KDWA, a radio station from Hastings. I had a fun time visiting with Mo and being able to share some of my state fair experiences with her too. Being at the Minnesota State Fair and being able to see the culmination of so many 4-H, open class and FFA exhibitor’s hard work pay off, was a very memorable moment. To take a step back and realize the time that goes into any livestock or general project is truly an awesome feat. I also shared about Princess Kay’s role and what activities I can look forward to this year.
With harvest coming, or maybe having already started, it’s time for us to see the culmination of months of labor and care of the crops. This means long hours in the tractor, semi or combination of both. It is a busy time for all of us. When out and about harvesting this season, remember to relish in the moments that shaped us into who we are today. It might be trying at times, but as farmers now is our time to shine, to truly show the world what we do in our daily lives. Over the course of the next few weeks, really take the time to enjoy it; this is why so many agriculturalists do what they do. But most of all, continue to be safe in the field, on the farm and on the roads. May everyone have an enjoyable, bountiful and safe harvest ahead.
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.