2012 Minnesota Dairy Princess tab

Dairy St r

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Special Edition

May 12, 2012

Connecting dairy to everyday life Zahurones reflects on reign as Princess Kay of the Milky Way By jennifer burggraff Staff writer

PIERZ, Minn. – From the outside, Mary Zahurones’s car looks like any other 2003 Ford Taurus. The inside, however, contains several things most college freshmen wouldn’t keep on hand: a calf bottle, a 5-gallon pail, feed and bedding samples, children’s books, stickers and other trinkets, baby food jars and, on certain days, coolers full of butter, cream and salt, among other things. Strange? Maybe, but considering Mary Zahurones is no ordinary college freshman, it makes perfect sense. She’s serving as the 58th Princess Kay of the Milky Way, and she’s loving every minute of it. “I’ve had so many opportunities that I never would have been involved in, so many new connections [that I’ve made],” Zahurones said. “[My time as Princess Kay] has been filled with incredible moments day after day.” Since being crowned Princess Kay last August, Zahurones has logged more than 2,000 miles making appearances across the state in parades, media interviews, festivals, conferences and meetings. She’s also reached out to over 2,300 students through classroom visits in 18 towns, with another 10 classroom visits lined up for the coming months; she’s done all this while attending the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities for a doctorate degree in nursing. Classroom visits have been a favorite part of Zahurones’s reign thus far, whether teaching students the link between cows and the milk they buy in grocery stores or promoting the Fuel Up to Play 60 program with Viktor the Viking. “It’s wonderful to see [the students’] enthusiasm. It lights a fire in me to see their excitement,” she said.

While it can be challenging talking to both elementary school kids and high school students during school visits, these visits give her an opportunity to bridge the ever-widening gap between children and farmers with instant gratification. “I was surprised to realize that the misconceptions I have heard and thought were silly are a reality. We joke that chocolate milk comes from brown cows, but kids really believe that. The thought that I didn’t have coveralls on so I’m not a farmer – the image that only a man [in coveralls] with a straw hat can be a farmer needs to be shattered,” Zahurones said. “Public misconceptions need to be brought to present times. It’s baffling.” The fact that she was one of those disconnected from the dairy industry until she moved to a dairy farm at the age of 9 has helped her establish a more personal connection with people of all ages and walks of life, and it has helped her realize the need to reach out to others, starting with the basics.

mark klaphake/ dairy star

Mary Zahurones has spent the last year serving as the 58th Princess Kay of the Milky Way. As the goodwill ambassador for the dairy industry, Zahurones has reached over 2,300 students through classroom visits in 18 towns, with another 10 classroom visits scheduled in the next months. As much as she plays the teacher role during her many outings, Zahurones said she has also been on the receiving end of knowledge, continuously learning new things from kids and farmers alike. “If anything, being Princess

“I was surprised to realize that the misconceptions I have heard and thought were silly are a reality. We joke that chocolate milk comes from brown cows, but kids really believe that.”

– PRincess Kay Mary Zahurones

“If I don’t start with the basics I might miss something,” she said. “... Farmers so easily reach out to other farmers. [We need] to reach out [to consumers] whether through media or just talking in line at the grocery store. We need to reach out to others about what we are doing on our farms.”

Kay has been a humbling experience, [making me realize] how much I don’t know,” Zahurones said. “My learning of dairy farming doesn’t stop at Princess Kay. Every day I’m increasing my knowledge of the dairy industry.” Her time as Princess Kay has, quite simply, changed her

life. “I think I underestimated the impact being Princess Kay would have on my entire life. Every level of my interest [in the dairy industry] and my commitment to the dairy industry has grown so deeply,” Zahurones said. “The dairy industry is an easy industry to have passion for.” Her experience has also greatly impacted her family. Her parents, Chuck and Pat Tax, milk 60 cows on their dairy farm near Pierz, Minn. Pat travels with Zahurones to a majority of her appearances, though sports events are often reserved for her brother Jake. “She could be the next Princess Kay,” Zahurones said of her mom, laughing. Looking forward to the rest of her reign, Zahurones’s summer schedule includes many Breakfast of the Farm events, county fairs and June Dairy Month activities as well as school visits. First, however, she will be attending the 2012 May event May 18-20,

at which county dairy princesses from across the state will gather for educational seminars and judging to determine who will be the 2012 Princess Kay finalists. Zahurones plans to play a key role during this event, leading some of the seminars and passing on tips and tricks of the trade. “That’s what I’m really looking forward to – increasing the knowledge of the other dairy princesses so we can make the princess program have the biggest impact it can,” she said. Although her time as Princess Kay is limited, Zahurones doesn’t plan to stop promoting the dairy industry. Her anticipated future in the nursing field will give her a new venue to spread the dairy message. “Nursing has a place in the dairy industry ... dairy has a place in every industry. That’s what being a dairy princess is about, connecting everyday lives,” Zahurones said. “... [People] want to learn [about the dairy industry]. Their interest is there.”

Introducing Your County Dairy Princesses For 2012...

Page 2 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 12, 2012

Becker County

Parents: Albin and Carol Warling Town: Audubon Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am attending M-State in Detroit Lakes with a double major in business management/ownership and business entrepreneur. I enjoy working on my family’s century dairy farm. We milk 80 cows in a dou- Nicole Warling, 20 ble-7 herringbone milking Dairy Star Sponsor: parlor. I care for the baby Audubon Co-op calves, which are housed Elevator & Feed Mill in our old tiestall barn, and Audubon, MN I also help milk the cows. 218-439-6111 I have future plans to continue to work on my family’s dairy farm or own a dairy farm after I graduate from college. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. When I was younger and we still milked cows in the tiestall barn, I remember playing tag with my sisters while milking the cows. While playing you were only safe between the cows so we could check to see if the cow was done being milked or we could wash their teats so we could milk them. When my sister was closing in on me, I quickly got in between two of the cows. One of these cows was the jumpiest cow in the barn, I ended up scaring her and she kicked me into the gutter. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I believe one of the biggest concerns of our consumers is being misinformed about dairy products not being healthy. I would inform them that the nutrients in milk are much higher than the relatively small number of calories. I would also inform them that their body needs the nutrition in the milk such as calcium, vitamin B, potassium, and more. I would personally enjoy the dairy products rather than taking a supplement pill. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who is thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I would inform them that eliminating dairy from their diet can be harmful because of all the nutrition that is provided by dairy products. As I stated earlier, I would rather enjoy the nutritious dairy products than take a supplement for them.

Parents: Randy and Amy Wirth Town: Frazee Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am active in dance and National Honor Society. I love spending time with and taking care of animals. I work on my family’s farm with my parents and sister where we milk 28 cows. This fall I will be attending the University of Caitlin Wirth, 18 Minnesota-Crookston to Dairy Star Sponsor: get my bachelor’s degree Lakes Area Co-op in large animal pre-veterPerham, MN inary and a minor in busi218-346-6240 ness. I am then going to get my Ph.D. and open my own vet clinic. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. When I was about 4 years old, I told my dad I wanted to bring my calf, Sunshine, to church preschool for show and tell day. Not thinking I would actually do it, he told me if I halter trained her I could. She dragged me across the driveway a couple times, but I finally did it. Sunshine was halter trained and I had the most exotic thing for show and tell. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I believe the big-

Becker County continued gest concern consumers have about dairy products is their quality. I would address this topic by telling consumers that milk processors make sure their products are of high quality and satisfaction. They pasteurize and test the milk before it is made into other dairy products to ensure that there are no bacteria or other contaminants in the milk. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Without dairy in a person’s diet, the body would not get the adequate amount of calcium it needs. Calcium is needed for strong teeth and bones. As the body ages, calcium is needed to prevent the disease of osteoporosis. Besides calcium, milk is enriched with vitamins A and D. Vitamin A maintains healthy cell structures and vitamin D is needed for the body to absorb calcium and builds Parents: Allan and Annette Wendt Town: Frazee Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I’m 20 years and currently studying my Liberal Arts AAS program at MState in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. I have successful trained and shown my own horses for the past 10 years. I have lived and worked on my family’s Alisa Wendt, 20 dairy farm since I could Dairy Star Sponsor: walk. I plan to enroll in a Lakes Area Co-op Physical Therapy assistant Perham, MN program after I graduate 218-346-6240 with my Liberal Arts AAS. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. When I was 5 years old, I was out in the barn helping my grandpa feed cows when I decided to wonder off and go take a nap in a calf stall. When my grandpa went to find me, I was nowhere to be found. My grandpa and parents searched for a half hour and finally located me. I was snuggled up under a feed sack sleeping in the stall. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I believe the biggest concern consumer would have is that the products they are purchasing are safe and healthy for them. I would explain to them the hard work and dedication dairy farmers have by making sure that our products are safe and healthy for our consumers. I also would address the necessary precautions us dairy farmers take to ensure high quality milk. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his / her diet? I would give them the facts about the nine most essential nutrients found in dairy products that our body needs to remain healthy. Also I would explain what can happen if they would eliminate it from their diet and the possible health issues.

Benton County Parents: Dan and Pam Cardinal Town: Oak Park Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I grew up in Oak Park with my older brother and sister. My dad is a truck driver and my mom works in an office. At age 16, I started working at Czech Roadside Acres milking cows, feeding calves, stacking bales, bedding calves and scraping barns with a skid loader. We milk 300 cows in a 16-stall parlor twice a day. I plan to attend St. Cloud State University, but

Cassandra Cardinal, 18 Dairy Star Sponsor: Oak Park Co-op Creamery Oak Park, MN 320-968-7864

Benton County continued I have not yet decided on my major. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. Granted I didn’t grow up on a farm, but in the past two years I have made many memories. In the hay loft last summer (at our south farm for calves), Alan, Eric, TIffany, and I were stacking bales. While we were waiting for the next wagon, we were all joking around. There are holes in the floor, and I wasn’t paying attention. I stepped in one while talking to who was on top the elevator. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I think the biggest concern consumers have is the fat in dairy products. People don’t want to consume fatty dairy products such as whole milk because they don’t want to gain weight. I would tell consumers that dairy products are good for the body and most dairy products sold in stores do not contain enough fat to gain lots of weight. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I would tell them it is good for a person to have dairy products everyday. For example, people who don’t consume dairy products and break a bone could have a longer recovery time than someone who consumes dairy products. Dairy is good for the brain and the calcium helps keep bones and teeth strong. Dairy is an important part of my diet. Without it I don’t think I would be as strong as I am.

Parents: Fred and Joan Fleck Town: Rice Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. At school I am involved in FFA and softball. I live on a farm with my parents, two sisters and brother. On the farm I feed the calves with my siblings and help out with chores that need to be done. Next year, I Kristy Fleck, 18 plan to get a job and move Dairy Star Sponsor: to St. Cloud with my best Fluegge’s Ag friend and in the fall of Mora, MN 2013, I plan to go to Saint 320-679-2981 Paul College for massage Frandsen Bank & Trust therapy. Foley, MN Tell us a unique story 320-968-8774 you have from growing up or working on a farm. A couple years ago when I had my best friend, Jasmine, over to visit, we had to do chores. During the night, we were letting the cows outside and Jasmine decided to hop over the gutter to help chase them. She slipped and fell on her butt and was full of cow manure and water. Unfortunately for her, it had rained that day and the backs of the cows were wet as well. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I think consumers worry about getting enough dairy products to eat and drink. Everyone wants to stay healthy and use dairy products because they are good for you. I would address the topic by going to the stores where they sell dairy products and promote them because they are good for you. Dairy farmers want consumers to use their products. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I would tell them how healthy dairy products are for you and tell them about how farmers work very hard to produce dairy products for consumers. If dairy were to be eliminated, it would be a big mistake. Hopefully, that person would consider the benefits of dairy products. Everyone needs three servings every day and should appreciate the effort farmers took to produce them. Benton County continued on next page

Benton County continued

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Parents: Jerry and Bernadette Kroska Town: Foley Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I just completed my sophomore year at South Dakota State University, majoring in music education. I am part of the SDSU Trumpet Choir, SDSU Psyche Club, SDSU Dance Club and I also vol- Angela Kroska, 20 unteer at the Brookings Dairy Star Sponsor: Humane Society. I live on Dairyland Supply Inc. a 235-acre farm that milks Sauk Centre, MN 35 Holsteins. My family 800-338-6455 also raises and sells beef AMPI cattle. My future plans Paynesville Division include graduating from www.ampi.com SDSU with a B.A. in music education, student teaching and going to graduate school for music education. I would also like to take courses on animal genetics, specifically with dairy cows. I think it’s important to know the genetics of your cows to raise health animals and produce nutritious milk. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. My favorite part about growing up on a dairy farm was having the opportunity to help deliver calves. I remember the first time I delivered a calf on my own. When I was younger I had always helped, but I was limited to what I could do because of my age and my size. When I got older, my brother, Jay, informed me there was a cow giving birth and I was to go and deliver the newborn. Because it was my first time delivering a calf, I was experiencing both excitement and nerves all at once. I knew I had acquired the skills to complete the birth and fortunately the experience was seamless. Both the cow and calf were healthy in the end. I was filled with pride knowing that I was able to bring life into this world. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? One of the biggest concerns brought to my attention is how farmers are handling their animals. I know the media and social media have a big impact on how consumers view the world. How I would address this topic, is that I have personally never experienced any animal mistreatment. I know many if not all dairy farmers in Minnesota would not mistreat their animals. These animals are their life and their career. The job of a dairy farmer is to provide consumers with top-shelf dairy products and mistreating animals would hinder how a dairy farmer could do his or her job and do it well. Safe practices in animal care and treatment are of the utmost importance to dairy farmers. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? The kind of dairy facts I would give to a person who was considering cutting it from their diet all depends on why they are cutting it out of their diet. For example, if it was because of health reasons, (i.e. lactose intolerance) there is the option of lactose-free milk. This packs a powerful punch of vitamin D and protein which are prominent in dairy products. Another example of a person cutting dairy from their diet is because they think they don’t need it or they may be trying to lose weight. I would suggest not doing this because dairy is very important. People do need it. Dairy products help build strong bones, teeth, and also provides protein to help build muscles and construct connective tissue. Three servings (approximately 8 ounces) of dairy a day is the best thing people can do for their body.

Parents: Roy and the late Sharee Seppelt Town: Rice Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. As a current high school senior, I am an active member in FFA, NHS, BBBS and the tennis team. This past year I was the Foley FFA president. I live on a 200-cow dairy with about 1,000 acres of crop land. Although I am Katie Seppelt, 18 proud to have been raised Dairy Star Sponsor: on a dairy farm, I look forR&S Tire Service, ward to seeking a degree in Rice, MN radiology technology this 320-761-1161 fall at St. Cloud State Uni- Sunrise Ag Cooperative versity. Buckman, MN Tell us a unique story 800-307-5346 you have from growing up or working on a farm. Although I live on a farm, I am limited with my tractor driving. One day, when asked to rake hay in a field, I agreed. Sitting there proud as could be, making perfect rows, I came to a sudden stop; realizing the power cable guideline was stuck in the rake. After thinking I was going to die from shock, I found out that I had to simply drive forward. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? The biggest concern for consumers about dairy products is the presence of hormones. Consumers frequently hear about the use of hormones, and are ill-informed about whether it is present in the products they purchase. The FDA does not allow any unsafe food to pass inspection. I would also explain that the hormones used do not harm the consumer. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Dairy products are not fattening. More times than not, I am presented with people taking dairy products out of their diet because they believe it will make them more fit. Research shows that our bodies will absorb the nine necessary daily nutrients found in dairy products more effectively then when taking calcium supplements as a dairy replacement.

Dairy Star • Saturday, May 12, 2012 • Page 3

Big Stone County continued

cluded a video I took of our silos being brought down. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? Many consumers have been misinformed about dairy products and the farms that produce them. I would address these topics by telling consumers that dairy farmers take good care of their animals and do their very best to produce healthy, great tasting products. I would give examples of the care given to the animals on our farm. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? If I were talking to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his or her diet, I would tell that person that consuming dairy products is essential to maintaining a healthy body. Dairy products provide nine essential nutrients and nourish your bones, as well as the rest of your body. There are low-fat and fat-free options to enjoy along with lactose-free products for people who are lactose intolerant.

Brown County

Parents: John and Patty Rosenhammer Town: Sleepy Eye Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. Currently, I am a sophomore majoring in animal science with an emphasis in dairy production at the University of Minnesota. Upon completing my degree, I plan to return to my family’s Laura farm. On our farm we milk Rosenhammer, 20 160 Holsteins and raise reDairy Star Sponsor: placement heifers. Cows Midwest Livestock are housed in a freestall Systems barn and milked in a douPine Island, MN ble-12 parallel parlor. We 800-233-8937 strive to maintain low somatic cell count, high production and components, feed top quality, balanced rations and make cow comfort a priority. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. One memory that sticks with me comes from when I was in kindergarten and my class came to visit my farm. Showing them my favorite cow, Megabucks, and how to milk her folParents: Amy and Mark lowed by a hayride was just the beginning of sharing Blackwelder my passion for the dairy industry with others. Town: Chokio What do you think are the biggest concerns Tell us about yourconsumers have about dairy products and how self, the farm you live would you address these topics? I feel the biggest and/or work on, and your concerns consumers have about dairy products are future plans. I am currenttheir safety. With so much media buzz about horly finishing my freshman mones, antibiotics and food processing procedures, year at the University of consumers are not sure where to get reliable inforMinnesota-Morris, majormation. I address these issues telling consumers that ing in communications. milk is tested 17 times before it reaches store shelves, On our farm we milk 300 making it among the safest food products available. cows and grow corn, soyFurthermore, dairy farmers have the consumers’ best beans, alfalfa and wheat interest in mind and stand by their product as wholeKatelyn on 1,750 acres. I am re- Blackwelder, 19 some, safe and nutritious. Finally, I would offer them sponsible for feeding and resources for future reference such as www.midwestDairy Star Sponsor: caring for calves, taking dairy.com Mel-Grove care of my show animals, What kind of dairy facts and information Enterprises, Inc. assisting with DHIA testwould you give to a person who was thinking of Melrose, MN ing, vaccinating cattle and eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I would strong320-250-3646 picking rock. After graduly encourage them to keep consuming dairy products. ating from college, I hope Each serving of dairy provides nine essential nutrito use my communications major to work in public ents to nourish their body and just three servings a relations or event management, possibly in an agri- day make a big difference in their diet. Besides the cultural related area. nutritional value, dairy products are affordable and Tell us a unique story you have from growing available in a wide variety of flavors and contents to up or working on a farm. A few years ago, my fam- fit any diet. Finally, the benefits of consuming dairy ily expanded our dairy. My brothers and I helped with products are countless - calcium and protein contribthe construction of our new barn and the updating uting to build strong bones, muscles, and teeth are just of the existing facilities. After the construction was a few to name. complete, I made a slideshow highlighting the changes made on our farm that summer. The slideshow in-

Big Stone County

Page 4 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 12, 2012

Carver County

Parents: Joel and Barb Grimm Town: Waconia Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am a senior at Waconia High School and involved in activities such as National Honor Society, show choir, Pleasant Valley 4-H club, and my church youth group. Some of my hobbies include: Valerie Grimm, 18 singing, dancing, reading, Dairy Star Sponsor: shopping and playing pia- Bongards’ Creameries no. I was born and raised Bongards, MN on a dairy farm outside of 952-466-5521 Waconia where my family milks an average of 40 cows. I am attending the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse in the fall to study health care. While I am still undecided on a specific major, I am leaning towards pursuing a career in either nutrition or dental hygiene. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. When I was about 9 years old, I remember falling asleep in the barn on a bale of hay. My mom had been talking that day about going out to the barn at night to check on a cow that would be calving. I, wanting to be helpful, decided I would surprise her by checking on the cow for her. I stayed up and played with the cats for as long as I could before I fell asleep on the bale. It wasn’t until 3 a.m. when my mom came to the barn and sent me to bed. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? Some consumers are concerned about the BST hormone in milk. I would address this topic by assuring them that it is a naturally produced hormone by the cow and can not cause any harm to humans. Also, milk from cows that have received antibiotic treatment is thoroughly tested to ensure that consumers only receive safe quality milk. Milk that tests positive for antibiotics is discarded. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, contain nine essential nutrients. Milk is America’s No. 1 source of calcium, potassium and vitamin D, which are important for the strength of bones and teeth. Even lactose intolerant consumers can have dairy, ranging in a wide variety of flavors. Also, yogurt contains live and active cultures that help digest lactose.

