Finding her dairy path

MEDFORD, Minn. — For years, Jena Hanson had planned on becoming a large animal veterinarian. After interning at local dairy farms, Hanson found a new career interest in the dairy industry.

“I love working with dairy cows,” Hanson said. “I love all animals. But there is something about dairy cows that excites me, and I am willing to get out of bed for, no matter how early in the morning.”

Hanson, the daughter of Steve and Suzie Hanson, was selected as a Princess Kay of the Milky Way finalist.

“I was certain I was going to be a veterinarian in high school,” Hanson said. “I knew I needed to have connections and experience with large animals, so I started doing internships on dairy farms through my high school. I realized I only wanted to work with dairy and maybe should look at something besides being a vet.”

Hanson, a student at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, is studying dairy science. She is considering a career in dairy nutrition, but keeping her options open.

Hanson is currently employed at Kashome Holsteins, where they milk 160 cows,  near Medford. She has also worked at Clover Glen Farms and Schmity Holsteins in high school. On the farm, Hanson routinely milks and feeds the cows and assists with calf chores.

“A lot of people thought I was weird for wanting to go into the dairy industry without growing up on a dairy farm,” Hanson said. “But if you are dedicated and passionate about something, you can achieve any goal that you put your mind to.”

It was Hanson’s employer, Dawn Kasper of Kashome Holsteins, who encouraged her to apply for the dairy princess program.

“I decided to run for dairy princess because I wanted to share my knowledge of the dairy industry with the public,” Hanson said. “I love the community within the dairy industry and how everyone is so willing to help each other out.”

During the May Leadership Event held May 15-16, Hanson and county dairy princesses from all over Minnesota competed for the chance to be selected as one of 10 Princess Kay of the Milky Way finalists. All the women participated in a professional interview, a mock media interview and a speech, in addition to attending workshops and listening to keynote speakers.

While attending the May Leadership Event, Hanson found a community with her fellow county dairy princesses, she said.

“I was definitely nervous,” Hanson said. “Overall, I really enjoyed getting to know the other girls and the guest speakers were all great.”

When the announcement video was released on Princess Kay’s Facebook page, Hanson was in the car and pulled over to watch. Once it was over, she immediately called her mom and Kasper.

“I was just ecstatic,” Hanson said.

Along with her fellow Princess Kay finalists, Hanson will be getting her likeness carved in a 90-pound block of butter during the Minnesota State Fair.

“I love the idea of keeping my butterhead forever, but we just don’t have the freezer space,” Hanson said. “I will be donating it to our county breakfast on the farm or the Knights of Columbus, which does pancake breakfast fundraisers for the Catholic school in town.”

As a dairy princess and Princess Kay finalist, Hanson is sharing with others about the importance of dairy.

“I want to encourage people to consume dairy to get more protein in their diets,” Hanson said. “Consuming dairy is a really great way to start the day with protein because of all the nutritional values.”

Hanson also encourages others who do not have a farm background to consider pursuing a career in the dairy industry.

“I want other people to know that even if they didn’t grow up on a farm, that this path in life is still an option,” she said. “I fell in love with dairy.”