A season of changes

It’s hard to believe that it has already been two months since coronation night, when I was blessed with the honor of representing Minnesota’s dairy industry. Looking back, I am amazed by how much this experience has already impacted my life. Each month brings new opportunities, memorable experiences and meaningful conversations with people who share a passion for agriculture and dairy.

One of the highlights of this month was attending the Farmamerica Fall Festival. More than 1,100 guests came out to enjoy a beautiful October day filled with fun activities, educational exhibits and opportunities to experience agriculture firsthand. Among the many attractions was the iconic red barn, where visitors could try milking an artificial cow.

I spent time outside the barn, greeting guests and discussing dairy farming and the important role dairy producers play in our communities. One of my favorite parts of the day was watching children eagerly line up for the chance to try milking a cow. Their excitement was contagious, and many proudly shared how much fun they had after giving it a try.

When I asked if they could see themselves milking cows on a farm someday, many enthusiastically told me they would love to help in the parlor. Moments like these remind me how important it is to connect consumers with agriculture and help them better understand where their food comes from.

Another special moment this month was having my butter sculpture displayed at my local Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast. The sculpture was showcased for members of my community to see and appreciate the incredible work that sculptor Gerry Kulzer created in the butter booth at the Minnesota State Fair.

Many people were amazed to learn that I sat in the butter booth for nearly two full days, spending approximately 10-12 hours as my likeness was sculpted. Everyone appreciated the creativity, dedication and talent that went into these unique pieces of art. Of course, many were also excited to know the butter would eventually be used in future pancake breakfasts throughout the year.

For me, this experience was especially meaningful. Standing next to my butter sculpture one final time was both emotional and rewarding. I have always enjoyed hearing stories about what former Princess Kays chose to do with their sculptures, and now I have a story of my own to share. While my likeness may no longer be sitting in the freezer, it will always hold a special place in my heart. My family even had 3D-printed Christmas ornaments made from the sculpture, giving us a lasting reminder of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Dairy has always been important to me, from working hands-on with the cows to enjoying the nutritious products they provide. Donating my butter sculpture felt like the perfect way to give back to the community that supported me throughout my journey. It brought people together, allowed us to celebrate the dairy industry and gave everyone the opportunity to share in something that represented both my experience and our dairy community.

This month also marked another milestone in my agricultural journey as I received my American FFA Degree. FFA has held a special place in my heart for many years. Through FFA, I participated in dairy evaluation competitions, learned parliamentary procedure, developed my public speaking skills and discovered a deeper appreciation for the agricultural industry.

Most importantly, FFA introduced me to countless individuals who are passionate about agriculture and committed to serving their communities. The organization helped me develop lifelong friendships, valuable leadership skills and a greater understanding of the hard work farmers and agricultural professionals put in every day to provide for families across the nation.

Receiving my American Degree was bittersweet because it marked the closing of an important chapter in my life. At the same time, I am excited for what the future holds. I look forward to staying connected with the friends I’ve made through FFA and continuing to work alongside fellow advocates who share a passion for agriculture.

As this journey continues, I am grateful for every person, experience and opportunity that reminds me why I am proud to represent Minnesota’s dairy industry.

Jena Hanson, Princess Kay of the Milky Way serves as the goodwill ambassador for the nearly 1,500 Minnesota dairy farm families. Jena grew up in Owatonna, Minnesota and attends the University of Wisconsin-River Falls majoring in Dairy Science Management.

Throughout Jena’s year-long reign as Princess Kay she will make public appearances to bring dairy to life through conversations, classroom visits and speaking engagements at events across Minnesota.