Carver County continued

Carver County continued

takes in the Carver County Fair. A few years back, I was given the task of stapling up the posters with our show calves’ names on them. As I was attempting to push a staple into a wood board, my foot slipped, and I somersaulted backward into the bedding. As I stood up, my sister was laughing. I had ripped the back of my pants open and had to spend the rest of the morning wearing shorts over the giant rip. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I believe one of the largest concerns consumers have is the safety of their products. Education is key in situations such as these; consumers should understand the elaborate process milk goes through before it is used in products. Milk begins testing as soon as it leaves each farm and will not be put into products if it is detected as unsafe. Being a dairy princess presents a wonderful opportunity to address these issues. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I would share with this consumer that milk has nine essential nutrients that not only help to develop strong bones, but also nourish your body. The protein found in dairy products helps to build strong muscles naturally. Dairy products also have several low-fat and lactosefree products, so there is an option for every type of situation.

Parents: Todd and Lois Manteuffel Town: Cologne Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I attend Mayer Lutheran High School and am looking forward to graduating this spring. I participate in track, National Honor Society and 4-H. I grew up on my family’s dairy farm in Nicole Cologne with my parents, Todd and Lois, and my two Manteuffel, 18 sisters, Lauren and RebecDairy Star Sponsor: ca, where we milk about Bongards’ Creameries 30 cows and grow corn, Bongards, MN alfalfa, soybeans and oats. 952-466-5521 We also have chickens that provide us with fresh eggs daily. I look forward to representing Carver County as a dairy princess this summer and attending the University of Wisconsin-River Falls this fall. I will major in either pre-veterinary or elementary education with a minor in art. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. Growing up on a dairy farm, I have had many opportunities for memorable events to occur. One of the most memorable stories from my childhood on the farm was when my sister, Lauren, and I hand printed the outside of the milk house with mud. It had recently rained and we were playing around in the mud and decided to “decorate” the barn wall with our hand prints. Needless to say, the hand prints on the wall are one of the fondest memories of growing up on our farm. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I think one of the biggest concerns consumers have with dairy products are the nutritional value dairy products contain, especially when it comes to fat content. Many people today are concerned about eating healthy food, which is good, but it doesn’t mean they need to cut healthy dairy products. There are many dairy product options available, from low sodium to reduced fat, for a well balanced, healthy and wholesome diet. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I would tell them by cutting out dairy, research has shown no amount of calcium supplements will make up for the ability of calcium from milk to break down fats. Milk helps create strong bones and with the loss of calcium there is a greater risk for osteoporosis. There are many quality and safety checks milk goes through to ensure dairy products are safe and of the highest quality. Many nutrients found in dairy products are hard to mimic. A person can only benefit by eating three servings of milk, cheese or yogurt produced from healthy happy cows.

Parents: Tim and Amy Leonard Town: Waconia Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I live on a fourth generation registered Holstein farm. We milk in a 45-stall tiestall barn. At school, I’m involved in a variety of activities; my favorites include rugby, show choir, Christine marching band and student Leonard, 18 council. I’m also involved Dairy Star Sponsor: in the 4-H program with Waconia Farm Supply activities such as county Waconia, MN ambassadors, the dairy 888-741-3276 judging team and the dairy knowledge bowl. Next year, I’m attending the University of Wisconsin-Stout to double major in math and science education. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. Growing up on a farm has helped me learn to appreciate the importance of family. I can still remember being 5 years old, sitting with grandpa in the milk house with his coffee on one knee and me on the other. He would sing me songs, tell me Parents: Rick Haler and stories and let me dip my graham crackers in his cofConnie Haasken fee. Treasured memories like this one will stay with Town: Waconia me for a lifetime. Tell us about your What do you think are the biggest concerns self, the farm you live consumers have about dairy products and how and/or work on, and would you address these topics? I think one of the your future plans. I am biggest concerns consumers have is how we treat our a senior at Waconia High animals. Sometimes, a skewed image gets put out School. I stay busy with there, and it can create some difficulty for our indusactivities such as dance try. It’s important for consumers to know that in order team, student council, for us to provide the healthy, wholesome products we 4-H and volunteering in do, good care of our animals is No. 1 on our priority my community. I will attend St. Olaf College or Victoria Haler, 18 list. What kind of dairy facts and information the University of RichDairy Star Sponsor: would you give to a person who was thinking of mond in Virginia to study Hastings Co-op eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Let’s begin international relations. My Creamery with the nine essential vitamins and nutrients that father’s farm is located Hastings, MN milk provides. This is more than any other natural outside Norwood where 651-437-9414 drink! Milk is also important for growing and mainwe milk 75 registered taining strong bones and teeth. It’s not hard to fit milk Holsteins. Each spring we host an educational dairy day for local elementary into the diet. Milk, cheese and yogurt are all delicious products dairy farmers work hard to provide. With so students. Tell us a unique story you have from growing many options, it’s not hard to get three servings every up or working on a farm. Each year my family par- day.

Parents: Greg and Andrea Wickenhauser Town: Cologne Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I live on a dairy farm outside of Cologne. We milk about 80 cows in a tiestall and stanchion barn. I get up in the morning before school and feed the calves and young heifers. After Samantha school I come home and feed them again. I also help Wickenhauser, 17 with milking, field work or Dairy Star Sponsor: where ever I a, needed. I Prairie Farm Supply am attending Ridgewater Belle Plaine, MN College in Willmar this fall 952-873-4234 for a degree in animal science. After I complete two years of general education at Ridgewater, I plan to transfer to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls to major in large animal veterinary medicine. Carver County continued on next page

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Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. Living on the farm has given me a strong love for animals. Whenever the veterinarian would come out to the farm, I would race out the door to see what was going on and to help. We had a heifer die unexpectedly so we called the vet and asked him to post her so that we could figure out why she died. As always, I was right there as the vet did the autopsy. In the end, we discovered what happened. She had developed a large tumor, about twice the size of her heart, that had pushed against her heart and restricted the heart from beating. It was an amazing experience I will never forget. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? One big concern I think consumers have is with rBST/rBGH milk. I want consumers to know that rBST is a hormone naturally produced by the cow for the production of milk. Some farmers inject their cows with this natural hormone in order to allow the cows to milk longer. There is no difference between milk that comes from a cow that has been injected with the natural hormone or one that has not since it is a natural hormone. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Dairy provides many essential vitamins and minerals including calcium, phosphorous, niacin, magnesium, protein, vitamins D and A. When you reduce your intake of these nutrients by cutting dairy out of your diet, your bones, teeth, immune system, hair and skin all become weaker or not as vibrant. Dairy products help you in more ways than you think.

Parents: Ann and Dale Sandberg Town: Taylors Falls Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am a junior at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls majoring in ag marketing communications and dairy science. I grew up on a 100-cow Holstein dairy farm where the cows are housed in freestalls. AfJennifer ter college, I would like Sandberg, 21 to stay in the ag industry Dairy Star Sponsor: in Ag MarCom area and Federated assist on my family dairy Cooperative farm. Osceola, Wis. Tell us a unique story 800-294-7661 you have from grow715-294-2789 ing up or working on a farm. Some of my favorite childhood memories growing up on the farm include feeding calves with my dad. Those early experience helped shape who I am today and have had an influence on me choosing to continue to keep agriculture in my life. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? One of the biggest concerns consumers have about their products is the use of BST and if the products are safe. All food has hormones. BST is involved in normal hormone development in cattle and numerous studies have shown that BST causes no harm to the milk or consumers. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I firmly believe dairy is one of the healthiest foods out there. Its nutrient dense package contains many vitamins and minerals that are very beneficial and essential to a person’s daily diet.

Chisago County Parents: Wayne and Dawn Blodgett Town: North Branch Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I grew up on a hobby farm raising pigs, sheep and beef. When I was 11 years old, I was introduced to the Buehring family dairy farm in Rush City where I have and continue to work, doing chores and showing Becca Blodgett, 19 cattle. I am a freshman at Dairy Star Sponsor: the University of MinneWingert Sales sota studying animal sci& Service ence/pre-veterinary. In the Plainview, MN future I hope to own my 507-534-2285 own veterinary practice in a town where large animal veterinarians are scarce. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. I have seen people milk cows before and I know the process. When I got to milk my very first cow by hand, it was a whole different experience. She stood perfectly still as I started stripping her milk out teat by teat. Being that young and knowing I had just produced milk was an amazing experience and one that only a dairy farmer gets to enjoy every day. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? Every time I walk my cow back from the milking parlor at the fair, I get questions from the public concerning the health of my cow. The question asked most frequently is if my cow was treated with rBST or other hormones. The way I address any type of negative questions is to change it into something more positive and never let them walk away with a negative thought about the methods used. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Dairy products are significant to your diet because it has nine essential nutrients. Calcium builds and maintains healthy bones and teeth. vitamins D, A and B12 maintain healthy skin and vision. Protein, potassium and phosphorus help build and repair muscles after a workout. Riboflavin converts food into energy and niacin digests sugars and fats. All of these nutrients come from dairy foods, so think of all the nutrients that would be lost if not using this one single delicious product.

Parents: Dale and Ann Sandberg Town: Almelund Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am a freshman at South Dakota State University (SDSU), majoring in dairy science and minoring in ag business and ag marketing. I work and live on our 100-cow Holstein dairy. During the school year, I am also Teresa Sandberg, 19 employed at Jim Nelson’s Dairy Star Sponsor: farm in Ruthton, milking Munson Lakes 60 Holsteins. After graduNutrition ating from SDSU, I plan Howard Lake, MN on getting a job as a dairy 800-245-7717 nutritionist and eventually 320-543-2561 owning a farm. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. I remember when I was younger I would always love to ride in the tractor with my dad. I would sit on his lap, and drift off to sleep as we made the rounds in the fields. Those rides in the tractor were the best naps I ever had as a kid. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address this topic? A major concern consumers have about dairy products, is about antibiotics. It is important to educate the public and relay the facts that milk is one of the most rigorously tested products out there. Milk must go through many tests, and if it tests positive even once, all the milk in that tank has to be dumped. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Dairy products include nine essential nutrients that are important in a person’s diet. A major one of these is calcium, which helps build strong bones and muscles. Milk is particularly important to athletes. It provides a larger boost of energy as compared to Gatorade, or Powerade. Milk also allows the athlete to maintain their energy over a longer period of time.

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Clearwater County Parents: Steve and Julie Norman Town: Shevlin Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am a senior at Bagley High School; this year I went PSEO to Bemidji State University and Oak Hills Christian College. I live on a small dairy farm south of Leonard. I am currently working on my parent’s dairy farm Brenda Norman, 18 helping milk. I have been a Dairy Star Sponsor: member of 4-H for 15 years Clearwater County and have acquired my own ADA flock of sheep which I raise, sell and show. Next year, I plan to attend George Fox University in Oregon for computer animation. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. One unique memory was when my sisters licked the cows’ salt lick. One day when my sisters and I were playing, we didn’t know what the salt lick was for and went to ask our dad. He explained how it held salt for the cows and said when they lick it, they get their salt. Later, we went back and my sisters took turns licking it. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? One of the biggest concerns I hear from consumers my age is taste. This could be addressed by promoting new flavors such as fruits. One promotion I had done was giving samples of banana milk. Many younger people were willing to try it, and I had a positive response of people who would be willing to purchase it. Making sure farmers are feeding quality feed and nutrients are important in the process. Promoting the cleanliness of the farms and milk helps educate consumers about the wholesome goodness milk offers. When kids grow up drinking milk instead of pop, they are healthier and grow up with a lasting relationship with the dairy industry. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? If someone I knew was thinking about cutting dairy from their diet, I would tell them of the importance of dairy in their diet. Milk provides the best source of calcium for the body and bones. It also provides nine essential nutrients. There are many different flavors and fat content of milk to fit their dietary needs instead of eliminating it altogether. It helps the body absorb vitamin D. Finally, I would emphasize that there are different types of dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream that they use.

Cottonwood County Parents: Tom and Marilyn Fast Town: Bingham Lake Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I attend Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa. I am majoring in agricultural business. I also play basketball and play French horn in band. This summer, I plan to work on my family farm Karina Fast, 18 near Windom. We are curDairy Star Sponsor: rently milking around 100 Miller Sellner cows. I enjoy working on Equipment the farm because I love the Bingham Lake, MN hands-on work, and it is a 800-705-6608 great way to spend quality time with my dad. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. I remember when we finished our new facility in Cottonwood County continued on next page

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1998, and we began giving tours to elementary and high school students. I was so proud of my family and the fact that I knew a lot about the dairy. I could help answer questions and share what I knew about cows. I remember thinking how funny it was that they all plugged their noses. I didn’t mind the smell. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I think the biggest concern of consumers is the safety of the milk. I would reassure the consumer that the dairy products they consume are safe because antibiotics given to cows are not passed through their milk. In addition, hormones that some farmers give cattle have been used for decades and are considered safe by the FDA. It is also reassuring that less than one percent of foodborne illnesses are caused by dairy products. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I would strongly encourage the person to rethink their idea to eliminate dairy from their diet because dairy foods are very nutritious. A single serving of dairy products provides nine nutrients that are essential to the human body. They include calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin B12, Riboflavin and Niacin. Altogether, dairy products provide consumers with the nutrients they need to stay healthy.

Parents: Gary and Linda Remmers Town: Storden Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I live on a dairy farm where we milk 25 Holsteins. My grandparents help my family with the milking and farming year around. I enjoy milking with my dad whenever I get the chance Emily Remmers, 21 and helping around the Dairy Star Sponsor: farm with chores. I also Blue Hilltop own a horse. Lake Wilson, MN Tell us a unique story 507-879-3593 you have from growing 800-821-7092 up or working on a farm. When I was little, every time there was new cement poured on our farm I always had to put my hand and foot prints next to grandpa’s hand prints along with the date. I can say that my name is written all over the farm because it is – from the bins to the cement in front of our barn where everyone can see it. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I believe the prices of dairy products are the biggest concern to dairy farmers. Milk prices compared to gas price are about the same. If the milk price keeps going up like gas price, people will no long be able to afford the types of dairy products they need like milk, cheese and yogurt. Also, with the low prices farmers receive, it is hard to balance that with the high costs of feed. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I would tell that individual dairy products contain nine essential nutrients that our body needs every day to stay healthy, be strong and grow. Dairy products also have strict guidelines to follow so the only product put on the grocery story shelves is the safest and most healthy product.

Crow Wing County Parents: Gerald and Melissa Koering Town: Fort Ripley Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I have three sisters: Jennifer, my twin sister, (18), Alyson (15) and Mariah (13). Also at my home are three dogs, three cats, five ducks, three chickens, three donkeys and 17 pygmy goats. I Shantel Koering, 18 take care of my grandparDairy Star Sponsor: ents 22 head of heifers and Organic Valley steers, help with feeding, LaFarge, WI and help my uncle and 888-444-6455 grandpa milk. In the future, I plan to continue my education at Central Lakes College in Brainerd where I am finishing the first year of my Associate of Arts degree and will then transfer to a four year college to obtain my teaching degree and become an agriculture teacher. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. About a year ago, my grandparents mini donkeys had a baby girl. The mother hid her so I didn’t know about her until she was 2 days old. I found her tucked in the corner of our pasture and brought her up to the barn. Later, I went down to the barn to check on her and I couldn’t find her. I had looked every where, but found nothing. Her mother was standing by our swamp so I looked in and saw something, the top of her shoulder. I didn’t even think, and I jumped in. The mud sucked me down and I was stuck but I was pulling the baby out and my sister came down to help. It took us 15 minutes to get me out. The baby didn’t make it because she had been stuck and had wore herself out. It was definitely an adventure. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I think the biggest concern consumers have about dairy products is the fat and sugar content, especially now when the nutrient value of chocolate milk is being questioned. I would address this issue by giving them the information they need, such as, chocolate milk has the same nine essential nutrients as white milk and has less sugar then many juices or pop that people drink. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I would give them such facts as: milk contains nine essential nutrients, including calcium, potassium, protein and phosphorus, plus it is fortified with vitamins A and D. Studies show that dairy foods can improve the overall nutritional quality of your diet without significantly increasing total calorie or fat intake. Also, the protein naturally found in milk helps build strong bones for an active lifestyle.

Dakota County Parents: Pat and Darlene Donnelly Town: Farmington. Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I have grown up on a dairy farm, helping out with calves when I can. I currently attend the University of MinnesotaTwin Cities, majoring in accounting and finance. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. Growing up on a farm was different from my friends because I spent most of my days outdoors riding in

Dakota County continued tractors with my dad and on ATV’s going from farm to farm. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I think safety of dairy products is one of the biggest concerns consumers have about the dairy products. I would assure consumers that the animals and the facilities in which the milk comes from has to go through regulated testing to be sure it passes federal and state guidelines. Every load of milk is tested before it can be processed and used in any dairy product. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/ her diet? If a person is thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet, I would help them understand the health benefits of dairy products. I would begin with the basic nutritional facts and the benefits they provide to your bones and overall health. Parents: William and Juanita Sorg Town: Hastings Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. My family owns and operates a 250-cow dairy near Hastings, where my main responsibilities are caring for the calves and milking. Growing up on a dairy farm inspired me to pursue Janna Sorg , 18 a degree in animal sciDairy Star Sponsor: ence with an emphasis in River Country Co-op pre-veterinary medicine. I Hastings, MN am currently doing this at 651-437-3527 the University of Minnesota where I am involved in the Gopher Dairy Club. I also participate in 4-H and FFA. After graduating, I plan to become a large animal veterinarian so I can help farmers ensure their animals are healthy. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. Growing up on the farm taught me many lessons. One lesson I learned particularly well happened when I was 10 years old when I had been sent to get milk from the bulk tank. Having watched my dad numerous times before, I thought I was prepared to fill the pitchers on my own. However, I unscrewed the wrong opening, milk came flying out and I was covered from head to toe. That day I learned sometimes the best thing to do is the hardest thing; you just need to ask for help. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I think the main concern consumers have about dairy products is where they come from and how they are produced. Less than one percent of Americans live on farms, so many people do not know a farmer to whom they could voice these concerns. I would emphasize that dairy farmers take a lot of pride in what they do. Also, dairy farmers care about their cows and cow comfort is a priority because a happy cow is a high producing cow. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Eating three servings of dairy a day is very important. Dairy provides you with the nine essential nutrients that are needed to keep your body healthy. Not only does milk provide you with calcium and vitamin D to keep your bones strong, but it also contains nutrients that help boost your energy and get you through the day. Dakota County continued on next page

Beth Donnelly, 19 Dairy Star Sponsor: Werner Implement Vermillion, MN 800-770-4634 651-437-4435

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Parents: Mike and Tina Stiles Town: Lakeville Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I live on my grandparents’ farm where I own a herd of Herefords and my sisters have Angus. I have been milking on the Deutsch Dairy Farm for eight months. Before that, I milked on the Mohn farm Maggie Stiles, 18 for 1.5 years until they sold their herd and referred me Dairy Star Sponsor: to the Deutschs. Next year Werner Implement I will be attending South Vermillion, MN Dakota State University to 800-770-4634 major in dairy production 651-437-4435 and advertising. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. When I was 3 years old, I was spending a day with my grandma when Grandpa came up saying the cows were out. I thought that meant the cows were going to be charging at me so I ran to the house and locked the door behind me, shutting my poor grandma outside. Now 15 years later, cows are my favorite animal and I couldn’t imagine a day without them. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I believe the biggest concern of the consumer is the care and health of the cows producing the milk, and making sure they get the best quality product for the best price. I would explain to the consumer how farmers take the best care of their cows. They work closely with veterinarians and nutritionists to keep their cows healthy and well nourished. Helping consumers learn the most about our products will increase dairy sales. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? They would be losing nine essential nutrients that help nourish their body, not just their bones. They’d have to replace calcium, protein, magnesium, and potassium. Milk itself supplies three of the four nutrients of concern in the diets of Americans. They must know that dairy products can improve the overall nutritional quality of one’s diet without significantly increasing calorie or fat intake. Milk can help maintain a healthy body weight or assist with weight loss.

