2018 Iowa Dairy Princess Tab

Special Iowa Dairy Princess Edition

DAIRY ST R CONTEST

August 4, 2018

Advocating beyond the crown Grober reects on year as Iowa Dairy Princess By Abby Hopp Staff intern

NEW HAMPTON, Iowa – The past year has been a blessing for Rachel Grober as she served as the 64th Iowa Dairy Princess, speaking on behalf of dairy farmers. “Being involved in the dairy community is our gift, blessing and privilege to share with the industry,” Grober said. “[Serving as dairy princess] was a huge blessing and so much fun. It was the best year, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. It has developed me and my future career.” Grober comes from her family’s 140-cow dairy farm in New Hampton, Iowa. The 18-year-old is the daughter of Todd and Sherry Grober, and has two brothers, Jeremy and Jordon. “We are all involved in the industry,” Grober said. “Jordon works with my parents on the farm, and Jeremy works at John Deere and helps out with our custom baling service.” Throughout Grober’s year as the state dairy princess, she has had the chance to connect with people of all

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Iowa Dairy Princess Rachel Grober stands in her family’s dairy barn on their farm near New Hampton, Iowa. Grober has spent the past year promoƟng and represenƟng Iowa’s dairy industry as the 64th Iowa Dairy Princess.

backgrounds at events. While appearances at parades and schools were ample, Grober also participated in dairy farm open houses and farm tours. With each appearance, the dairy princess spoke on behalf of dairy farmers and related to the public as a con-

sumer herself. “As a dairy princess, it is important to put yourself in the shoes of both farmers and consumers and bridge that gap,” Grober said. While the past year has pushed Grober to be an advocate for the dairy industry,

she has always had an interest in agriculture. Grober grew up on her family’s beef farm near New Hampton, Iowa and was active in the 4-H and FFA organizations, as well as the Iowa Guernsey Breeders’ Association. In 2012, her family

purchased their current dairy farm and now run 1,100 acres of cropland. “I knew I had a passion for agriculture,” Grober said. “It just changed into a different passion when we bought the [dairy] cows.” Grober milks the cows and feeds the calves but also helps with chores on the farm. She is certied in articial insemination. “I like looking into the future of cattle to help correlate offspring and continue to make our industry better,” said Grober of her interest in breeding and genetics. Being involved on her family’s farm has helped Grober in her role as dairy princess. More so, the people who surrounded Grober in this role have made the experience unforgettable. “There is a village of people who have helped me get where I am today,” she said. “Friends, family, teachers and community members have helped ignite my passion and be my support system even before I was a dairy princess. I am blessed to have people who are willing to help.” As Grober prepares to give up her crown, she will remember the people she worked with as the 64th Iowa Dairy Princess. “My favorite part of the Turn to GROBER | Page 2

Recent Iowa Dairy Princesses 2016 Princess

2016 Alternate

2017 Princess

2017 Alternate

2018 Princess

2018 Alternate

Kate Stewart Fayette County

Leslie Sivesind Guernsey Association

Katelyn Goldsmith Delaware County

Shana Hilgerson Clayton County

Rachel Grober Iowa Guernsey Breeders Association

Josie Buddenberg Winneshiek County