Special Iowa Dairy Princess Edition
DAIRY ST R
July 31, 2024
An advocate from the start Elsbernd promotes dairy industry throughout her reign By Sarah Middendorf sarah.m@star-pub.com
CALMAR, Iowa — Ashley Elsbernd has been an advocate for the dairy industry since the fourth grade. The 70th Iowa Dairy Princess said her passion for dairy has pushed her to make a difference in the industry. “I always liked the thought of getting to talk about what I do on my farm, what the best parts of dairy are, and clear up some misconceptions,” Elsbernd said. Growing up on her family’s dairy farm near Calmar helped her grow her appreciation for the dairy industry. Elsbernd is the daughter of Peter and Kristi Elsbernd. The family milks 350 cows in a double-12 parlor. Elsbernd said she remembers how she and her dad would sit down and talk about the different misconceptions around the dairy industry. “I wanted to make that difference,” Elsbernd said. When Elsbernd was in fourth grade she became a Winneshiek County Little Miss Squirt. Fast-forward to 2021, she was crowned Winneshiek County Dairy Prin-
cess Alternate. She then ran for Iowa Dairy Princess in 2022 and 2023 and ultimately became the 2023-24 Iowa Dairy Princess. Elsbernd has attended many different events throughout her reign. Her appearances include going to schools, grocery stores, countless county banquets and a county fair. “We have done a lot of different spots where you wouldn’t normally see a crown, but we were very excited to be there,” Elsbernd said. Elsbernd said her favorite event was going to schools to talk to students. Elsbernd primarily visited students in kindergarten through second grade. “You never know what kind of questions you are going to get,” Elsbernd said. “That’s the best part because you have to think on your toes a lot more than you ever would anywhere else.” Throughout her reign, Elsbernd said she has grown into her role. Being able to sit back and listen was a learning curve. “I am a very talkative, loud person, I always have been and anybody that knows
PHOTO COURTESY OF DIANA CORAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Ashley Elsbernd, daughter of Peter and KrisƟ Elsbernd, is the 70th Iowa Dairy Princess. Elsbernd grew up on her family’s 350 -cow dairy farm near Calmar, Iowa.
me, knows that,” Elsbernd said. “Being able to listen to what people’s questions are,
what people’s stories (are), what they want to know, want to learn or want to share
has kind of been my biggest growth.” With less farms and more people growing up off farms, Elsbernd said she understands the importance of educating and advocating for the dairy industry. “Not many people have experience of coming on to a farm and understanding what we do,” Elsbernd said. She said she shares with consumers how milk is made, that it is humane, sustainable, and that farmers take great pride in making sure dairy products are valuable and renewable. Elsbernd also shares about milk being a nutrition dynamo. “Dairy is so nutritious and it’s such a superfood that we can eat (it) on a regular basis,” she said. There are challenges to the role that Elsbernd said she has worked through. “I think the biggest issue is pulling myself in a lot of different directions,” Elsbernd said. “I really enjoy being able to sit in a class and learn more about the dairy industry, learning more so I can bring more information to other people while also attending events. ... It’s kind of juggling wanting to learn and wanting to teach.” Turn to ELSBERND | Page 3
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