What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Dairy is the best way to get calcium into your diet, which is one of the most important nutrients to have and supports healthy bones. It is also a good source of protein along with seven other major nutrients necessary for a healthy diet.

jor in animal science. After graduating, I will apply for vet school. After completing school, I will return to the Hayfield area to open my own animal hospital. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. Growing up on a farm has taught me so many valuable things. For example, it has taught me how to be responsible and care for others before I care for myself. Working on a dairy has opened so many doors for me. I have learned more from my boss, Keith Behounek, then I could ever learn in a classroom. He has enabled me to have so many “hands on” learning experiences like IVing a cow, pulling calves and offering explanations about farm living. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? The biggest concern from consumers is not knowing where their dairy product comes from. I would approach this topic carefully and explain the true story to the consumers. Dairy farmers put a lot of time and effort into making sure the cows are cared for properly. They work endless hours to make sure their product is safe for consumers and their families. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I would cover all the important vitamins and health benefits of dairy. Dairy is important for every single person in the world. Make sure to get your three a day!

Dodge County Parents: Rick and Terry Alberts Town: Pine Island Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. My dad and his two brothers own and run the farm I live on. We milk around 600 cows and farm about 1,500 acres of mostly corn and alfalfa. From time to time, I help with such tasks as picking rock in fields or covering Becca Alberts, 18 the bunker. For about two Dairy Star Sponsor: years, I also fed calves. In Dodge Vet Clinic the fall I will be attending Dodge Center, MN Bethany Lutheran College 507-374-2125 in Mankato to study media arts. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. In kindergarten our class took a field trip out to my farm where my grandfather, uncles, and father explained the dairy farm to my peers. Some of my friends also asked me questions, so I have been an ambassador for quite some time now. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? Many people are concerned with fat content in their milk. What a lot of people don’t know is that low fat milk has all the same nutrients as whole milk with less fat.

Parents: Mike and Jude Brogan Town: Pine Island Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I work at Naatz Dairy Farm near Mantorville. We are currently milking about 250 cows; some of the cows are milked three times a day, while others are only milked two times. My Mary Ann Brogan, 17 family farm, MJB Farms, Dairy Star Sponsor: near Pine Island, raises Agronomy dairy steers and farms Services Plus 600 acres of corn and Rochester, MN soybeans. I am a senior at 507-254-3036 Pine Island High School and next year I will be attending Hennepin Technical College in Brooklyn Park to pursue a dental assistant degree. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. A unique story for me from growing up on a farm is that I was the only kid that had to feed calves and do chores before school. Whenever I would tell people, they looked at me like I was crazy for getting up that early just to feed calves. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? A big concern right now is that people do not think schools should supply kids with chocolate milk because they believe there is too much sugar in it compared to white milk. In order to address this topic, I would inform schools and parents that white milk may have less sugar than chocolate, but chocolate has much less sugar than most fruit juices and all sodas, which are readily available to kids in schools. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? If you eliminate dairy from your diet, you are losing out on many vitamins and minerals essential for growing strong bones and healthy teeth. I would not recommend cutting dairy out of the diet because in order to get all of the nutrients, you need to consume three servings of dairy every day.

Parents: Curt and Kim Miner Town: Hayfield Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I grew up just outside of Hayfield. I have a partnership with my brother and we raise beef cows. I work on the Behounek Dairy Farm, north of Hayfield every morning beginning at 6. Katie Miner, 17 I began working there in Dairy Star Sponsor: the summer of 2011 for Carriage House Animal a class at my high school Hospital called On the Job Training Kasson, MN (OJT). I have always had 507-634-6781 a passion for working and learning about animals. Because of this passion I want to be a veterinarian. I will be attending South Central College in North Mankato for two years before transferring to the University of Minnesota for another two years with a ma-

Douglas County Parents: Leonard and Jodi Hintzen Town: Carlos Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and future plans. I am currently a junior at the University of Minnesota studying animal science with a dairy production emphasis. I come from my family’s fifth generation farm where we milk 38 cows, Meg Hintzen, 21 grow our own heifers and Dairy Star Sponsor: sell our feeder calves. I Osakis Creamery plan on graduating from Association the University of MinneOsakis, MN sota next spring to pursue 320-859-2146 a career in dairy consulting or farm management. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. Growing up on a farm was a unique experience. One of my most favorite memories was watching my grandparents milk the cows while I sat on the round hay bale in the barn. I would ask them all sorts of questions about farming and they would patiently answer. My favorite part of watching them milk was when grandpa would sing Little Boy Blue. What do you think the biggest concern consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I believe one of the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products is the use of rBST as a growth hormone. They are afraid of unforeseen side effects with its use. I would explain to them that rBST is a natural hormone cows already have and there are no proven studies of any side effects. I would also tell them to check out www. midwestdairy.com for more information. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I would tell them milk gives you the most bang for your buck with its nine essential nutrients. With three servings of dairy a day you are getting your recommended amount of nutrients that are important for growth and everyday activities. Also, low fat dairy products are great for any healthy diet.

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Parents: Willis and Mary Krueger Town: Alexandria Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I will be graduating from Jefferson High School this year. I live on a small dairy farm consisting of 70 Holsteins near Alexandria. We finish out our Holstein dairy steers and crop farm 300 acres to provide feed Heidi Krueger, 18 for the dairy. I am going Dairy Star Sponsor: to Southwest State Uni- Pro-Ag Farmers Co-op versity this fall and will be Garfield, MN part of the women’s soc320-834-2271 cer team. I plan on double majoring in biology and exercise science. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. Growing up on a farm is becoming more and more unique as the years go by. It is becoming less common for farm families. I think it has been a good experience and one I wish more people were a part of. Growing up on a farm teaches someone things you can’t learn in a classroom like chores, hard work and satisfaction. I used to spend my days helping my dad with little things around the farm including feeding calves, bedding pens and riding in the tractors doing fieldwork. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I believe many people think there is too much fat in dairy products and they should be reduced in a person’s diet. There are alternatives such as skim milk and low fat yogurt. Price is another thing people have issues with, but milk is doing your body a whole lot more good instead of something less expensive like pop. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Dairy products are the main contributor of calcium in a person’s diet. Calcium is one of the minerals we need to get so our bodies work efficiently. Calcium is used for many things in the body like muscle contraction, keeping the heart at a steady pace, forming healthy bones and teeth, and sending nerve pulses. Eliminating dairy from the diet means that a person would have to find another source of calcium, which is not an easy task.

minute of working on our dairy farm for a lazy day at the beach. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I feel consumers are concerned about the well being of the cows that product their dairy products. With recent portrayals in the media of factory farms and abuse of animals, consumers are being misinformed about how we as dairy farmers work hard to ensure our cows are comfortable, healthy and their needs are being met every day. I would talk with consumers by showing them what we do on our dairy farm to ensure that our animals are well cared for and are in a safe and clean environment. For example, how we provide our livestock a clean facility every day, time outside, regular medical attention, proper vaccinations and a balanced diet. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Dairy products contain nine essential nutrients including calcium, potassium and vitamin D that help build strong bones and are part of a healthy diet. With three servings of dairy every day, you are consuming nutrients no other product has in a single serving. For example, you would need to eat three cups of broccoli to receive the same amount of calcium as a glass of milk. There are many ways to incorporate delicious dairy products into your diet with a variety of dairy recipes. For more information or recipes check out midwestdairy. com or dairymakessense.com.

Parents: Scott and Stephanie Town: Preston Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am currently a senior at Fillmore Central High School. I enjoy showing cattle, working on the farm, hunting and spending time with my family. I have one brother, Bren- Kelsey Ristau, 17 nan, who is in the seventh Dairy Star Sponsor: grade. In the fall, I will be S&S Dairy Systems attending Northeast Iowa St. Charles, MN Community College ma507-932-4288 joring in dairy science. After college, I would like to work for ABS or Select Sires. Also, I plan on getting married and starting a family in the future. I am employed at Trailside Holsteins. We currently are milking 400 cows. My main task is to care for the calves and other youngstock. I feed them, make sure they have clean bedding, wash the huts and ensure they are all healthy. I also have other tasks I do each day. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. When I was in fifth grade, I purchased my first calf. I saved up money all summer long to make my first purchase. Lilac was two weeks old when I bought her at the Minnesota State Brown Swiss Sale. We went to the fairgrounds the night before and I had a good idea of what I wanted to buy. We arrived the next day and no one really seemed interested in her. I thought she was cute and decided to make the decision when she came in the sale ring. I took the first and last bid. We came home with a trailer load but the only one I gave extra attention to was my calf. We went on to win junior champion at our state fair. I decided to take her to World Dairy Expo and we placed in the top 10 of the senior calf class. The biggest accomplishment was winning grand champion junior showmanship at World Dairy Expo. Lilac is now 9 years old and still remains a favorite! What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I think the rBST hormone supplement is an ongoing concern consumers have about dairy products. rBST is a hormone that increases growth and milk production. rBST was found to be safe by the Food and Drug Administration. They performed many tests to ensure the milk is safe to drink. rBST provides more products for the consumers and people from all over the world. I would tell consumers eating and drinking milk from cows who have been given rBST is safe. I would also educate them on what rBST is and how it is beneficial. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Dairy products are a good source of calcium, protein and other essential nutrients. The best sources of calcium are milk, cheese and yogurt. Casein, a protein only found in milk, has all of the essential amino acids. Dairy products are a vital factor for bone development. Eliminating dairy products from the daily diet can potentially decrease bone development. Eating or drinking dairy products is one easy way to get all of the essential nutrients needed each day.

Parents: Robert and Roxanne Massmann Town: Osakis Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am a junior at the University of Minnesota-Morris (UMM) pursuing a double major in elementary education with a pre-primary emphasis and psychology. My family has owned and Samantha operated a dairy farm near Osakis for over 60 years. Massmann, 20 We milk about 58 HolDairy Star Sponsor: steins, raise replacement Osakis Creamery heifers and feeder steers, Association and produce an assortment Osakis, MN of crops. I work alongside 320-859-2146 my parents, three siblings, grandparents and uncle. My future plans include finishing my education at UMM and either find a job in a rural area or pursue additional schooling for special education. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. There is not a day that goes by I do not think about how blessed I am to have grown up on a dairy farm. Most of childhood memories involve working with my family, seeing the sunrise every morning during morning chores, working in the machine shed with the boys, riding in the trailer with the newborn calves, helping dad breed cows, learning to drive tractor and sharing stories while doing chores together every night. I would never trade a

Fillmore County Parents: Jonathan and Lori Peterson Town: Peterson Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. Currently, I am attending Northeast Iowa Community College majoring in dairy science and ag business. I work on a 270-cow dairy in Hawkeye, Iowa, for my summer internship and while going to school. Kaitlyn Peterson, 18 My parents have a 60-cow Dairy Star Sponsor: organic dairy where they S&S Dairy Systems have Milking Shorthorns St. Charles, MN and I own my own Jersey 507-932-4288 heifer. After school, I hope to work for a genetic company or milk cooperative in marketing or communications. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. I knew when I was younger I had a love for dairy farming by my awesome wardrobe of cow shirts and always wanting to be around the cows. Little did I know the small obsession I had for those shirts and constantly being around the cows would turn my love for dairy farming into a passion for the entire industry. Now, with each passing day, I’ve become more involved with the dairy industry and have gained an interest in every change I see as the industry continues to grow. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? A big concern of consumers is the use of rBST (recombinant bovine somatotropin) and the safety of its byproducts. Rest assured, all byproducts of cows being treated with rBST are completely safe and no less healthy than products of cows not treated with rBST. BST is a natural hormone in cattle, and when cows are given rBST, it has no proven effect on humans, just increased milk production in cows. I have no fear our dairy products are unsafe. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? All dairy products supply you with nine essential nutrients that are needed in order for a healthy body to function. Because your body can’t produce enough of these nutrients on its own, they are provided to you through your diet of dairy products. A few other benefits of dairy products includes reduced risk of developing osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and helping you maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure.

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If you would like additional copies of this special edition, please contact Nancy at the Dairy Star office, 320-352-6303 Or visit www.dairystar.com to see a digital version of this special edition.

Fillmore County continued Parents: Daniel and Patti Woods Town: Ostrander Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am a senior at Kingsland High School in Spring Valley. I am an active member in the local FFA, NHS, band, choir and honor band. I have participated in cross-country for the past six years, and I have also done basketball Melanie Woods, 17 and track. I love snowDairy Star Sponsor: mobiling and hanging out Land O’Lakes with family. I work on two Melrose, MN dairy farms. One is owned 320-256-7461 by James and Marilyn Nelson near Ostrander. The Nelson farm is a tiestall barn that holds 18 cows at one time and we are milking a total of 39 Holsteins. The other dairy farm I work at is owned by James and Randi Wingert near Harmony. On the Wingert farm I milk in a step-up parlor that can hold 12 cows at one time and we are milking 78 registered Holsteins, a few Ayrshires and some Ayrshire-Holstein crosses. I am planning to attend Northeast Iowa Community College in Calmar, Iowa, and enroll in the large animal veterinary technician program. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. One day I was helping my dad haul manure. I was turning around in the yard and I forgot to hitch the clutch. I ran though the fence and we had to redo the whole fence that summer. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I think consumers’ biggest concern about dairy products is they think they gain a lot of weight when they eat dairy products. What they don’t know is that there are many different fat free options. For example there is skim milk, one percent milk, fat free yogurt and many other fat free options as well. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his / her diet? Some facts I would give them are that if a person eliminates dairy from the diet, they are losing out on many different minerals that will help bones and teeth stay strong. Also, studies have shown that if a person is trying to lose weight, dairy in the diet can aid in losing those few extra pounds.

Freeborn County Parents: David and Kristine Johnson Town: Hartland Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I’m currently a senior at NRHEG High School, the valedictorian, a National Honor Society member, Sunday School teacher, and an active member in FFA and 4-H. In sixth grade, I started my own Hailey Johnson, 18 registered Jersey dairy Dairy Star Sponsor: herd by purchasing heifL&D Ag Service ers. I currently have five Hartland, MN heifers, which are housed 507-845-2100 at my family farm and eight cows that are housed at Jahnke Dairy Farm where my dad is employed. Jahnke Dairy Farm currently milks about 300 registered Holsteins, along with my herd of Jerseys. My main job is to do chores and care for the heifers and calves that live on my farm. I will be attending the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in the fall and will double major in pre-veterinarian medicine and dairy science. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. Growing up on a farm has developed my passion for animals. I have had many

Freeborn County continued different animals including dairy cows, beef cows, cats, dogs, horses, chickens, turkeys, rabbits, llamas, sheep, pigs and goats. I could always be found outside playing with cats in the haybarn or trying to catch a chicken. When I was older and the vet would come out for farm visits, I always asked if there was any way I could assist him. He gave me small jobs such as holding the animals or medications, but it made me feel very important. I have known for a long time my career path would involve animals. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I believe consumers are concerned with hormones in dairy products. I would tell these consumers there are companies that sell dairy products, which were made from milk from cows not given rBST. This information can be found on the label of the product; however, I would also tell them the Food and Drug Administration has approved rBST, which is the hormone used in dairy cows. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I would explain all the nutritional benefits of dairy to a person thinking of eliminating dairy from their diet. Milk products contain a package of nutrients that include healthy fats, carbs, vitamins, minerals, and vitamins A and D. Milk products are calcium-rich and low in sugar. Calcium strengthens bones, reduces osteoporosis, and may help with weight loss. One glass of milk contains three nutrients that are under-consumed: calcium, vitamin D, and potassium. That is why it is recommended adults consume three servings per day.

Goodhue County Parents: David and Rebecca Friese Town: Wanamingo Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. My family and I live on a registered Holstein dairy farm outside Wanamingo. We currently milk about 75 cows in a tiestall barn. I also work at Bombay Dairy, a 700-cow dairy outside Wanamingo. I am Rachel Friese, 20 currently a sophomore atDairy Star Sponsor: tending the University of Plainview Milk Minnesota-Twin Cities. Products I am majoring in animal Plainview, MN science with a pre-veteri507-534-3872 nary emphasis and I plan to attend graduate school to become a large animal veterinarian. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. There is a lot of cleaning that is done on dairy farms and one of the chores is cleaning the bulk tank. When I was younger, my sister and I used to put on our swim suits, grab the soap and the scrub brushes, and crawl into the tank to scrub the inside. Our parents must have done a good job convincing us it was a fun chore because we loved it! What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I think consumers’ biggest concerns involve the safety of the products we produce. Parents want to be sure what they are buying and feeding their family is safe, nutritious and won’t make them sick. I would remind them that dairy foods are among the most tested and regulated foods in the country. Not buying dairy products would be a mistake considering all the nutrients that are packed into them. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Depending on their reason for eliminating dairy products, I would start by informing them of the nine essential nutrients milk contains and all the nutritional benefits other dairy products offer. Then I would make the consumer aware of the choices available to them. Dairy products are so broad; there is sure to be at least one product for everyone’s taste buds!

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Goodhue County continued

Parents: Joel and Bridget Rostad Town: Zumbrota Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and work on, and your future plans. I am a senior at Kenyon-Wanamingo High School where I participate in cheer- leading, softball, FFA, National Honor Society, student council and our local 4-H club. On our family Rachael Rostad, 18 farm we milk 55 Holstein Dairy Star Sponsor: cows, raise replacement Ag Partners heifers and steers, cusGoodhue, MN tom finish 12,000 hogs a 651-923-4496 year and farm 2,400 acres. Next year I am attending the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to major in animal science. I plan on becoming a large animal veterinarian. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. My brother was trying to teach me how to drive our Farmall 300 tractor. I was supposed to back it out of the shop so I could drive it around the yard. But instead of going in reverse, the tractor started going forward. I had not been told how to use the brakes so the tractor kept going forward. It pushed the other Farmall 450 into a workbench and then into the wall. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I think the biggest concern consumers have is animal and food safety. It is important to let the public know that dairy farmers take the best care possible of their livestock and the milk they produce is handled in a safe and sanitary way. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I would let them know that milk provides the nine essential nutrients we need in our daily diets. It is an easy way to maintain a healthy diet. There are also many ways to get dairy into their meals.

