DAIRY ST R Minnesota Dairy Princess Special Edition
May 10, 2025
Educating kids statewide Students are Visser’s favorite audience to connect with By Michelle Stangler michelle.s@dairystar.com
HUTCHINSON, Minn. — Over her first eight months as Princess Kay of the Milky Way, Rachel Visser has appreciated the many connections she has made from farmers to kids while representing Minnesota’s dairy community as a goodwill ambassador. Visser serves as the 71st Princess Kay, continuing the program’s legacy of showcasing the state’s dairy farmers. “The people that are in the dairy community are truly second to none when you look at the dedication that dairy farmers have for the products that they produce,” Visser said. “It’s so rewarding to not only be a part of that community, but also know that’s the community I have the privilege to represent this year.” Visser, the daughter of Barry and Shannon Visser, started leasing and showing dairy cattle when she was in third grade.
One of Visser’s favorite opportunities in the role has been engaging with students both virtually and inperson. “(I enjoy) schools around the cities where students are much more unfamiliar with how food gets to their tables and that it doesn’t just always show up at the grocery store,” Visser said. “(I also enjoy) a rural or a farming community where students are a little bit more familiar with agriculture and what happens on a farm and are just excited to talk about the farm that they grew up on or where they work.” During the winter months, Visser brought the farm to classrooms through virtual tours of Carlson Dairy. The interactive website tour includes learning about what is called the “cow buffet,” which explains what cows eat, or the section about “cows on vacation,” alluding to dry cows. Through this online tool, Visser makes connections on how there is a lot of work farmers put into making dairy products. Students also learn about milking, sand recycling and caring for calves during the tour. Through showcasing her dairy knowledge and experiences, Visser offers a voice for dairy farmers. That authenticity opens the door to questions
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Rachel Visser reads to a group of children Dec. 19, 2024, at Royal Oaks Elementary in Woodbury, Minnesota. Visser takes students on a tour of a virtual dairy farm during most classroom visits.
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Rachel Visser is the 71st Princess Kay of the Milky Way. Visser, the daughter of Barry and Shannon Visser, started leasing and showing dairy ca le when she was in third grade.
from kids in the classroom. “That curiosity (from kids) you don’t see everywhere,” Visser said. “Seeing their faces light up and seeing the curiosity they have and desire to learn is really special.” Visser is a lifelong learner, often inspired by the questions and perspectives of the students she visits. She said Minnesota’s local dairy ambassador and princess programs are just as important as her role is for connecting with kids in classrooms. “It’s a really valuable program that we have here in Minnesota … at the county level,” Visser said. “It’s such a neat way to get young dairy enthusiasts into the schools, sharing their stories and really advocating on behalf of Minnesota’s dairy farmers.”
Visser began her journey to represent dairy farmers statewide as a McLeod County dairy princess and encourages others connected to agriculture to find ways to engage with others, even with just one conversation. “No matter the comfort level with putting yourself out there, any advocacy is so important in the dairy community and all of agriculture,” Visser said. “As long as you have a passion for being part of this dairy community, there is always a place to share your story.” Whether behind-the-scenes or in the spotlight, Visser said she encourages one-on-one conversations as they
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Introducing the county dairy princesses for 2025 Editor’s note: The county dairy princesses featured in this special section are not necessarily going to compete for the title of Princess Kay of the Milky Way. This section serves to recognize all dairy princesses at the county level.