Showing her passion for dairy

PRINCETON, Minn. — Ever since Morgan Morrow saw a dairy princess visit Little Farms Days on her neighbor’s farm, a passion for agriculture started to grow. Now, as a Benton County dairy princess, Morrow is igniting that interest in others.

“As a dairy princess, some of my favorite events are serving grilled cheese at our local creamery and waving in parades,” Morrow said. “I just love seeing the spark in the eyes of the kids, just like when I was young. I hope to be that inspiration to someone else.”

Growing up on a hobby farm, Morrow became active in 4-H and has shown pigs, chickens, sheep, beef and dairy cattle. Her passion for agriculture has led her to explore the many facets of the industry, including a future trip to the butter booth at the Minnesota State Fair later this summer.

“I really like to talk to people and share my story and passion for agriculture,” Morrow said. “I plan on keeping my butterhead as long as I can.”

Morrow, the daughter of James and Tina Morrow, was selected as one of the 10 Princess Kay of the Milky Way finalists. Morrow works at Brickton Genetics near Princeton, where she helps milk their 45 Jersey cows and feed calves every other day.

“I like just being on the farm; it is peaceful,” Morrow said. “It is like a second home to me. Coming here after a busy day at school or from my other job at the floral shop in town, when I come to the farm, I unwind.”

By showing dairy cattle, Morrow became intrigued by the industry and joined FFA when she entered ninth grade. Morrow’s FFA adviser, Kristin Reiman-Duden, encouraged her to work at a dairy farm and run for county dairy princess.

“When I decided to run for county princess, I wanted to gain more leadership skills and try the May Event,” Morrow said. “I started jumping up and down when they started reading my bio in the announcement video. I couldn’t believe that this was happening; my family was all super excited for me.”

Prior to Morrow working for and showing animals with Brickton Genetics, she showed with her previous neighbors at B & G Dairy.

“The first year I started showing dairy with the B & G Dairy, I was about to enter the show ring in my show whites and they stopped me and said, ‘Wait, you need a shirt; you are part of our dairy family now,’” Morrow said. “Then they gave me my very own county dairy shirts to show in. That still sticks with me because at the end of the day, the dairy community is one big family.”

Morrow is also involved with Minnesota Junior Hereford Breeders Association and Minnesota Pork Producers Association. She is a Mille Lacs County 4-H ambassador and a junior barn superintendent.

“I was always so involved in so many things and have been a big supporter of dairy products,” Morrow said. “I love the dairy industry because just like in FFA, it is a close-knit group, and everyone knows everyone.”

While in FFA, Morrow served as the chapter sentinel and vice-president and regional sentinel. She also participated in floriculture, poultry evaluation, companion animal science, livestock evaluation and vet science Career Development Events. She was also named a regional finalist for Star in Agribusiness for working at Princeton Floral & Wedding World.

“Floral is my passion, but I would love to stay connected to dairy and give back to our local youth through 4-H and FFA,” Morrow said. “This summer I plan on bidding on some animals at our blue ribbon auction. I want to show the younger kids it is not just about getting the money but giving back.”

This fall, after taking her turn in the butter booth, Morrow will be attending the University of Minnesota-Crookston to major in agribusiness and minor in horticulture.