Parents: David and Jane Schwartau Town: Red Wing Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am a freshman at the University of Minnesota majoring in animal science-dairy production and minoring in applied economics. I am involved in the Gopher Dairy Club and Beta of Aly Schwartau, 19 Clovia Sorority. I work Dairy Star Sponsor: on a 75-cow dairy near Merchants Bank Goodhue, where I milk Cannon Falls, MN and assist with field work. 507-263-4281 At home, I take care of the young livestock. After graduation, I plan on working as either a nutritionist or as a field representative for a pharmaceutical or genetics company. I would eventually like to return home to the farm and continue my family’s tradition of family farming. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. One thing that has been unique about my experiences growing up on a farm is that I have been lucky enough to have experienced both living and working on a large family-owned dairy, and have been able to work on a small farm as well. This gives me experiences from both worlds of the industry and has widened my view and perspective of the industry. Goodhue County continued on next page

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Goodhue County continued

What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? One of the biggest concerns consumers have today is where the products they are eating originate. Consumers want to know the products they are consuming come from a safe environment where the animals are cared for and the product is not altered in a negative way during processing. I would address this concern by reminding consumers that behind all of their dairy products, there is a farmer who cares about the quality of the product, and would not feed his or her family anything less than a quality product. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I would remind the consumer that as part of a healthy diet, it is important they consume at least three servings of dairy products every day. Consuming these products helps build strong bones, muscles and teeth, which helps prevent osteoporosis. Dairy products also have less sugar than other drinks such as sports beverages and pop.

Hennepin County Parents: Randy and Tammie Dahlheimer Town: Dayton Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I grew up on my family’s dairy farm in Dayton. I first started working every day on the farm when I was in fourth grade. Before then, I would enjoy going out to the barn and playing with Mandy the cats. I’m currently Dahlheimer, 19 studying nutrition at the Dairy Star Sponsor: University of Minnesota Federated Co-ops and hope to have a career Albertville, MN in the future as a dietician 763-497-2122 to make improvements in people’s current diet. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. I think it’s unique to live on a farm. Having barns, tractors and animals seemed normal until I’d invite my friends over and they’d think it was a different world. When I was little, my best friends and I used to climb on and through the hay pretending we were protecting the cows. Also, picking rocks in the fields always seemed less boring when we could find golf balls and odd/rare items. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? Consumers are less concerned about where their dairy products are coming from and more concerned about dairy product myths, such as milk causes kidney stones or that soy milk is as nutritious as cows’ milk. Each of these is untrue. Consuming an adequate amount of dairy products can promote local dairy farmers and create a more sustainable population. Not only will it increase demand for local produce, but dairy products will earn deserving recognition for its broad health benefits. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? The average person already consumes less than the recommended daily amount of calcium and cutting dairy eliminates the richest source of calcium with the greatest bioavailability. Note that calcium has numerous vital functions in the body and its benefits extend beyond bone health. Dairy products are also sources of several water- and fat-soluble vitamins that contribute to overall health.

Kandiyohi County Parents: Gene and Shelly Gatewood Town: Willmar Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I attend Ridgewater College to be a emergency medical technician. I grew up on a 350-acre farm southeast of Willmar, which I still help out on. We milk around 64 Holsteins. In the future, I Jessica am thinking about going Gatewood, 22 to school for agriculture Dairy Star Sponsor: with an emphasis in dairy. D&D Ag Supply & Eventually, I will live on Construction my own farm. Pennock, MN Tell us a unique 320-599-4466 story you have from growing up or working on a farm. A unique story about my farm life happened when I was really young. I would ride back and forth in the wheelbarrow when my dad made trips to feed the cows. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? A big concern some people have is when they start a diet. They choose diets that cut out dairy products because of the natural sugars and healthy fat content. I don’t agree with this because dairy products are good for you. They have a lot of the nutrients and proteins the body needs to stay healthy. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I would tell a person that dairy products are good for your body. Many people don’t understand there is a lot more to milk than they think. Protein, nutrients, vitamins, natural sugars and some healthy fat are only some of the nutritious things found in milk. I wouldn’t cut out dairy completely, but would try low-fat or skim options. There are alternatives without completely eliminating dairy from the diet. Just give it a chance!

Parents: Philip and Shereen Hauge Town: Sunburg Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am a senior at KerhovenMurdock-Sunburg High School. I have been active in volleyball, basketball, softball, FFA, band, marching band, choir, plays and 4-H. I live on a five generation century Brielle Hauge, 17 farm, milking 40 cows Dairy Star Sponsor: with dad, mom and my D&D Ag Supply & younger sister. Besides Construction helping on the farm, I Pennock, MN work at a Norwegian Cafe 320-599-4466 in the small town of Sunburg, which has a population of about 100 people. I hope to play softball at the college or university I attend and major in ag business or in the medical field. My hobbies include spending time with friends, showing cattle at the fair and reading. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. I was an only child for six years and I always wanted a brother or sister. My parents decided to adopt and I was blessed with a sister from Korea. We show cattle together, fight together, clip hair together, and we get the cattle ready for the fair together. We have memories that will last a lifetime and I am grateful for my sister. I taught her how to show cattle when she was 5 years old. Dad has us name all the newborn calves. We have fun trying to think of adjectives/adverbs for their names, but some end up to be nouns. Each year the beginning letter changes according to the alphabet. Our unique names range from Dazzle, Extra, Eureka, Eclipse, Flaky, Zeus and Zap.

Kandiyohi County continued What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? The biggest concern I feel consumers might have about dairy products would be if dairy products are safe. I would address this topic and tell consumers that dairy farmers are committed to providing high-quality milk. It starts with taking care of the cows first and that is what farmers do. They take pride in their animals and provide them with a nutritious diet, good care and a comfortable environment. Dairy products go through a strict quality control before they reach the consumers. All milk is wholesome, safe and nutritious. Milk is pasteurized to ensure milk and dairy products are safe. Pasteurized milk provides a safe dairy product according to health experts. From the farm, to the processor, to the family, milk is wholesome, safe and nutritious. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Dairy products enable you to have strong bones and teeth, and is one of the healthiest products. If you don’t drink milk, there are other dairy products that provide the same nutritious value as milk. I would inform consumers there are other ways to get the needed calcium for the body. For instance, yogurt and cheese are options. I also would discuss the importance of getting three servings of dairy in their diets and not to eliminate a product that has been proven to be healthy. Milk provides nine essential nutrients that keep bones strong

Parents: Warren and Stacy Johnson Town: Pennock Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. My family milks 60 registered Holsteins and farms 650 acres. I help around the farm with calf chores, bedding, haying, picking rocks, feeding and milking the cows. I am a senior Johanna at Kerhoven-MurdockJohnson, 17 Sunburg high school. I Dairy Star Sponsor: am active in NHS, band, D&D Ag Supply & choir, jazz band, marching Construction band, SADD/Peer HelpPennock, MN ers, yearbook, softball, 320-599-4466 volleyball, musicals, FFA, youth group, Diocesan Youth Council, 4-H and I am a wrestling statistician. I will be attending a four-year college and majoring in business and communications. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. Growing up on a dairy farm is a unique experience I will always treasure. It allows my family to work together. When we are not working with the cows, my brothers and I show our cattle. I started showing at our county fair when I was 3 years old. Now four of my brothers and nine of my cousins show together. We love doing it, even with the cousin competition in the show ring. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? More and more people seem to be concerned about where their food is coming from. As dairy farmers, we need to tell our story of where our products come from. I would address this topic by helping the consumers understand the amount of care we give our animals by keeping them healthy and comfortable. This care helps them to produce quality milk for the consumers. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? We, as dairy farmers, produce a quality product that is necessary in everyone’s diet. Milk is that product. It really does the body good. It also builds strong teeth and bones. It is the best drink for replenishing the body after physical exertion. Plus, milk promotes the healthy function of blood vessels and muscles.

Le Sueur County

Lincoln County continued

gave me a short lesson on what to do, but he neglected to teach me how to turn around at the end of a row. I Parents: Robert and was towards the end of the row and I almost put the Carol Holicky tractor and rake into the water way. Luckily my dad Town: Le Center came and saved the day. Tell us about your What do you think are the biggest concerns self, the farm you live consumers have about dairy products and how and/or work on, and would you address these topics? Some people say your future plans. I’m milk isn’t a healthy beverage to drink or use. There the youngest of eight chilare nine nutrients in milk alone that are key to makdren. We grew up on a ing sure we stay healthy. Also, milk is used in many small hobby farm raising food recipes. At Christmas time, my family and I ena few beef cows, chickens, ducks, along with cats, and joy oyster stew which contains milk and butter. I don’t a dog. I have been workknow what could possibly be used in place of milk. ing at Hoefs` Dairy for Too many family cooking traditions involve milk or almost five years. There, Anna Holicky, 21 some other dairy product. we milk about 230 cows. Dairy Star Sponsor: What kind of dairy facts and information This year I was hired as Minnesota DHIA would you give to a person who was thinking of a field rep for Minnesota Buffalo, MN eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I would ask DHIA. As of now, I am a 1-800-827-3442 that person where they could get all the essential virelief tester, but in the futamins and minerals that are in dairy products if they ture plan to have some of aren’t going to be consuming dairy. There is a reason my own herds to test. dairy is on the nutritional pyramid. Dairy is a impor Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. A unique story from grow- tant part in every person’s diet. ing up on the farm would be picking up apples. My parents would tell all of us to go pick up all the fallen apples from trees. They would give us pails, and the older kids would take the full pails to the cows. But after awhile, we would get pretty bored of it so we would start throwing or setting apples on the road. Every car that drove past would squish the apples and Parents: Kevin and Lori make us laugh. Once we started this we would always Buss say we’re going to go make applesauce. Town: Hutchinson What do you think are the biggest concerns Tell us about yourconsumers have about dairy products and how self, the farm you live would you address these topics? I think the biggest and work on, and your concern consumers have about dairy products is how future plans. I am 20 the price keeps getting higher. Although the price of years old and work on our the dairy products keeps going up for the consumer, it is steadily going down for producers. I can only hope family farm, milking 60 the price for the consumers and for the produces gets Holstein and crossbred better. There has to be a way to make prices better cows, feeding calves and for everyone. If we have to have a meeting with the assisting with field work marketing to help figure out how to fix this problem, on our 160 acres. I am a I hope we can. The prices really need to be fair for sophomore at Ridgewater Kelsey Buss, 20 everyone. So we need to work on fixing this problem. College. At school, I am Dairy Star Sponsor: What kind of dairy facts and information involved in PostsecondFirst District would you give to a person who was thinking ary Agricultural Student Association of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? It will be Organization and particiLitchfield, MN harder for a person to get some of the nine essential pate in dairy specialties. 320-693-3236 nutrients dairy products gives you in great quantities After college, I will resuch as calcium and vitamin D. It will then be neces- turn to my family’s farm sary for a person to take a supplement of some sort where I will take part in many of the different aspects in order to make up for these nutrients. I believe it is of management easier and cheaper to drink a glass of milk or eat some Tell us a unique story you have from growing cheese rather than buy and take a multi-vitamin. up or working on a farm. The first animal I purchased was a red and white Holstein named Ruby. I went early to the sale to see the animals I had picked out of the catalog. As I walked through the barn with my dad, my heart started to race with excitement. Then as I raised my hand to bid, I could feel my heart pounding. Before I knew it, I was loading her on the Parents: Lane and trailer to bring her home. Jill Petersen What do you think are the biggest concerns Town: Tyler consumers have about dairy products and how Tell us about yourwould you address these topics? Flavored milk conself, the farm you live tains a large amount of sugar. Flavored milk contains and/or work on, and nine essential nutrients that someone wouldn’t find in your future plans. I was a sports drink; flavored milk contributes only percent born and raised on Maple of sugars in a child’s diet. If your child drinks flavored Grove Farms, which is lomilk, they will meet more of their nutrient needs, and cated southwest of Tyler, consume less sugar, fat and calories. Flavored milk where my family raises has just 31 more calories than white milk and has 35 Holsteins. I graduated percent less sugar than five years a go. from Russel-Tyler-Ruth What kind of dairy facts and information ton (RTR) High School Kaitlin Petersen, 19 would you give to a person who was thinking of last spring and now I’m Dairy Star Sponsor: eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Milk cheese a freshman at the UniverGorter’s Clay and and yogurt play a critical role in the diets of adults sity of Minnesota-Morris Dairy Equipment and children by providing nine essential nutrients inwhere I’m majoring in Pipestone, MN cluding calcium and vitamin D to build strong bones, mathematics. This sum507-825-3271 magnesium, potassium and phosphorus, in addition mer I plan to continue to 48 percent of your daily needs of protein to build working at Bruender’s Corner Mart, a gas station in Tyler, where I have been strong muscles for your active lifestyles. I encourage everyone to check out the dairy aisle because there is working the past three years. Tell us a unique story you have from growing something for everyone ranging from low-fat to fat up or working on a farm. There are so many mem- free dairy products. orable things that have occurred on the farm. One memory was one summer, my dad, Lane, had me raking hay. He had me out raking all by myself after he

McLeod County

Lincoln County

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McLeod County continued Parents: Jerry and Connie Eggert Town: Hutchinson Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I was born and raised in Hutchinson where I do not live on a dairy farm. However, I worked on my grandparents’ farm and currently work at Howe Holsteins. I am a senior at Hutchinson High School Katie Eggert, 17 where I am active in FFA, Dairy Star Sponsor: National Honor Society First Choice Sales, LLC and 4-H. In the fall, I plan Hutchinson, MN to attend the University 320-583-8253 of Wisconsin-River Falls with a double major in agriculture education and horticulture. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. One evening while I was talking with the family I milk for, I was trying to take off the milker and move on to the next cow. My foot slipped and I didn’t step far enough back. I ended up in the gutter. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I think the biggest concerns consumers have is knowing where their food comes from and is it safe to consume. To address these issues, I would explain how as dairy farmers, we take pride in producing a safe and healthy product for others to consume. Also, using the People Behind the Product promotion, I would educate them about where their dairy foods originate. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I would tell them that if you eliminate dairy products from the diet, you are taking away nine essential nutrients out of the diet. With this, you are also taking out nutrients such as calcium which is needed for strong bones and to build muscles. To account for these eliminated nutrients, they would need to take supplements that are not only more expensive, but aren’t as tasty as dairy products. Parents: Tim and Ann Nix Town: Plato Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, your future plans. I am a junior at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall double majoring in speech communication, an emphasis in radio/TV and public relations, with a minor in marketing. My family consists of my parents, two brothers and Elizabeth Nix, 21 one sister. We live on a Dairy Star Sponsor: dairy farm that has about AMPI 40 dairy cows. My future Paynesville Division plan is to graduate from www.ampi.com college and work somewhere in the media field, specifically with TV or radio. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. My family loves playing and watching sports. When I was a little girl, I remember being in the barn with my dad milking cows. We would listen to the radio broadcasts of the Minnesota Twins baseball games. Kirby Puckett and Torii Hunter were my favorite players when they played for the Twins. When they hit a home run, I would cheer so loud with my dad and we would accidentally scare the cows. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? About 70 percent of Americans are concerned about health. One focus of health is on children and the misconceptions about flavored milk. Producers are continuously working

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on lowering the amount of calories, already diminishing 35 less calories than five years ago. With the nine essential nutrients in milk, it helps to cut back on buying extra groceries, and the money savings helps consumers, too. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who is thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Dairy provides essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D and potassium. These nutrients help prevent different types of cancers and osteoporosis. Finding these nutrients in one product is easy and economical. Keeping healthy, saving money and, great taste are three reasons for consuming three servings of dairy products every day.

Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. My favorite and most humorous story from growing up on a dairy farm would be the first time my dad let me drive a load of round bales from the field to the yard. To make a long story short, I returned to the yard 45 minutes later after driving the tractor between five to ten miles an hour the whole time, but I didn’t drop any bales on the way. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? My biggest concern about consumers and dairy products is the many advertisements telling them to cut out dairy as part of a diet plan or an acne solution. Studies have shown that cutting dairy out is much more harmful than helpful. Instead, maintaining three servings of dairy each day is important for people of all ages, shapes and sizes. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? There are ultimately no positive effects of eliminating dairy from your diet. Dairy products contain calcium, phosphorus, protein, potassium, riboflavin, niacin, as well as many key vitamins to remain healthy. People who choose to dairy-free are not only missing out on delicious snacks, but their bodies are lacking key ingredients to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Parents: Shari Templin Town: Glencoe Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am a sophomore at the University of Minnesota-Duluth with a double major in criminology and political science. I work on a farm of about 150 cows consisting of Holsteins, Brown Swiss and a few Haley Templin, 19 Jerseys. I’ve been workDairy Star Sponsor: ing there since I was 14. Eberhard Tell us a unique story Construction Inc. you have from growing St. Paul, MN up or working on a farm. 651-353-4637 Since I did not grow up on a farm, I like to tell people that I have the best of both worlds. I say this because I got to experience growing up in town, and also had to opportunity to learn how to be a dedicated and hard worker on the farm. I got to be a city girl with a farm girl experience. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I frequently get asked about hormones in milk. I explain that all milk, no matter what, is safe, wholesome and nutritious. I also explain to them what rBST is – a natural occurring hormone in cows – and during pasteurization it gets broken down, and anything that is not broken down during pasteurization our bodies will break down for us. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I like to tell them that all dairy products provide nine essential nutrients. Even if they take supplements to make up for what they will be lacking, their body will take in more if they get these nutrients in their more natural forms. I also like to tell them the benefits of dairy products are better than benefits from such supplements

Meeker County Parents: Vaughn and Joan Euerle Town: Litchfield Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I live on a dairy farm about five miles north of Litchfield where my family and I milk 70 Holsteins. I am a freshman at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall. Currently, Emily Euerle, 19 I am majoring in social Dairy Star Sponsor: work with a psychology Center National Bank minor with the hopes of Litchfield, MN becoming an adoption 320-693-3255 caseworker in the future.

Parents: Jim and Lisa Turck Town: Litchfield Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am a freshman at St. Cloud State University. I live on my family farm where my parents, two sisters and I milk 50 Holsteins and farm 400 acres. My roles on the farm include Amanda Turck, 18 feeding calves, milking Dairy Star Sponsor: and feeding cows, and Valley Dairy anything else my dad has Supply, Inc. planned for me. My future Eden Valley, MN plans are to graduate from 320-453-6695 college with a Bachelor of Science in nursing and work at a hospital near my family farm. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. One summer when I was 13, my family was putting in a manure pit. When I found a cow in labor one day, I couldn’t go get my dad because he was preoccupied. I could tell the cow was having difficulties, but I knew exactly what to do. With her every push, I would pull and after ten minutes a bull calf was born. My parents were very proud and so was I! What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? A few concerns consumers have about dairy products are the nutritional value and wholesomeness of the products. I would address these topics by briefly explaining the numerous nutrients in dairy products that are essential for one’s diet. I would also say dairy foods are always nutritional, wholesome and good-tasting products which come in many varieties and flavors. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? If someone was thinking of eliminating dairy from their diet, I would remind them of the nine nutrients they would lose that are necessary in a healthy diet. Calcium, phosphorus, riboflavin, potassium, protein, niacin, vitamin D, vitamin A and vitamin B12 are all components of dairy foods that encourage strong bone growth. I would also add that consuming three servings of dairy products each day is in the dietary guidelines that every individual should follow.

