Promoting Iowa’s dairy industry

DES MOINES, Iowa — New royalty was crowned Aug. 7 on the eve of the 2024 Iowa State Fair.

Haley Ronnebaum of Earlville was crowned the 2024-2025 Iowa Dairy Princess. Ronnebaum is the daughter of Mitch and Jenny Ronnebaum.

“I’m really excited,” Ronnebaum said. “It hasn’t fully sunk in yet, but I’m excited for what is to come.”

The judging process took place Aug. 6 and 7. It included a group interview, individual interviews and a prepared speech. There were eight candidates for this year’s contest.

“I knew I did my best,” Ronnebaum said. “Every single girl there could have made dairy princess; they were all so amazing. I definitely made a lot of friends.”

Ronnebaum grew up on her family’s 200-cow dairy farm, but the family sold the herd in December 2023. Now the Ronnebaums custom feed heifers and Ronnebaum works on a cousin’s dairy farm, KCCK Genetics. On the farm, Ronnebaum’s duties include scraping in the barns and checking on the heifers every day.

The 18-year-old was active in 4-H and FFA competing in dairy cattle judging and dairy quiz bowl. Ronnebaum is a freshman at Iowa State University where she studies dairy science with intentions to become a large animal veterinarian.

Being crowned Iowa Dairy Princess has been a dream of Ronnebaum’s for many years.

“I’ve always wanted to be the Iowa Dairy Princess,” Ronnebaum said. “For many years, I judged cattle at the Iowa State Fair and we would go down and watch the coronation.”

Ronnebaum said she is looking forward to the year ahead.

“I am looking forward to seeing Iowa and meeting farmers from across the state,” Ronnebaum said. “I know people from my area, but it’s always exciting to meet new people.”

Harley Baumler of Fort Atkinson was named 2024-2025 Iowa Dairy Princess Alternate for the upcoming year. Baumler is the daughter of Mike and Amy Baumler.

“I was surprised when I was crowned,” Baumler said. “I am confident that I will do well in this position. I am very excited for the upcoming year to represent the dairy farmers of Iowa.”

Baumler grew up on her family’s dairy farm, but the Baumlers have since sold their dairy herd. The family now owns about 20 cow-calf pairs.

The judging process for Iowa’s dairy royalty was conducted over two days. It included some fun and time for the girls to get to know one another.

“I felt very content after the interviews,” Baumler said. “I felt I answered the questions to the best of my ability. Whatever the outcome was I would’ve been happy because all the girls were very knowledgeable. I was confident whoever (won) the position would do an amazing job.”

Earlier this year, Baumler graduated from Ellsworth Community College with a degree in professional studies of agriculture. This fall she plans on continuing her education by attending Iowa State University and will major in agriculture and rural policy.

“I hope to work for a commodity group and oversee their government affairs and close the gaps between consumers and farmers to utilize the check off towards the farmer benefit,” Baumler said.

This summer, as Baumler finishes up her internship with the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing, she is getting ready to start her new role as the Iowa Dairy Princess Alternate.

“I am looking forward to connecting with the consumer,” Baumler said. “I also want to encourage other girls to run for Iowa Dairy Princess.”

Both women will begin in their new role representing Iowa’s dairy industry on Sept. 1.