Representing Minnesota’s dairy industry

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Dozens of young women tuned into Facebook live May 18 to hear if their name would be called as one of the Top 10 finalists for the 72nd Princess Kay of the Milky Way.

Current Princess Kay, Rachel Visser, announced the Top 10 finalists during the virtual event on Princess Kay of the Milky Way’s Facebook page, where she gave a short description of each of the young women before revealing their names.

Janet Bremer, a dairy farmer from Hastings, is the Minnesota dairy princess coordinator.

“It gives me a lot of pride in knowing that we have such wonderful young women representing Minnesota’s dairy industry,” Bremer said. “(The Princess Kay program) goes past the borders of Minnesota as well. We get a lot of publicity from across the country and even outside of the country. The name Princess Kay of the Milky is an amazing promotion we have here to represent Minnesota’s dairy farmers.”

The finalists for the 72nd Princess Kay of the Milky Way are as follows:

Natalie Clemenson of Zumbrota will represent Goodhue County. Her parents are Tiffany and Brian Clemenson.

Monica Evers of Kellogg will represent Wabasha County. Her parents are Tammy and Jerry Evers.

Paige Frenchick of Manannah will represent Meeker County. Her parents are Melissa Tessmer and Josh Frenchick.

Nicole Hauschildt of Zumbro Falls will represent Wabasha County. Her parents are Stephanie and Chad Domke.

Alexis Hoefs of New Prague will represent Le Sueur County. Her parents are Lisa and James Hoefs.

April Klaphake of Sauk Centre will represent Stearns County. Her parents are Jennifer and Mark Klaphake.

Heidi Montag of Sauk Rapids will represent Benton County. Her parents are Christina and Brian Montag.

Lauren Steffl of Sleepy Eye will represent Brown County. Her parents are Leah Sandbo and Tim Steffl.

Malorie Thorson of Waverly will represent Wright County. Her parents are Colette and Andrew Thorson.

Haylie Wielenberg of Long Prairie will represent Todd County. Her parents are Sarah Malana and Mike Wielenberg.

Each of the Top 10 finalists will have their likeness sculpted in butter during the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. Midwest Dairy sponsors the Princess Kay of the Milky Way program, which is funded by dairy farmers through their promotion checkoff.

Each spring, Minnesota’s county dairy princesses gather for the annual May Leadership Event. This year, it was held May 16-17 at the Delta Hotel in Minneapolis. Candidates participated in workshops, networking and educational workshops as well as candidate judging.

The May Leadership Event is for both the young women who choose to compete for Princess Kay of the Milky Way, as well as for those who would like to get experience in the judging process, or to participate in the sessions to gain knowledge.

Princess Kay Finalists: What does it mean to you to be named a Princess Kay of the Milky Way finalist?

“To me being a Princess Kay Finalist means that I can advocate for dairy farmers, like my parents, and I can share my love of the dairy community with others.”

- Heidi Montag

“I think it’s really special, because growing up as a little girl in Minnesota you look up to all the Princess Kay Finalists, all the Princess Kays and to finally be put in this role is something that’s hard to put words to. It’s a really big opportunity for me and a great way for me to give back to the dairy industry that has given a lot to me and helped me get to where I am today.”

- Alexis Hoefs

“It absolutely means the world to me; I have been going to the state fair since I was in seventh grade, and every year I have seen the Princess Kay finalists and I never thought I would actually be one. I’m really glad to represent the farmers of Minnesota, especially the ones in my county. I’ve seen the dedication and hard work they put in and it just means the world to me to be able to represent them.”

- Nicole Hauschildt

“It means more than the world to me. I have been going to almost every single Princess Kay coronation since I was about 3 years old. My mom has always brought me there, and she has supported my dreams so much with that because she knew I loved it. Being able to be a part of that with my mom too is just such a special memory because she is also my biggest mentor. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I’m very grateful for and I’m super excited to see where it leads.”

- Malorie Thorson

“It means so much to me to be named a Princess Kay finalist. Growing up in the suburbs of Prior Lake, I didn’t have much dairy experience, however, my first step in the dairy parlor in 2019 changed my entire life. It led me to (South Dakota State University), where I majored in ag business with a dairy minor. That first step completely changed my life, from not knowing anything about the dairy industry to now being named a finalist has absolutely meant the world to me and I am so happy and proud to be here.”

- Lauren Steffl

“Being a Princess Kay finalist is an incredible honor that means so much to me. It represents more than just a crown or a sash; it’s a reflection of the values I was raised with, the hard work of the dairy community and my deep passion for agriculture. Growing up in this industry has taught me the importance of dedication, resilience and advocating for the people and animals behind the scenes. As a finalist, I have the opportunity to share those stories, build meaningful connections and serve as a role model for younger generations. It’s a chance to proudly represent not just my family and farm, but the entire dairy community across Minnesota. This experience reminds me that leadership is about listening, learning and lifting others up, and I’m honored to be a part of a tradition that celebrates those ideals.”

- Paige Frenchick

“It is the biggest honor I have ever been given to be named a Princess Kay finalist. I am grateful to be given the opportunity to be an advocate for all the dairy farmers of Minnesota and to be a leader for women in agriculture. Both are such hard-working, passionate, and essential parts of our communities in which I have the privilege of voicing their stories and successes.”

- Monica Evers

“It is honestly a dream come true to be named a Princess Kay finalist. I have been dreaming of this since I was just a young girl. I love my duties as a dairy princess and can’t wait for all the new opportunities being a finalist will give me. My grandpa would talk about how I would get a butter head if I competed to be Princess Kay, and he would explain to me how big they are. I hope that my grandpa is watching from heaven and that he is proud of me for fulfilling our dream.”

- Haylie Wielenberg

“To be named a Princess Kay finalist has instilled a new sense of pride, motivation and enjoyment about being a part of, and an advocate for, the dairy community. Becoming a finalist has been a goal of mine ever since I first saw my mom’s butterhead in our freezer, and accomplishing that goal means a great deal to me. I now have a much better understanding of the significance of being in this position to promote this hard-working community through my knowledge and personal experiences. I am grateful and excited for all the opportunities and memories to come.”

- April Klaphake

“It is an honor to be named a Princess Kay of the Milky Way finalist. Being a finalist has been a dream of mine ever since I attended my first coronation as a young girl. I am very excited to continue representing our hardworking dairy farmers this summer and the journey that lies ahead. Dairy has always been near and dear to my heart, so this is a dream come true and I am very grateful for this opportunity.”

- Natalie Clemenson