Mille Lacs County Parents: David Nelson and Carol Walsh Town: Princeton Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am a second-year student at St. Cloud State University and a senior at Princeton High School. Unfortunately, my family no longer milks cows on our farm where we breed and raise dairy heifers and steers. However, my father Kari Nelson, 18 and brother both milk at Dairy Star Sponsor: other dairy farm. My faFederated Co-ops ther works for a research Princeton, MN dairy herd and my brother 763-389-2582 for my neighbor. I hope to someday pursue a career in research or engineering science. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. Every time I saw the milk hauler take a sample of milk in the little test tubes, I was sure it had something to do with a crazy science person or poison. This is what I had learned from wacky cartoons about lab mice. I learned, after a long misunderstanding, that the milk hauler always tests samples of bulk milk to make sure it is of the utmost quality and safety for consumers. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? While diet gurus and Hollywood “docs” share their newest trends for losing weight, Americans have this misconception about the health benefits of dairy products. I would like to educate them about the positive aspects of a dairy-rich diet and the scientific studies of the fat in milk that drops the risk of obesity and diabetes. If Americans were more educated about this, the “only dairy” diet might just be the coolest new fad. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? If someone were thinking of eliminating dairy from their diet, I would let them know of the essential nutrients found in dairy. I would also educate them about the vitamins and good fats in milk that aid in calcium absorption not found in other sources of calcium. The nine essential nutrients found in milk are not well absorbed with vitamin supplements. Dairy consumption is also a great way to support the local economy.

Morrison County Parents: Colin Boser and Joan Sanoski Town: Pierz Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/ or work on, and your future plans. I grew up on our 320-acre family farm north of Pierz with my dad, brother, two sisters, grandma and grandpa where we milk an average of 60 Holsteins in a tiestall barn. I am currently studying biEmily Boser, 20 ology at the College of St. Dairy Star Sponsors: Benedict, but have recently Farmers and been accepted to the UniMerchants State Bank versity of Minnesota-Twin Pierz, MN Cities where I plan to major 320-468-6422 in animal science. Hopefully, then go onto graduate Sunrise Ag Cooperative Buckman, MN school to study veterinary 800-307-5346 medicine. Tell us a unique story Evergreen Equipment Little Falls, MN you have from growing 320-632-5469 up or working on a farm. Everyone has unique stories but my most satisfying experience was during FFA Morrison County continued on next page

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week when our high school had a “drive your tractor to school” day. It was my senior year and last chance to participate in this activity. When we went outside to take pictures with our tractors, I realized I was the only girl. Not only showing up the guys, but knowing I had gained enough trust and respect from my dad to let me drive the tractor really made me appreciate being able to grow up on a farm and have this experience. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? A large issue is the treatment of cows with recombinant bovine somatropin (rBST). Some biotechnologists are opposed to rBST treated cows and are pushing it to consumers that this hormone is bad not only for the animal, but for people that consume its products. As dairy farmers and advocates, we need to inform them that the rBST is a naturally produced hormone in the cow. Farmers treat cows with this hormone to produce more milk for the rapidly growing population. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Many consumers know milk for its high calcium content but know they can get it elsewhere. However, they may not realize the eight other essential nutrients it has to offer. These include vitamin A, D, B12, phosphorus, potassium, riboflavin, protein, and niacin. Dairy products really offer a bang for your buck such as improving bone density, preventing cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure, while still offering a delicious, wholesome product.

Parents: Brad and Jill Hoheisel Town: Hillman Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I grew up on a dairy farm until my grandpa sold the cows in 2003. Since then, when I am not in school I have helped my on uncle’s farm. More recently, I have also been working with two of my dad’s cousins who together milk Kylee Hoheisel, 19 100 cows. I am currently atDairy Star Sponsor: tending the College of Saint Lake Henry Implement Benedict. Although I have Pierz, MN not yet declared a major, I 320-343-7411 intend to pursue a career in the medical field. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. Before I could walk, grandpa knew I had a place in the barn. He screwed two eye hooks into the barn ceiling from which he hung a Little Tykes swing. Every day I would sit in the swing and watch my mom and dad milk. When I became old enough to help with the chores, my four younger sisters and brother took over the swing. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? As I complete my first year of college, I think the biggest concerns consumers have result from the negative publicity and misconceptions of dairy farms. I would address this problem by sharing my experiences of growing up and working on a dairy farm. I would assure those who have been affected by negative publicity and the misconceptions that farmers are committed to caring for their animals and producing quality products for consumers. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking eliminating dairy from his/her diet? As a part of MyPlate, dairy products are an important aspect of consuming a wellbalanced diet. Milk provides an excellent source of calcium as well as eight other essential nutrients that may have to be replaced by supplements if you eliminate dairy products. As well as being nutritious, dairy products are delicious. With a wide selection of dairy products available, everyone can find something that they enjoy.

Parents: Marv and Teresa Miller Town: Little Falls Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. Currently I am a senior at Little Falls High School. My step-father, Marv, and his brother, Ron Miller, own and operate Enchanted Dairy. The farm currently has 1,600 cows which are Ingrid milked three times a day Floersheim, 17 on a 40-cow rotary parDairy Star Sponsor: lor system. The farm has Centra Sota taught me the importance Little Falls, MN of hard work and determi320-632-3631 nation. I hope to apply this work ethic to school when I study classical studies at Concordia next fall. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. When I was little, I had the opportunity to help feed the calves. In the beginning, someone stood by to help with the task. Eventually, I was able to handle the chore on my own. One day when I was feeding a calf, I made the mistake of turning my attention elsewhere. The calf bucked the pail and I was instantly drenched with milk. From that day on, the calf was nicknamed Bucky. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? Many consumers are unsure of the important process of milk production. They are very concerned about the nutritional value and safety of the products being purchased. To address these concerns, I would try to educate people on the vital dairy production process, from the cow to them. Therefore, they could familiarize themselves with the dairy industry and build trust not only in a farmer’s work, but also in the innumerable benefits of dairy products. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? If individuals are thinking of eliminating dairy from their diet, I would remind them of all the great benefits of keeping such a valuable additive in their nutritional regimen. Milk itself, has nine key essential nutrients. Some of these important supplements are vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, vitamin D and protein. I would also inform them that chocolate milk has more electrolytes than most sports drinks.

Parents: Gregg and Valora Stangl Town: Pierz Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am a senior in high school. I am in track and compete in these events: pole-vaulting, 100 meter, 200 meter and relays. I am the youngest of five children – one brother and three sisters. Our farm has 65 milking cows, lots Cassie Stangl, 18 of cats and three dogs we Dairy Star Sponsor: use for hunting. We farm Pierz Co-op 300 acres. I work on the Pierz, MN farm most mornings before 320-468-6655 school and feed calves at night when the farm gets busy during the fall, spring and summer. My future plans are to go to Minnesota State University-Moorhead for business. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. When I was 7 years old, I tried climbing out of the window in our shed behind the old barn. I ended up having to get stitches on my chin because I fell. I then spent my first day of kindergarten with stitches. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? The biggest concerns consumers have about milk is if the product is safe and of high quality. The rBGH and IGF injected into some cows does not affect the milk produced because when you drink it the process of digestion destroys the protein hormones. Farmers try to make the milk high quality because if it is not, they are not paid as much. Also, farmers drink their milk and so do their family members. They wouldn’t want anything but the best for

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Morrison County continued their family. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Calcium supplements don’t work as well as dairy products which have calcium in them. Milk helps you lose weight because milk protein has an additional fat burning effect. Milk has essential nutrients. When you are craving something unhealthy, milk might stop these cravings. When your body craves the unhealthy food, it is because the body is not getting the important nutrients.

Mower County Parents: Doug and Becky Jax Town: Waltham Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am active in volleyball, dance team, SADD, HOT, Target Team, FFA, 4-H, National Honor Society and I teach Sunday School at my church. I live and work on a farm. On my farm we have a mixture of dairy and beef animals Nicole Jax, 18 along with goats. I work for Dairy Star Sponsor: my uncle on his dairy farm, Meyerhofer Bagging milking 80 cows. I will be Stacyville, IA attending South Dakota 507-259-5863 State University in the fall to pursue a degree in dairy manufacturing. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. When I was young, my siblings, cousins and I would have contests to see who could climb the highest on the pole that went through the center of our barn. Naturally, I won. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I think a major topic of concern for consumers is buying a safe and wholesome product. Rest assured, we are taking all the possible precautions to provide the public with a consumable product. We ensure this by exceeding sanitation requirements, keeping the animals healthy and comfortable, and performing regular inspections. We pride ourselves on providing a safe and wholesome product to the market for consumers to enjoy. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Studies show that consuming at least three servings of dairy a day contributes to maintaining a balanced diet and sustaining a healthy weight. The consumption of dairy products also makes hair shiny, gives skin a natural glow and builds strong teeth and bones.

Parents: Lynn and Sherilyn Miller Town: Le Roy Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am a senior at Miller Home School. I am actively involved in the National FFA Organization at LeRoy-Ostrander High School. I live on a 200-cow dairy farm with my family. I have eight siblings: Leo, Joel, Blaine Isaac, Silas, Amber, Tanya and Hannah. I Faith Patricia assist my sister in caring for Miller, 18 calves and relief milk for my Dairy Star Sponsor: family when needed. I also Marzolf Implement raise chickens for meat and Spring Valley, MN egg production. My future 507-346-7227 plans are to attend Rochester Community and Technical College for horticulture and equine horse husbandry and later transfer to Iowa State University. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. One summer morning in 2008, 46 of our 9-month-old heifers decided to take a seven-mile trot at about 4 a.m. My family and I noticed they were gone around 5 a.m. and began searching for them. After four hours of tracking, we finally found them in the middle of a small

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swamp area and walked them seven miles back to the farm. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I believe the biggest concerns are over the safety and quality of dairy products. The dairy industry takes food safety very seriously. Farmers and processors work closely with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the state regulatory officials to establish many safety regulations and practices. Before a product reaches the store, it goes through over fifteen different tests. As a result American dairy products are among the safest and most highly regulated foods in the world. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? No other food or beverage gives consumers nine essential nutrients with each serving, making it important to have at least three servings of dairy every day. Dairy foods help build and maintain healthy bones and can also lower the risk of heart disease and cancer. Dairy products can also reduce the risk of osteoporosis and obesity. Parents: Donald and Stephanie Servick Town: LeRoy Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I’m a freshman at the University of MinnesotaTwin Cities studying agricultural education. I have worked on my family’s 550cow dairy farm near Fountain, where I’ve helped milk and do other various chores. I hope to graduate with a de- Lauren Servick, 19 gree and hopefully find a job Dairy Star Sponsor: in dairy promotions. TW Haulers Tell us a unique story Preston, MN you have from growing up 507-765-2355 or working on a farm. One of my favorite things to do after milking is to go into the break room and listen to my uncles and the other employees talk about dairy farming, the industry and the crops. I learned so much even though there were other chores I was supposed to be doing. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I think the biggest concern consumers have about dairy products is how they are produced. I think consumers are more interested now, more than ever, about how their food gets to their plate. I really enjoy the opportunities to bring consumers to farms and show them the great care our animals get and how the milk is handled by the time it gets to their glass. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? It is important to stress how much nutritional value there is in milk and other dairy products. Milk provides nine essential nutrients that are important to a healthy diet. The amount of calcium we get from three servings on low-fat or fat free dairy every day is vital to growing and maintaining strong bones and healthy teeth. Chocolate milk is also a great drink to grab for refueling after a workout! Parents: Randy and Val Smith Town: Adams Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I’m finishing my sophomore year at the University of Minnesota majoring in agriculture education with an emphasis in leadership and communications. I grew up on a 240-cow dairy farm near Adams, and plan to continue working in the dairy industry, hopefully in Calli Jo Smith, 20 Dairy Star Sponsor: the area of nutrition. Land O’Lakes Tell us a unique story Melrose, MN you have from growing up 320-256-7461 or working on a farm. A story I always enjoy is when my cousin and I would practice sorting cattle. When we would try to help our fathers, we would always mess up and get yelled at. Then my cousin and I would go back to our old calf shed and pretend to sort them out! What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how

Mower County continued would you address these topics? When a consumer opens the dairy case, I believe their biggest concerns are with the usage of supplemental hormones. I would tell the consumer that studies show that milk from animals treated with the supplemental hormone rBST is the same wholesome produced that we have enjoyed for generations. This has been affirmed and reaffirmed by the U.S. FDA, and other leading health organizations. All milk naturally contains very small amounts of hormones, and science shows that there is no significant difference in hormone levels between organic and regular milk. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I would let them know the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recognizes the importance of three daily servings of lowfat or fat-free dairy foods as part of a healthy diet. Milk and milk products supply three of the four nutrients of concern (calcium, vitamin D and potassium) in the diets of Americans, as well as many other important nutrients. They are also quite delicious! Parents: Ron and Robin Vrieze Town: Racine Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I live on a 110-Holstein and 250-acre farm. I milk cows two times a week, and more during the spring and summer. I am a senior at Stewartville High School and I am a PSEO student at Rochester Community and Technical College. I plan to Christine Vrieze, 18 get a degree for accounting Dairy Star Sponsor: and business management. All American Tell us a unique story Cooperative you have from growing Stewartville, MN up or working on a farm. 507-533-4222 We had new heifers break through three fences, causing three different pens of cows to get out and mix together. My father and mother showed up, followed by my brother and sister-in-law. Then my brother’s friend and my sister-in-law’s brother showed up as well. All of us worked to get the cows separated, milked and the fences fixed. Without each other, it would have taken more than the five hours it took us. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? Some of the biggest concerns people have are is milk safe and healthy. It is. Milk gets tested at least three times before it is processed, so one knows it’s safe. If it was unsafe, it would be discarded immediately. Milk also has nine nutrients that are a huge benefit to maintaining a healthy body. Without dairy products, it would be a lot harder to maintain a person’s health. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Dairy shouldn’t be eliminated if a person is trying to stay healthy. One ounce of hard cheese has more protein than one egg. There are nine main nutrients in milk, the most common being calcium. One eight-ounce serving of yogurt has the same amount of potassium as a banana.

Murray County Parents: Don and Sandy Van Eck Town: Ruthton Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am a junior at Southwest Minnesota Christian High School in Edgerton. My family currently milks 60 cows. I am actively involved on the farm, from milking every night, to doing yard chores along with fieldwork when needed. I am also capable of milking by myself when my dad is in the field. My future plans are to attend South Dakota State Uni-

Murray County continued versity for dairy management or child development. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. One of the most fitting stories about growing up on a farm happened in the barn. My siblings and I spent a lot of time in the barn with my Dad, helping to prep the cows for milking. When we got older, my dad challenged us to see who could reach the overhead pulsation line. By stepping up on the cement curb, all three of us could reach the milk line. You probably already know what happened after that: so began our milking career. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I feel the biggest concern consumers have today is the safety of our animals. Dairy animals are created to produce milk, which in turn provides food products for consumers. The public needs to be aware that the animals provide our income. We would not jeopardize their health, or we lose money. We always need to treat our animals properly and feed them accordingly. The public is watching, even when we don’t think they are. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? If approached by someone thinking about eliminating dairy from their diet, I would first tell them there are nine essential nutrients found in milk. These are very important nutrients for our body. Some also think dairy products are too high in fat, but truthfully, the fats found in dairy products are healthy fats. Dairy products help our bodies have stronger bones and teeth, and allow us to have an overall better health.

Nobles County Parents: Kevin and Alleen DeBoer Town: Ellsworth Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am a senior at Ellsworth High School and have four brothers. I live and work on my family dairy. We have 300 cows, raise all our heifers and farm 1,200 acres. I take care of the calves, do a lot of the cow records Kalene DeBoer, 17 and help with many other Dairy Star Sponsor: tasks. I work before and Domeyer Implement after school plus on weekEllsworth, MN ends. I am going to North507-967-2468 east Iowa Community or 507-967-2485 College this fall for dairy science. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. My calf, Mary Kay, got her name from her mother, Mary, and me, Kalene. She was born the day before my 11th birthday. On her first birthday I took her out on the halter and gave her balloons. She licked the balloons and enjoyed her day celebrating with me. Later that summer, I showed her at the county fair. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? The quality of the product. Consumers want to be sure that what they eat and drink is safe. I would tell them farmers do their best to keep the milk clean. The milk goes through filters and undergoes many tests ensure the milk is safe. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Dairy is one of the healthiest foods you can consume. It provides many essential nutrients to keep your body healthy. It also tastes delicious and comes in many varieties. Nobles County continued on next page

Kiley Van Eck, 17 Dairy Star Sponsor: Blue Hilltop Lake Wilson, MN 507-879-3593 800-821-7092

Nobles County continued Parents: Andrew and Michele Wieneke Town: Lismore Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/ or work on, and your future plans. I am a senior at Adrian High School. I have grown up on a dairy farm and started working with my dad and grandpa at a young age. I was feeding the cows, vaccinating, and milking. I enjoyed working hard and being involved in the dairy Morgan industry. After my family’s Wieneke, 18 dairy business was sold I began working on a few Dairy Star Sponsor: dairy farms for friends here Gorter’s Clay and and there. When I turned 15 Dairy Equipment I got a part-time job working Pipestone, MN on Gary and Joyce Sieve’s 507 - 825-3271 Dairy. I enjoyed working there for about a year but then was offered a job at Andy and Sara Henning’s dairy. I have been working there for about two years and love every minute of it. My future plans are to attend Lake Area Technical in Watertown, S.D., to study agriculture production Management. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. Growing up on a dairy farm is by far the best! At an early age I was taught to respect bulls. Our hoop barn was separated into two pens, one for my horse and the other for the milk cows and the bull. After milking one night, I chased the cows out with the bull. I jumped the fence to check my horse. I was in there for a while. There was also a bull in the pasture. He walked up to the fence by my horse so now there was a bull on each side of me. I was trapped. It felt like I was there forever until finally I took a run for it as fast as I could. My heart never beat so fast! What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? One of the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products is the fat content in the products. Although the fat content in many dairy products can be lowered without reducing the amount of calcium, low fat milk contains less energy and lower amounts of fat soluble vitamins. It is not suitable for children under two. The fat in dairy products contains good soluble vitamins. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his / her diet? A persons diet is very important. It is recommended a person consume three servings of dairy daily. If someone would eliminate dairy from their diet, they would also be eliminating benefits such as: a decreased risk of kidney stones, keeping trim, lowering the risk of breast cancer and colon cancer, fighting off hypertension, and many more. It’s key to get three servings of dairy every day.

Olmsted County Parents: Paul and Susan Kyllo Town: Byron Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am a second-year student at Rochester Community and Technical College. I plan to graduate this spring with an Associate of Arts degree in liberal arts, and transfer to either the University of MinnesotaTwin Cities or University of Wisconsin-River Falls in Carolyn Kyllo, 22 Dairy Star Sponsor: the fall. My family’s farm AMPI consists of about 80 cows, Rochester Division a mixture of Holsteins and www.ampi.com crossbreeds. Growing up, my sisters and I were home schooled, which gave us greater flexibility, and allowed us to play an active role on the farm year round. We worked together taking care of our cows and farm. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. When I was 10 years old, I developed a fascination with the family trees of our cows. I would spend hours digging through old record books trying to figure out what cow families our current cows descended from. I learned the genealogies of all our cows, and earned the nickname of the “cow computer” because I knew the cows so well.

Olmsted County continued What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I think consumers are concerned about the care farmers give to their animals, and also the healthiness of dairy products. Informing consumers about the standard care procedures farmers give to their animals, as well as clearing up misunderstanding regarding topics such as antibiotic regulations could help alleviate concerns. Also, reminding consumers of dairy’s unique nutrient package could help teach them the importance of dairy in their diet. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? It would be important to find the real reason the person was considering removing dairy from his/her diet. If a person was concerned about losing weight, I could explain that dairy has an important role in a healthy, balanced diet. If the person was concerned about animal care, I could give them examples of how farmers care for their cows. Another reason a person might consider dropping dairy from his/her diet might be because of lactose intolerance issues. I would encourage those who are lactose intolerant to try dairy products such as yogurt or hard cheddar cheese, or lactose replaced milk since these dairy products tend to be easier for someone who is lactose intolerant to digest. People have other reasons for removing dairy from their diets, so it will be important for me to be informed and positive about dairy’s place in the diet.

Parents: Amy and Dan Mesenburg Town: Byron Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. Living in town, the dairy farm used to be just a place to visit. As I’ve grown older, I discovered my love for the dairy industry and became employed on my Uncles’ third generation farm, Poly-Kow Holstein. Laura I commute to the farm to Mesenburg, 19 help with chores and calf Dairy Star Sponsor: care. I will graduate the Plainview Milk University of Wisconsin, Products Eau Claire with a Biology Plainview, MN major and a Spanish minor. 507-534-3872 I hope to become a radiologist which will allow me to continue promoting dairy by offering a medical opinion about the important role dairy nutrition plays in a healthy body. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. When fair time comes around, my cousins and I are hard at work preparing our best animals. This requires a lot of responsibility. My favorite task is washing the cows. Whenever it’s time to wash an animal, my six year old cousin, GiGi, is my little helper. She’s the one that’s always in control of the hose. No matter how hard I try, I always walk out of the wash rack drenched! There are plenty of laughs and smiles. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? There are many concerns consumers are facing with dairy products today. The issue I am most passionate about is the questioning of the overall nutrition that the products provide. A popular worry among the population is obesity. Is dairy providing the right nutrition? As a dairy princess, I would address the issue by explaining the importance of getting your three daily servings of dairy each day. Another key point I would highlight would be the efforts being made to prevent obesity like the Fuel Up to Play 60 program. I believe the public needs to be better informed of the wholesome goodness dairy provides no matter what the product. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? If a person was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet, I would tell them to strongly reconsider. Many people don’t realize how essential dairy is to our body. It has nine essential nutrients our bodies’ need. Recent studies have also shown that those who receive their three daily servings of dairy have healthier body weights. It would be a high priority to educate this person about the health benefits dairy has in store for us.

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Parents: Bob and Barb Petit Town: Plainview Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am a sophomore at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities majoring in agricultural education with an emphasis in communications along with an animal science minor. After graduation, I want to work with Extension Kelsey Petit, 20 and still be involved in the Dairy Star Sponsor: dairy industry. At school, Plainview Milk I am involved in Gopher Products Dairy Club, Agriculture Plainview, MN Education Club, Block and 507-534-3872 Bridle Club and Lambda Delta Phi Sorority. My parents are first generation dairy farmers. We milk 60 Holsteins in a 30-cow stanchion barn. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. I was about 3 years old; I wanted to help my dad feed the cows while they were milking. My dad gave me the chore of giving each cow a scoop of top-dress. The only issue was that the top-dress was in a huge wagon and I couldn’t push it, so I had to go up and down the isle every time I finished feeding one cow. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? One of the biggest concerns I believe consumers have with dairy products is the fat content. If a person is trying to lose weight, they consider cutting all fat. But in reality, with the unique combination of all the nutrients in dairy products, you would have a higher metabolism. Thereby, they would be contributing to your weight loss. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Milk is one of nature’s most perfect foods. Where else can you get a combination of nine essential nutrients in a pure product? I would encourage the consumer to compare the label to the item they would replace milk with and see if they would be getting equal nutrients per serving and if the product has the same great taste as milk.

Pipestone County Parents: Mike and Sue Hulstein Town: Edgerton Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. My dad owns County Line Dairy in Edgerton. I am currently involved in 4-H, and I am going to college at Globe University in Sioux Falls, S.D., for veterinary technician. My hobbies include 4-H, horseback riding and Alyssa Hulstein, 20 showing my horse. On the Dairy Star Sponsor: farm we milk over 500 Dave Hulstein cows. My jobs include Excavating, Inc. helping my mom feed Edgerton, MN newborn calves, watch507-442-4000 ing gates, spreading straw, moving heifers and helping dad breed heifers. I help wherever I am needed. In the future, I plan to finish college and get a job at a large animal clinic, zoo or equine specialized clinic. I have two sisters, Cassie (21) who is a senior at SDSU, and Carli (16) who is a junior at Southwest Minnesota Christian. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. A story I have is when my parents still milked in the tiestall barn. My sisters and I would take teat cups, squirt milk in them and drink it. What do you think are the biggest concerns Pipestone County continued on next page

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consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? Some concerns consumers have would be the safety and nutritional value of the product. They don’t know that the milk is tested and records are kept by the farmers to make sure the milk is high quality. Also the farmers have a good relationship with their vet. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I would tell someone who is thinking of eliminating dairy from their diet that milk has nine essential vitamins, and it is one of the most natural products you can get. It also has good nutritional value for people of all ages, including babies.

Parents: Steve and Marla Viland Town: Pipestone Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am a sophomore at South Dakota State University, double majoring in dairy production and ag education. I am involved in the SDSU Dairy Club, SDSU track and field, and planning the ninth annual Dairy Camp. Meg Viland, 20 I live on my family’s cenDairy Star Sponsor: tury farm, Iland-Acre HolGorter’s Clay and steins, where we milk 47 Dairy Equipment Holstein cows in a tiestall Pipestone, MN barn. We also used to milk 507-825-3271 cows in a freestall barn with a parlor for six years. My main jobs on our farm include milking, feeding calves and heifers, shaving cattle, halter-breaking, and showing. I intend to complete my education in the fall of 2015 and start teaching and coaching track. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. Growing up on a farm is a unique experience! I have a lot of memories of running around our farm with my younger brothers. One of my favorite memories is simply running around our pasture, exploring and catching toads. Sometimes, we still do that today! But now we are interested in more thrilling stuff, like finding a raft and attempting to float down our creek whenever it floods. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? Today there seems to be a fad of healthy eating and lifestyles. This is good because milk is very nutritious and healthy! Unfortunately, flavored milk gets criticism because of sugar content. I happily tell people that flavored milk is the first thing I go to after our track practices or lifts. Flavored milk’s nine essential nutrients are just what I need to get me going again. Milk helps me reduce the risk of stress fractures, grow strong bones, maintain lean muscle, build red blood cells, regulate balance of fluids in my body, keep a healthy immune system and convert nutrients into energy to keep me on the track and off the bench. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his / her diet? If someone told me they were considering eliminating dairy from their diet, I would inform them of the nutrients they would miss out on obtaining so easily. Milk’s nutrients play an important role in the basic functioning of the body. It would be much harder to get the same nutrients in the same amounts as what is provided in milk. For example, in order to get the same amount of calcium offered in milk, a person would have to eat three cups of broccoli. Dairy farmers continuously work hard, caring for their cows every day to produce a wholesome and safe product they are proud to put on the market.

Redwood County Parents: Charlotte and Mark Hoffmann Town: Morgan Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I live on a dairy farm and have two brothers. My plan for next year is to go to Alexandria Technical and Community College for interior design. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. McKayla Growing up on a farm reHoffmann, 18 quires us to be cautious of Dairy Star Sponsor: our environment. My famWeltsch ily always needs to watch Equipment, Inc. out for clothes that might Redwood Falls, MN get torn in the auger, a bull (507) 644-3566 that might attack or a cow kicking. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his / her diet? If someone told me they were planning on cutting all dairy products out of their diet, I would tell them they’re missing out. First of all, who could stop eating ice cream by choice? I sure couldn’t. Second of all, I would inform them of how every diet needs calcium, which helps build stronger bones.

Parents: Greg and Laura Stage Town: Vesta Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am a senior at Southwest Minnesota State University. After completing my student teaching in the fall, I will be graduating with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and early childhood education, and Dalton Stage, 22 a minor in special educaDairy Star Sponsor: tion. I grew up on a small AMPI family farm by Vesta, with Dawson Division my parents and three sibwww.ampi.com lings. We lived a mile and a half away from the dairy farm, which is where my grandparents lived. We were very active in caring for the animals. When I was a junior in high school we moved to the dairy farm site because my grandparents moved to Vesta. I am the oldest, and it was my responsibility to help out on the farm by milking the cows. I do not help out on the farm as often as I would like to because I am at college. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. When I was 2 years old, I was staying at my grandparent’s house I was helping my grandpa outside in the oat bin, because I did not want to stay in the house with the babysitter. After we left the bin, my grandparents began to notice me having a difficult time breathing and was breaking out in hives. They were confused about what was wrong with me, and gave me a bath which made me feel better. We found out my reaction was due to asthma and allergies. That was the last time I went into the oat bin. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I think the biggest concern consumers’ face with dairy products is if the product is safe to consume. I think it is important to assure consumers the product is safe because it is tested and it goes through a process to be cleaned. I think it is also important to make sure we continue to educate consumers about how dairy products are one of the healthiest foods to consume because they are packed with nutrients and vitamins that are essential in maintaining good health.

Redwood County continued What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I would let a person know that if they consume the recommended three servings of dairy, it could aid them in losing weight. I would also inform them that there are many nutrients and vitamins in dairy products that are difficult to consume other ways. Dairy products are vital components in keeping a person’s bones and teeth strong. These are a few of the many benefits that a person receives from consuming dairy products. Parents: Greg and Laura Stage Town: Vesta Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am a freshman at South Dakota State University majoring in dairy manufacturing. We milk about 70 cows and farm about 900 acres of land. In the future, I would like to get a job within a dairy manufacturing plant Della Stage, 18 and start manufacturing Dairy Star Sponsor: my own products. Gorter’s Clay and Tell us a unique story Dairy Equipment you have from growing Pipestone, MN up or working on a farm. 507-825-3271 On a warm summer day when I was about 6 years old, I was playing in the sprinkler with my cousin and brother. We all had our swim suits on and decided to put on our chore boots and take a walk in the dry cow lot. We thought it would be a good idea to walk right through the muddiest part. We all ended up getting stuck and my grandpa had to come pull us out. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I feel the biggest concern consumers have with dairy products is the lack of knowledge. Everyone hears different information from different sources. Some of this information may not be correct, but people believe what they hear. I think the best way to address this problem is to get reliable sources that people can trust. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I would inform them about the nine essential nutrients a person gets from milk. If you eliminate dairy from your diet, you will have to find different sources of these nine nutrients that a person needs every day.

Renville County Parents: Randy and Darla Albrecht Town: Fairfax Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I live on a dairy farm operated by my father and two of his brothers. They milk around 70 cows. Currently, I am a senior a GibbonFairfax-Winthrop High School. Next year I plan to attend a four-year college and work to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. A memory I have is when I rode along with my dad when he went to St. Paul

Jenna Albrecht, 18 Dairy Star Sponsor: South Central Grain & Energy Fairfax, MN 507-843-6543

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Renville County continued to sell cattle at the South St. Paul Stockyards. We would leave early in the morning and stop for breakfast, which was a special treat. When we arrived at the stockyard, I would sit and watch them sell cattle in the ring. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I would say safety is a big concern consumers have when it comes to dairy products. They want to know that the milk they are drinking is inspected and pasteurized properly, and kept in the right environment. Consumers should know that all kinds of precautions are taken to ensure the dairy products they purchase are safe and of high quality. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? If I knew someone who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet, I would remind them of all the nutritional advantages dairy products provide and advise that person to adjust his/her diet in a different way. If he or she was worried about the fat content of food, I would remind them there are plenty of low-fat dairy options to choose from while getting the valuable nutrition needed.

Parents: Kirby and Ann Albrecht Town: Fairfax Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am a freshman at South Dakota State University majoring in animal science business and production and minoring in Spanish. My dad and uncles operate a dairy and crop farm south of Fairfax and milk about 70 Jessica Albrecht, 19 cows. I have three younger Dairy Star Sponsor: sisters, and I enjoy helping First National Bank out with chores and fieldFairfax, MN work whenever possible. 507-426-7242 Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. Last summer I was milking cows the night before my freshman orientation. While I was putting the milk machine on the cow, she kicked me across the face. My chin was bleeding, and I had scrapes on my hands and shoulder. The next day, I had my picture taken for my school ID and I was so embarrassed because I had a scab on my chin that will be on my school ID for the next four years. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? A lot of people think chocolate milk served at school is what’s contributing to the obesity problem in America. Therefore, some schools are thinking about taking chocolate milk off their menus. They don’t realize chocolate milk has the same nutrients as white milk. If chocolate milk is not offered in schools, many kids won’t take milk at all. Consequently, many children won’t receive the essential nutrients milk provides their bodies. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I think one of the most important dairy facts is the strength calcium gives your bones. People should become more aware of how important it is to have calcium as part of their diets. Whether a person is playing sports or doing daily activities, it’s important to have healthy bones. Getting enough calcium will especially help as a person grows older as this mineral aids in preventing such diseases as osteoporosis.

If you would like additional copies of this special edition, please contact Nancy at the Dairy Star office, 320-352-6303 Or visit www.dairystar.com to see a digital version of this special edition.

Rice County Parents: Brian and Stacey Gillen Town: Medford Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am from Medford, and I live on my parent’s dairy farm. On my family’s third generation farm, we milk 90 Holsteins and raise our own calves, replacement heifers and steers. Besides my busy life at home, I am going to school at South Central College in Emily Gillen, 18 Dairy Star Sponsor: Mankato for my degree in Story Sales & Service agribusiness. I also balance Faribault, MN a full-time job at Nerstrand 800-491-3724 Agri Center. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. As a little girl, I was always the one to help my dad out in the barn. I enjoyed riding in the tractor and helping feed the animals, but I always found time for caring for my favorite cow, Elise. Every night I would make sure she had a sufficient supply of straw for bedding and had a good grooming. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I believe one concern consumers have about dairy products is the fat content. To get past this concern, the industry has provided different options such as fat-free or low-fat milk, cheese and yogurt. Decreasing the fat in dairy products also cuts calories and saturated fat, while protein, calcium and most other vitamins and minerals remain high. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Dairy food consumption is associated with the overall diet quality and nutrient sufficiency. Removing dairy foods from the diet can have a negative impact on nutrient intake. The industry is proud to offer great-tasting dairy products in different flavors to have more opportunities for consumers. Consuming three daily servings of dairy products is an easy way to get a variety of nutrients important for our healthy bodies.

Parents: Joe and Karen Korbel Town: Lonsdale Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. On my family’s farm, we milk 40 Holsteins. My jobs include milking cows, cleaning pens and mangers, feeding calves, keeping records on the cows, helping with fieldwork and anything else that needs to be done. I am a senior at New Prague Tracie Korbel, 18 Dairy Star Sponsor: High School. This fall I am attending University of Kasper Dairy Supply Northfield, MN Wisconsin-River Falls to 612-483-1323 major in animal science. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. Once when I was 13 years old, I was all alone at home and the only job I had to do was bring the cows into the barn. When I went out there, to my surprise, I saw a cow in labor. I quickly got her in and pulled the calf by myself for the very first time. Not many teenagers can say they have ever done that. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? Many people are concerned with the quality of dairy products in recent years. Farmers are trying to do everything they can to make sure the cows stay clean with low somatic cell count, their water is clean, and that they receive the proper nutrients in their feed in order to give us quality products. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Dairy products are a necessity to building strong bones. They contain healthy

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nutrients such as protein, calcium and lots of vitamins. There are a variety of flavors you can get, so you always have lots of options to choose from. Having three dairy products a day is an important part of the dietary guidelines for a person to follow every day. Parents: Paul and Linda Meyer Town: Faribault Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/ or work on, and your future plans. I live on a farm that’s been in my family for six generations and over 150 years. We raise dairy cows, beef cows, corn, soybeans and alfalfa. I attend Bemidji State University and I am working toward a degree in elementary education with a minor in Jessica Meyer, 19 Dairy Star Sponsor: Spanish and the coaching specialist program. I am Isaacson Implement Nerstrand, MN involved with BSU’s cross 507-334-4059 country and track and field team, and an intramural volleyball team. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. Last year I was helping my dad pull a calf from a stubborn heifer that wouldn’t lie down. My dad gave me two paper feed sacks to put over my arms so I could help catch the calf. Once the calf’s head and shoulders were out, it came out pretty quickly, and I wasn’t quite ready for it. Next thing I knew I was lying in the middle of the alley with a little bull calf on top of me. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I think the issue many consumers today are concerned about is the use of rBST. I would tell a person who is concerned about this that many studies have shown that milk from cows given rBST is no different to milk from the cows not given rBST. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I would tell them about the nutritional benefits of milk. Milk has nine essential vitamins and minerals. Milk is also a great source of calcium which assists in bone growth and repair. Without a significant amount of calcium in the body, a person is more likely to get osteoporosis, which causes bones to break more easily. I would also tell them that milk is delicious and wholesome and can be turned into many products such as cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese and more.

Rock County Parents: Dale and Shelli Van Westen Town: Steen Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I just finished my first year at Northeast Iowa Community College where I am pursuing a degree in dairy science technology. I live on acreage with my parents and have sheep and cow/calf pairs. I work at Teune’s Dairy where my Alaina responsibilities are milking, Van Westen, 19 doing calf chores, helping vaccinate and cleaning the Dairy Star Sponsor: milking center. This fall, I Gorter’s Clay and will go back for my last year Dairy Equipment of college and then I hope Pipestone, MN to be employed at a dairy in 507-825-3271 this region. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. A memory I will always have from growing up on the farm is when my grandma and I would bring dinner out to the field for grandpa, dad and my brother. We’d spend the morning baking apple pie or chocolate chip cookies. When dinnertime came, we’d make summer sausage sandwiches to take out to the field with the pie or cookies to eat on the tailgate of the pickup. I then got to ride

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Rock County continued in the combine or on the fender of the tractor if we were putting up hay. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I feel the biggest concern consumers have about dairy products is the manner in which these products are produced. I would address this concern by explaining that farmers care for the calves and cows by providing a clean, comfortable environment, fresh feed and water, and as little stress as possible. Dairy farming is not just a job, but a way of life. The whole family is often involved and everyone takes pride in producing quality milk. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I would make sure to tell that person that dairy products (milk, as well as cheese and yogurt) offer nutrients that provide for: healthy bones and teeth, energy release, muscle function, good eyesight, immune function and regulation of metabolism. A single glass of milk often contributes enough nutrients to meet the recommended intake for all age groups. And on top of all that, dairy products taste great! Parents: Dick and Teresa Kramer Town: Garretson, S.D. Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I will be a sophomore at Garretson Public School this coming fall. I play volleyball and am involved in 4-H. I live and work on our family dairy in Rock County; however I attend school in Garretson, S. D. We milk around 50 cows in a stanchion barn. I am not Amy Kramer, 15 sure what I would like to do Dairy Star Sponsor: in the future. Luverne Farm Store Tell us a unique story 507-283-9555 you have from growing up or working on a farm. When I was a baby, my parents would bring me outside to the barn whenever they would milk. They hung a swing in the alley of the milking barn and I would swing while they were milking since I wasn’t yet old enough to help. I occasionally got a little dirty when I was swinging behind a cow that was pooping. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? Some of the concerns I have heard are that the consumers are worried about antibiotics in the dairy products. Samples are taken from each farm and tested to be sure the milk doesn’t have antibiotics in it. If it does, it is discarded. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I would say the calcium and other nutrients in dairy products are part of what keep your teeth and bones healthy. Also, the advertised 2 percent fat milk is 98 percent fat free. You should include dairy in every meal to keep your bones and teeth strong.

Scott County Parents: Ken and Linda Glisczinski Town: New Prague Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I grew up on our dairy farm, with my two older siblings, Scott and Liz. I helped everywhere and anywhere my help was needed. We milk 180 cows and have a total of 450 head of cattle, which includes a few beef Sara Glisczinski, 18 cows. Our farm consists Dairy Star Sponsor: of 80 acres while renting Prairie Farm Supply 300. I plan to attend South Belle Plaine, MN Dakota State University, 952-873-4234 majoring in animal science and agriculture business. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. The most unique stories I have from growing up on our dairy farm would be

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helping my dad deliver calves. The most memorable ones are when we would get up in the middle of the night. After all the work is done and we had a healthy new born calf, we could not help but feel proud of our accomplishment. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I believe one of the biggest concerns consumers have with dairy products are how fattening they are said to be. Dairy products are known to be higher in fat and that is frowned upon by consumers. As we all know, you need a little fat to have a healthy diet, so getting three servings of dairy products is very important. Not only to maintain a healthy diet but also to build stronger bones. Having strong bones are essential to everybody. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Dairy products are filled with nine essential nutrients you need in order to have a healthy diet. Eliminating dairy products from your daily diet puts you at health risks. Especially if you eliminate the most powerful calcium provider there is – milk. Yes, you can substitute some of your needed nutrients with daily dietary pills, but those just qualify as supplements. They are not your true valued nutrients your body needs from dairy products.

Parents: Mary Ann and John Ruehling Town: New Prague Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am the oldest of three children. I have two younger brothers, Curtis (16) and Adam (11). I graduated from New Prague High School last year and decided to work on our farm with my family and my uncle, Marty. I help Maggie raise calves, milk cows, Ruehling, 18 work ground and help with Dairy Star Sponsor: the daily care of equipment and livestock. I enjoy being River Country Co-op Montgomery, MN outdoors riding my horse, 507-364-5059 taking care of my 4-H sheep and competing in the 4-H dog show. We milk about 230 cows and raise our own replacement heifers. We rent and own land where we grow corn, soybeans and alfalfa. I plan to continue working on the farm and eventually take over. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. One summer, when I was 10, we had twin calves born from a small heifer. The babies barely came to the top of my knee. They were so small I could carry them around like a small dog. We named them Tiny and Shorty and we took extra special care of them. They eventually grew up to be very large Holstein cows. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I think the biggest concern consumers have is where their products come from. Do we over use drugs or hormones on our cows? Is what they are ingesting safe for their families? I would tell them that we are also eating or drinking the same product. My parents would never do anything that would endanger their loved ones, or be harmful to them. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I would tell anyone who was thinking of removing dairy from their diet that dairy is still the best form of calcium. It has other vitamins and minerals that come in a natural form. Yogurt has enzymes that are not easily found anywhere else. They would have to change their style of cooking and eating and would be missing out of the delicious flavors of dairy.

Parents: Tim and Jody O’Loughlin Town: Shakopee Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. Between being a cheerleader, a dancer and keeping myself busy with academic clubs at school, I try to help out on the family farm as much as possible. Our farm has been in the family for three generations. We Erica farm around 4,000 acres O’Loughlin, 18 and milk around 220 dairy Dairy Star Sponsor: cows. We also have pigs, AMPI chickens, cats and a dog. Rochester Division There is always something www.ampi.com different going on each day, but it keeps us on our toes and I enjoy it! This fall I plan to attend Iowa State University to study veterinarian medicine specializing in large animals. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. Being able to grow up on a farm is an adventure in its own! Because of this privilege, I have become very close with my cousins. My favorite memories are with them. We ride dirtbikes in the pastures to see who can jump the driveway the furthest, go mudding in the go-cart or go swimming in the ponds when it’s hot outside. One of our favorite things to do was making club houses and trails in the woods, trying to recreate the movie Bridge to Terabithia, but our club was Ethiopia with swings made from branches and a small house made from a fallen tree. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? One of the biggest concerns I believe consumers have is whether to purchase organic or non-organic products. Consumers have the mind set that organic food is better for them. The medicines given to the animals are safe to use as long as there is a withholding period. The products used on the crops are in use to prevent plant diseases. To solve these issues, I would make consumers aware of these facts before they make the decision on what type of product to purchase. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Dairy is a great source of protein and calcium. The products taste good and provide essential nutrients our bodies need to stay healthy. I would also give them information on ways to use different dairy products within their diet if they don’t like to consume the individual product.

Parents: Randy and Cheryl Warner Town: New Prague Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am a third generation 4-Her. I grew up on a 300-acre dairy farm where we currently milk 20 Holsteins and raise corn and soybeans. My future plans, in addition to promoting the dairy industry as the ScottLe Sueur dairy princess, include pursing a nursing Kayla Warner, 20 degree and dance minor at Dairy Star Sponsor: Gustavus Adolphus College Ross Equipment in St. Peter. Lonsdale, MN Tell us a unique story 800-645-7677 you have from growing up or working on a farm. My favorite memories are from the summers growing up on the farm. My siblings and I would always look forward to showing cattle each year at the Scott County Fair. Our summers consisted of training our calves to lead, washing and grooming, and preparing for the best five days of summer with all the fellow 4-H families. My favorite memories were the years of showing cattle at the Minnesota State Fair and watching Princess Kay being carved out of 90 pounds of butter while fantasizing of being Princess Kay one day! What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I think the biggest concern consumers have is questioning the safety of their food because they don’t understand where the food they are

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Scott County continued eating is coming from. Without being educated about the many different processes taken to protect the products for consumers and the integrity of the industry, it sometimes causes them to feel uneasy until they are informed of the measures taken to ensure healthy and safe products. It is our job as dairy princesses to educate the general public about all the positive health benefits dairy products provide, the impact it has on our daily lives, as well as the hard work farmers put into their work. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Being a dairy princess and nursing student, I would first advise the individual to reconsider eliminating dairy products from their daily diet. Dairy products are essential to all healthy diets and provide a number of benefits to our overall health and well-being including: protein, calcium, vitamins (in particular vitamin D), stronger bones, lower blood pressure, and people are less likely to have metabolic syndrome. Dairy products are the best sources of these health benefits and we have a wide variety of product selection!

Sibley County Parents: Jon and Cheryl Farber Town: Green Isle Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I live in Green Isle on a dairy farm. Our family milks 150 cows, raise heifers and we also crop farm. I am a senior at Sibley East High School. In school I am involved in FFA, and I have been an active member since eighth grade. Outside of school I’m an Lauren Farber, 18 Dairy Star Sponsor: active 4-H member of Sibley County for nine years. Bongards’ Creameries Bongards, MN After high school I will at952-466-5521 tend a community college, South Central in Mankato, to study accounting. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. A unique fact about me is that I have been showing our dairy cattle since I was 5 years old at the county fair. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? A big concern for consumers is that the public is being misinformed about flavored milk. Some schools think flavored milk is the cause of obesity in children. I would address this conflict by researching the real nutrition facts in milk, and make sure the schools have the correct information. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who is thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Dairy foods are wholesome and loaded with calcium. Calcium helps build strong bones in our body, and also prevents bone disease such as osteoporosis.

Parents: Dean and Deidra Riebe Town: Arlington Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I go to Sibley East High School and represent Sibley County as a dairy princess. I live on a dairy farm where my dad, sister, and I milk about 60 cows. I really enjoy being around the cows, caring for them, showing them at Victoria Riebe, 17 the fair, and promoting the Dairy Star Sponsor: dairy industry. After high First District school, I plan on attending Association Bemidji State University Litchfield, MN to study math education. 320-693-3236 Tell us a unique story that you have from growing up on a farm. When my sister and I were little, we would go out towards the milkhouse in our

Sibley County continued swimsuits, and when my dad was done milking, he would spray us with water as we tried to run away. We obviously don’t do that anymore, but we still have the occasional water fights. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I think more and more consumers are worrying about the treatment of animals and farmers having big factory farms, especially with the recent breakout of Mad Cow Disease. Consumers need to know that dairy farms come in all shapes and sizes, and no matter what the size, the farmers always take into consideration the welfare of their animals because their income depends on it. With healthy cows, the benefits far outweigh the costs. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his / her diet? Anyone can get the same nutritional value, including calcium and vitamin D, out of a small serving of dairy as they would out of a large portion of other foods. Dairy is always fresh as well, taking only two days to get from farm to store. There are also low-fat, fat free, and flavored options to many of the dairy products, making dairy a delicious and nutritious choice.

Stearns County Parents: Randy and Sherry Bertram Town: Spring Hill Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and/or work on and your future plans. I am going to Ridgewater College for farm operations and management with a dairy emphasis. Right now I work on my home farm and also on an 80-cow dairy near Meire Grove. After I graduate from Ridgewa- Amanda Bertram ter, I want to work towards Dairy Star Sponsor: owning a farm one day. Central Minnesota Tell us a unique story Credit Union you have from growing 888-330-8482 up or working on a farm. myCMCU.org In the summertime when Facebook.com/myCMCU we do chores, it is likely someone will start a water fight at some point in the day. We have learned the many different techniques of doing this, such as hiding somewhere with a five gallon bucket, or throwing water through the fan, but my favorite one is shooting the water out of the pipeline in the milk house at an unsuspecting bystander because you can always brush it off as an accident. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? Some people think chocolate milk is not healthy and have removed it as a beverage option from school lunches. If I came across someone who believed this, I would explain to them that chocolate milk contains nine essential nutrients and has the same health benefits as regular milk. Removing it from school cafeterias means kids aren’t getting any of the nutrients they need from milk. Chocolate milk is a tasty option for kids who simply don’t like the taste of white milk. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I would tell them dairy products are an essential part of a well balanced diet. You need three servings a day and eliminating it from your diet would affect your performance. You need the calcium and other nutrients dairy products offer to keep your bones and muscles strong. Drinking milk also helps you maintain a healthy body weight and provides you with the energy to stay active day by day.

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Stearns County continued Parents: John and Chris Donnay Town: Kimball Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am a senior at Kimball Area High School. I have grown up on a dairy farm where we milk 40 Holsteins and farm about 320 acres. Since 2005, we have been certified organic. I plan to attend a four-year university this fall. I will major in premedicine and music. I want Maria Donnay,18 to help people. I have huge Dairy Star Sponsor: dreams. I want to make a difOrganic Valley ference. LaFarge, WI Tell us a unique story 888-444-6455 you have from growing up or working on a farm. Every fall we hire JL Schmitz and Sons to empty our slurry store. Each year, my siblings and I anxiously wait for them to come. They arrive early in the morning with four manure trucks, all containing twoway radios. I will always remember the year when we each rode in a truck and the drivers let us joke back and forth on the radios. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I think one of consumers’ biggest concerns about dairy products is the quality and freshness. Starting from the dairy farmer all the way to the grocery store, consumers can be certain they are purchasing the best products. Dairy farmers are extremely proud of what they do. They are highly committed to producing wholesome, nutritious and good tasting products. Dairy products are highly tested to ensure the best quality and freshness. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I do not think many people realize the great nutritional value found in dairy products. Dairy products contain nine essential nutrients; including calcium, vitamin D, and potassium. Dairy products are extremely crucial for a well-balanced diet. Multiple research and studies recommend three daily servings of dairy. It is so important to be supplying one’s body with the proper nutrients. Have you had your three today?

Parents: Sandy and Doug Kerfeld Town: Albany Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and work on, and your future plans. I love hanging out with my friends, family, and meeting new people. I live on a 100-cow dairy farm where we milk our cows in a parlor. I was born and raised on a dairy farm along with my four younger siblings: Leo, Cody, Brittany and Haley. I am unsure of my future plans, Tiffiny Kerfeld, 21 but no matter which direction Dairy Star Sponsor: I go I want to tie farming into Land O’Lakes my life. Melrose, MN Tell us a unique story 320-256-7461 you have from growing up or working on a farm. There are so many unique memories growing up on a farm. I remember my little sister crawling into a five-gallon bucket thinking of it as her own personal milk bath, sitting in the tractor with Dad or Grandpa Berscheit, and sorting calves. One story that sticks out is when I was younger. I would always go outside to help with chores. I spread the straw around, helped with calves, and I always had to milk “my two cows” Queen and Princess. I was so proud when I could milk them all by myself. I wouldn’t let anyone help me because I was a big girl! Nowadays, of course, I use any excuse not to do chores, but I am still happy for the quality family time. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I feel the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products are their health and safety. They want fresh dairy products. Consumers often are hesitant to buy dairy products because they feel they easily spoil. We, as dairy farmers and companies that handle milk and dairy products, have guidelines to follow which ensure quality and freshness. These include keeping the milk at a certain temperature, pasteurization, and keeping the prod-

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Stearns County continued ucts local so they get on the shelves quicker. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Dairy products are an extremely important part of a healthy diet. They provide calcium for strong bones and teeth, and other nutrients. Dairy products are a good source of potassium, riboflavin, and can be fortified with vitamins A and D. Dairy products are always low in sugar, including chocolate milk. There are many great snack foods that are low in fat and certain studies show that when you have dairy in your diet, the less body fat you will have. Remember milk does a body good!

Parents: Vernon and Michelle Meier Town: Cold Spring Tell us about yourself, the farm you live on and/or work on, and your future plans. I am currently in my second year at Ridgewater College. I plan to graduate in the fall of 2012 with my degree in dairy management. I am currently working for a 300-cow dairy farm where I help with all the chores and field work. My future plans include graduating from college, Kirsten Meier, 19 then working as a herdsperson. Dairy Star Sponsor: Eventually, I want to own and Cold Spring Veterinary operate my own dairy farm. Clinic Tell us a unique story Cold Spring, MN you have from growing up 320-685-3237 or working on a farm. I grew up on my parents’ farm where they raised calves for numerous dairy farms until they sold the farm in 2005. Every so often, my parents would purchase a bull calf from one of the dairies to raise for beef. I made Chocolate (our Holstein steer at the time) my pet. Chocolate was different from the rest because his favorite drink was grape flavored Sprite Remix. I don’t know why I decided to see if he would drink it, but the best part was when he would take the can in his mouth and tilt his head back and drink every drop. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? Consumers are concerned about products that are natural and wholesome. To address this topic I would talk about the practices we partake in on our farm. Every day we work hard to ensure we produce a clean, wholesome and natural product. To ensure we get a natural product we focus on cow cleanliness and cow comfort. Every day we take pride in knowing we are producing a natural product that is free of antibiotics. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking about eliminating dairy from his/her diet? The most important thing is to get the facts on why they are thinking about eliminating dairy from their diet and then correlating a response to their reasoning. Whether their reasoning is health related or industry related, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans still recognize the importance of getting the recommended three daily servings of dairy foods. Dairy farmers take pride every day in producing a wholesome and natural product for all consumers to enjoy. Parents: Steve and Julie Middendorf Town: Sauk Centre Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/ or work on, and your future plans. I grew up on our family farm south of Sauk Centre where we milk 85 Holsteins and farm 330 acres of land. I am the oldest of five children. I attend North Dakota State University where I am an undecided major. In the future I want to have a job in Leah the agriculture industry. Middendorf, 19 Tell us a unique story you have from growing up Dairy Star Sponsor: or working on a farm. When Elrosa Grain & Feed I was about 2 years old, I Elrosa, MN would sleep in during morn320-697-5515 ing chores. When I woke up, I would climb onto the kitchen table using the dining chairs. I would clear all of the bills and newspapers that my parents had on the table by throwing them on the floor. I would sit on the kitchen table because it had a prime view of the front yard and barn where my parents did chores. I like to believe that even from a small age, I have always had a very strong love and interest in the dairy industry.

Stearns County continued What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I think one of the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products is contaminants such as antibiotics or pesticides. I would address this issue by sharing that milk is one of the most regulated products. It is tested and regulated many times before it comes to the grocery store. We do this so we can bring consumers the most wholesome and high quality milk and dairy products. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Milk and other dairy products provide nine essential nutrients for proper health including calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, etc. It is very important to get at least three servings of dairy every day to be the healthiest you can be. Parents: Paul and Carolyn Reitsma Town: Sauk Centre Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am proud to have had the chance to grow up and work on my family’s 100cow dairy farm. In addition to working on our farm, I am a senior at Sauk Centre High School. I currently serve as the FFA chapter president and teach religion to first graders. Christine This fall I will be attending the Reitsma, 17 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities where I will be majorDairy Star Sponsor: ing in agriculture-applied ecoFirst District nomics. Association Tell us a unique story Litchfield, MN you have from growing up 320-693-3236 or working on a farm. In order to keep my siblings and I excited about working on the farm when we were younger, my parents came up with the idea to give us “birthday calves.” If a cow were to calve on one of the kid’s birthdays, the newborn calf would be that kid’s to name and care for. This gave us new responsibility and as we got older, created a fun competition between the kids to see whose cow milked the most. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? One major concern consumers have regarding dairy products is the sugar content found in flavored milk for children’s diets. However, the nutritional value that milk (whether it is flavored or white) provides is essential for children as they grow. Milk helps develop bones and teeth, and gives children a nutritional boost after playing or exercising to replenish the body. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Dairy is an essential part of our daily diets. Dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt provide a unique blend of nutrients that include calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, protein and vitamin A. One serving of milk provides our bodies with 30 percent of the recommended calcium intake. The calcium provides our bones and teeth with a mineral that strengthens them and prevents osteoporosis. Having three servings of low-fat dairy products every day can also help manage blood pressure and maintain a healthy weight.

Steele County

Parents: Mike and Julie Mussman Town: Claremont Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. My sisters and I are proud to represent the third generation on my family’s dairy farm where we all play a key role in the success of our farming operation. Our farm is located near Owatonna where we raise and milk Holstein dairy cattle and proKelsey duce cash crops. Currently, I am a freshman at the UniverMussman, 19 sity of Minnesota majoring Dairy Star Sponsor: in agriculture education and AMPI hope to obtain my Master’s Rochester Division in education administration. www.ampi.com I am involved in the Ag Ed Club, Gopher Dairy Club, Beta of Clovia and Delta Theta Sigma Little Sister’s. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. As a young adult, I was taught the importance of the three “F’s” in life: faith, family, and the farm. I have had the privilege to work side by side with my sisters, parents, and grandparents. Growing up, my grand-

Steele County continued pa and dad would make sure to play the “police officers” when my sisters and I would play cops and robbers in the barn. Even though our paths have changed over the years, we all still work together as a team to accomplish the daily tasks and care for the animals we love. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? The biggest concern today is consumer confidence. The average consumer is two to three generations removed from production agriculture. With the current market trend placing an emphasis on food raised with integrity, we have the ideal opportunity to share our stories and become reliable resources for all age groups. By engaging our consumers, we have the chance to hear their concerns and answer their questions. Both farmers and consumers need to continue to enhance their relationships so everyone can be informed. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Milk is a powerhouse of nine essential nutrients that are linked to improve bone health, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and type two diabetes. It is also said that individuals who consume three servings of dairy daily gain less body fat while promoting benefits for maintaining a healthy weight. With the simple facts and great tasting products, we have the best platform and food to represent and produce. Make sure you have your three servings today!

Swift County Parents: David and Denise Schliep Town: Holloway Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I have lived on a dairy farm all of my life with five siblings. We currently milk about 75 cows and are hoping to add a robotic milker and buy more cattle. I take care of the youngest calves and help milk. I plan to go to college after high school, but am undecided on the major Kristen Schliep, 17 and where I would like to go. Dairy Star Sponsor: Tell us a unique story Glacial Plains you have from growing Cooperative up or working on a farm. De Graff, MN When I was in fifth grade, 320-843-5364 I was showing one of my cattle at the county fair when her halter snapped in the ring. She still followed me around the ring and stayed while I waited for someone to bring me another halter so I could finish showing. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? Parents are worried about chocolate milk being served in schools. They are afraid the sugar content is causing obesity. However, chocolate milk is a healthy alternative to pop or other beverages high in sugar. It still gives children calcium and other nutrients. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Milk has many natural nutrients which can be absorbed better than the ones added to soy milk. It can help maintain weight in a proper diet, as well.

Parents: David and Denise Schliep Town: Holloway Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and work on, and your future plans. I have grown up on a dairy farm and I started helping with chores when I was five. Now, I take care of the calves and help milk. We milk 75 Holsteins and have a beef herd my brother started. We currently milk in a parallel parlor, but we are looking into switching to robotic milkers. I am involved with 4-H, FFA, and NHS. When I graduate, I plan to attend college for physical therapy.

Elizabeth Schliep, 17 Dairy Star Sponsor: Glacial Plains Cooperative De Graff, MN 320-843-5364

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Swift County continued

Todd County continued

Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. I remember my brother cleaning up Grandpa’s little red pony cart and oiling the harness. Then, he taught our pony, Snowball, to pull it. I rode in it with him many times. We used it in parades and for rides when our younger cousins came to visit the farm. Even Grandpa started to drive us around in it. I love how happy it made Grandpa and our cousins when they rode in it. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I think the consumers’ biggest concerns about dairy products are quality and safety. I would inform consumers about the regulations we must follow to maintain the quality and safety of our milk. I would also tell them about the samples taken before the milk leaves the farm and the tests that are later performed on them and throughout the rest of the milk’s processing. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Some people want to eliminate dairy from their diets because they think it is fattening. I would explain to them that it isn’t, especially when in a healthy diet. There are also low fat and fat free options. In addition to this, I would tell them about the nine important nutrients and minerals dairy contains and how these are absorbed more easily when they are naturally in food than when they are added to food or taken as vitamins.

Parents: Roy and Teresa Perish Town: Browerville Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. My family and I live on a 50cow dairy farm seven miles east of Browerville along with many chickens, pigs, and cats. Our cows are a very multicolored group of Holstein, Dutch Belt and Brown Swiss. I’m a senior at Browerville where I play volleyball, run track, and am busy with FFA, NHS, and Rachel Perish, 17 many more activities. This fall Dairy Star Sponsor: I will attend Jamestown ColModern Farm lege in North Dakota running Equipment track and finding my major. Sauk Centre, MN Tell us a unique story 320-352-6543 you have from growing up or working on a farm. On the farm it was great always having a plethora of water to play in. There were many times when our small creek would flood and my siblings and I strapped on life jackets for numerous great rides. My dad often had my siblings and I cleaning out water tanks, which meant we had our own swimming pools for a few hours. All the work and play paid off since I’m now working as a lifeguard. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? Consumers always want to make sure they are getting their money’s worth and what products do that more than dairy? When parents buy milk for their families, they are contributing to a healthier lifestyle and a worthwhile industry. It is important that consumers know their money, especially with today’s economy, is well invested with each trip to the grocery store. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Almost anywhere a person looks there is some type of reminder of how health conscious America is trying to be, whether it is a news program about growing obesity or a flyer advertising cheese. The signature look of being healthy is body size and what better way to ameliorate a person’s health than eating delicious products? Dairy has been shown over and over again to maintain a well-balanced weight.

Todd County Parents: Bruce and Sandy Paskewitz Town: Browerville Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. My family and I have a 60cow dairy near Browerville. Growing up, I have been active in many things including 4-H, band, choir, swimming, National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. This Sarah fall I will be attending the Paskewitz, 18 University of MinnesotaDairy Star Sponsors: Crookston majoring in ag Central Ag Services business. Eagle Bend/Clarissa, MN Tell us a unique story 218-756-2112 you have from growing Farmers Co-op up or working on a farm. Feed Store My most unique stories on Browerville, MN the farm began in ninth 218-594-2711 grade when I bought an Ayrshire to show for 4-H. Having always shown Holsteins, I did not understand that Ayrshires have much more attitude and spunk than the cows I grew up with. One day when leading the now 3-year-old Ayrshire, she got away from me and ended up literally running in circles around me. Eventually she stopped, put her head down and walked up to me. I led her back to her stall, and the next time I led her she was fine. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address this topic? As a consumer, I understand people are concerned about having a safe and healthy product to enjoy. However, as a dairy farmer, I am able to see the work and care put into the cows every day. This carries throughout the entire process of milk production, ensuring that it is the safest product nature has to offer. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? When it comes to maintaining a healthy weight, it is important to choose products that offer as many vitamins and nutrients as possible with a limited amount of calories. Milk and other dairy products offer nine essential vitamins and nutrients that no other food product can offer on its own.

Parents: Conrad and Diane Stoterau Town: Eagle Bend Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am a senior at Eagle Valley Public Schools in Clarissa. Over the course of years, I have been involved in basketball, volleyball, FFA, yearbook, a teaching assistant, youth group and 4-H. I live on a registered Holstein farm of 35 cows north of Eagle Bend, where we farm Rachel Stoterau, 18 350 acres of corn, soybeans, Dairy Star Sponsor: alfalfa and oats. I will be atNelson Creamery tending Southeast Technical Association Institute in Sioux Falls, S.D. Nelson, MN I will pursue a degree in car320-762-0115 diac ultrasound, and plan to work at a hospital doing ultra sounds of the heart. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. A unique story I have from growing up on the farm was when we had our own shows before the fair. My brother and sister would bring their cows and lead them around the ring and line them up like a real show. Since I was only 5 at the time, (I was very young and my siblings were in high school), I always got to be the judge. I would tell them to line up the animals and I would let them know who won. Eventually, they let me hold the end of the rope and soon I was showing cattle on my own. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I think one of the biggest concerns consumers have is flavored milk in schools. Research indicates that children who drink flavored milk meet more of their nutritional needs than non-milk drinkers. Therefore, I believe flavored milk is better than kids not drinking milk at all. I would also tell them that more than 90 dairy companies have pro actively reformulated flavored milk to be lower in both sugar and total calories, while maintaining great taste.

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Todd County continued What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I would tell them dairy is very healthy for any diet. Low-fat milk can be in any diet. I would explain about how milk and other dairy products have nine essential nutrients that are not found in sport drinks or soda. Calcium in dairy products is one of the easiest ways to build strong bones and teeth. Getting enough calcium, vitamin D, and weight-bearing exercise are part of the prevention of osteoporosis.

Wabasha County Parents: Mark and Janet Evers Town: Theilman Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/ or work on, and your future plans. I am a senior at Plainview-Elgin-Millville, and I am the fifth generation on my family’s farm. We milk about 1,200 cows and run 2,000 acres. My dad and his three brothers farm together, but we all have different groups of cows at Cindy Evers, 17 each farm. For example, at my family’s farmsite, we Dairy Star Sponsor: have heifers that are about 7 Plainview Milk months old and so on for the Products other farms. In the future, I Plainview, MN plan on taking a year off and 507-534-3872 focus on farming and deciding if that is what I want to do. After a year, I might attend Northeast Iowa Community College in Calmar, Iowa, to pursue something in agriculture. I enjoy playing softball and doing anything outside. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. Growing up on a dairy farm and having a large family with seven siblings, I have many memories – from driving my first tractor, to the things my brothers and sisters did to me – that there are too many to choose from. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I think most consumers are concerned that their dairy products are healthy and sanitary. First, I would talk about all the nutrients in milk and explain why milk is a nutritious drink. For sanitation, I would talk to consumers about the milk process – how farmers use filters when milking, strip cows, use iodine and sanitize milk lines every day. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I would tell the person how nutritious milk is, the nutrients that are in it and how it helps your body grow. I would also list a few facts about milk and how it can actually help a person’s diet.

Parents: Dan and Sue Heise Town: Lake City Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I live and work on my family’s farm where we are currently milking 50 Holsteins. We raise our own replacement heifers and feed out all our steers. We farm about 200 acres of corn and alfalfa, which is used for feed. I’m active in 4-H and enjoy showing cattle at the county and Megan Heise, 18 state fair. This fall I will be Dairy Star Sponsor: attending the University of Ag Partners Minnesota-Twin Cities to Goodhue, MN pursue a degree in animal 651-923-4496 science with an emphasis in pre-veterinary. Eventually I would like to become a large animal veterinarian. Tell us a unique story that you have from growing up on a farm. I’ll never forget the day I witnessed one of our cows giving birth to triplet heifer calves. I thought my dad was crazy when he said he better reach in and check for a third calf. Jokingly, he reached in, and to our surprise, there was another calf inside. In addition to the triplets born that day, we also had two more sets of twins born later that week.

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What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? Some consumers worry that dairy products aren’t safe to eat because they may contain harmful contaminants, such as antibiotic residues and bacteria. I would ensure the consumers that milk and dairy products are completely safe to consume because dairy farmers have certain criteria they have to meet in order to be able to sell their milk. All milk has to test negative for antibiotics and be pasteurized to kill any bacteria before it ever hits store shelves. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I would inform them of all the health and nutritional benefits dairy products have to offer. Milk provides us with essential nutrients, including calcium and protein. Dairy products play an important role in bone health, keeping them strong as we get older. In addition to this, dairy products can also help a person maintain a healthy weight. And not only would they be missing out on all the nutritional benefits of dairy, but they also wouldn’t be able to enjoy the tasty dishes that go along with it.

Parents: Paul and Mary Jane Kruger Town: Wabasha Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and /or work on, and your future plans. I live and work on my parents’ 200-cow dairy farm. When I was in high school, I was in charge of the evening milkings and feeding calves. Weekends were always filled with all different tasks that the farm has to offer. I am currently attending Mankato State Amanda Kruger, 19 University for mortuary sciDairy Star Sponsor: ence. AMPI Tell us a unique story Rochester Division you have from growing www.ampi.com up or working on a farm. When I was about 10 years old, I would always get jealous of my younger brother, Paul. He got to climb the silo and pitch silage, but my dad never let me. I finally switched chores with Paul one day and I found out pitching silage was the worst chore on the farm. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? When buying dairy products, consumers fear they are getting unhealthy food, which is just the opposite. The dairy industry has the largest amount of inspections in the food industry. From the farm to the store, time requirements are set for dairy products at each facility to ensure a safe and delicious product. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Eliminating dairy from a person’s diet would be costly to his or her health. Dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese give a person great amounts of calcium, protein, phosphorus, vitamins A, D and B12 to keep the body energized, hydrated, and strong. Who would want to go a day without a delicious cold glass of milk?

Parents: Richard and Elizabeth Olson Town: Plainview Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am the fourth generation of dairy farmers on our family dairy farm. We milk about 250 cows; we raise our own calves and replacement heifers. I am a sophomore at North Dakota State University in Fargo, N.D., pursing a nursing Jacqueleen Olson, 20 degree. Dairy Star Sponsor: Tell us a unique story Beck Implement you have from growing Elgin, MN up or working on a farm. 507-876-2122 There are many unique and endless stories about growing up on our farm with one brother and two sisters.

Wabasha County continued I was the youngest and had the nickname “Shorty.” Being the youngest has its merits, as surely I was too young to think of doing such a thing. I do have one up on all my siblings. One day I was driving the farm pickup out in the hay field when I was only 9 years old. As my nickname implies, I am rather short. It was hard to reach the pedals, but I found a way to make that old Chevy bounce across the field. At that moment in time I could not have been more proud to be a farmer’s daughter. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? The biggest concerns consumers have today is that they want a good quality product; this not only applies to dairy products, but in all aspects of life. We as dairy producers need to produce a good, healthy and quality product. In order to meet these standards, dairy farmers need to keep abreast of all the latest trends and newest developments within the dairy industry. By meeting these standards in producing healthy quality milk we can safely assure the consumers they are receiving a good, healthy and quality dairy product. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I would first ask about their concerns as to why he or she feels the need to eliminate dairy from his or her diet. I would then explain and help the person understand the importance and the nutritious value that dairy products contribute to a healthy body. Dairy products contain nine nutrients found to be vital in the development of strong teeth and bones. Not receiving the necessary calcium, found in dairy products, could lead to osteoporosis, rickets and other health concerns. Dairy is essential in an active lifestyle for all ages.

Waseca County Parents: Chuck and Kris Manthey Town: Janesville Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am attending the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. I am active in 4-H. I enjoy showing dairy steers and poultry. I live on a small family farm. We have 205 acres where we grow corn, soybeans and alfalfa. Sarah Manthey, 18 We currently aren’t milkDairy Star Sponsor: ing due to a barn fire but Dairyland Equipment have dairy cows at another Service farm. We have dry cows, Plainview, MN heifers and dairy steers. 507-534-3161 We also have some exotic animals. I plan to graduate from University of Wisconsin-River Falls in the future. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. I have many fond memories growing up on a dairy farm. I remember my family working and playing together. When I was younger, I would ride in the feed cart and feed the cows. Another fond memory was during milking time. I would swing in the alley next to the cows on a swing my dad made from a board and twine string. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I think the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products is the safety and quality of the products along with dairy cow’s health and treatment. Consumers should know that dairy farmers are dedicated to providing wholesome, high-quality dairy products. They make sure their dairy cows are healthy and well cared for. Dairy farms and processing plants must meet strict safety requirements and are inspected regularly. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? If someone was thinking about eliminating dairy products from their diet, I would point out to them that dairy products have low-fat or fat free options. Milk, cheese and yogurt provide nine essential nutrients that improve their diet and promote good health. Dairy products make great sense when it comes to nutritional and economic value. Plus, they taste great.

Washington County Parents: Jeff and Donna Winberg Town: Forest Lake Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I a senior at Forest Lake High School. I participate in three sports: cross country running, Nordic skiing, and track and field. I am an active FFA member in my high school’s FFA chapter and a Washington County dairy princess. On my family dairy farm, we milk 40 Holsteins Holly Winberg, 18 and have about 100 total head Dairy Star Sponsor: of cattle. My future plans inE.J. Houle Inc. clude attending the University Forest Lake, MN of Wisconsin-Stevens Point to 651-464-3326 study biology with an emphasis in pre-veterinary medicine and to run cross country. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. During my years of elementary school, many kids had little or no knowledge about dairy farms or anything related to dairy. Being raised on a farm, my dad and I thought it would be fun if we brought a cow and her calf to school to provide a learning experience for all the other kids in my grade. Even now, many years after bringing in that cow and calf, kids from my elementary school still reminisce about that memory and how much they learned that day. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I think one of the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products is that there is not enough health benefits in consuming them. I would address this by informing consumers that dairy products actually have impressive health benefits. Two nutrients they offer are calcium and vitamin D, which are two things many people today are lacking. Essential nutrients can be found in all dairy products. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I would tell the person that our government is putting programs in place to boost the consumption of dairy products. This is happening particularly in schools and also in fast food restaurants. This is being done because dairy products offer such a great package of nutrients. I would also tell the person that the amount of calcium in one quart of milk is equivalent to having to eat 3.5 pounds of peas, 27 oranges or 50 slices of bread.

West Otter Tail County Parents: Robert and Susanne Seifert Town: Pelican Rapids Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am a senior at Pelican Rapids High School. I have worked on Kimm’s Dairy located nine miles northwest of Pelican Rapids, where we milk 72 Brown Swiss and crossbred cows. Next year I plan to attend Alexandria Technical College to pursue Jenna Seifert, 18 welding technology. Tell us a unique story Dairy Star Sponsor: you have from growing up J&S Feed Mill or working on a farm. I Barnesville, MN have never lived on a farm, 218-354-2247 but working on one has given me many experiences I am proud to say I have. Everything from taking care of calves, milking and feeding cows, and helping with field work has helped make me the person I am today, and I’d have to say that is something not many people get to experience. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I believe one of the biggest concerns consumers have is animal welfare and care of farm animals. There are many people who are misinformed about the agriculture industry, and I believe if the public was familiarized with family farming, these concerns would dissolve. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? The USDA suggests we consume three servings of dairy per day. Milk provides your body

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West Otter Tail County continued with nine essential nutrients, with the main one being calcium. If you were to try to substitute broccoli to get your calcium for the day, you would have to eat about 10 to 12 servings to get the recommended 1000 to 1200 milligrams of calcium per day. Wouldn’t it be easier to drink a few glasses of milk?

Winona County Parents: Steve and Joyce Buckbee Town: Lewiston Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am the middle child. I have an older brother who is 19 and a younger brother who is 12. We were all born and raised on our family farm, where we milk 140 cows and have 1,400 acres for crops. We raise our heifers and steers. My future plans are to attend Saint Jessica Buckbee, 17 Mary’s University next year Dairy Star Sponsor: and major in biology. Land O’Lakes Tell us a unique story Melrose, MN you have from growing up 320-256-7461 or working on a farm. One vivid memory that sticks out from my childhood on the dairy farm is when I saw my first calf being born, and I got to feed it a bottle. Growing up on a farm gave me a good family lifestyle. While most children went to daycare, I got to go to work with my parents everyday. It was a great experience working with my family because together we are more than a family, we are a team. We know each others strengths and weaknesses. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I think the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products are the health benefits. We need to address this issue by getting our message across and telling consumers that dairy products are one of the most nutritious products. They have many vitamins and calcium to build strong bones and help form a healthy body. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? If someone was thinking about eliminating dairy products from their diet, I would try to convince them not to because dairy products provide nutrients needed to improve overall diet and health. For example, milk is a good source of protein and other nutrients such as, calcium, potassium, selenium, niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, and vitamins A, B6, B12, and D. Dairy products can also help maintain a healthy weight, and prevent diseases such as osteoporosis, diabetes and certain cancers. Parents: Mark and Sonja Daley Town: Lewiston Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I live on our familyowned farm where we milk 1,500 cows and raise another 1,500. I have worked on our farm since I was 10 years old. I work every other weekend from 3 a.m. to 11 a.m. I help feed calves every Tuesday and Thursday and during the summer I help out wherever Sidney Daley, 18 I am needed. My future plans Dairy Star Sponsor: are to attend the University Land O’Lakes of Wisconsin-River Falls and Melrose, MN major in agricultural studies. 320-256-7461 Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. I remember when we first started our farm and our manure pits before we started using them, my family and I went sledding down the pit. We were then pulled up by ropes by our uncles and dads because it was too steep and slippery to walk up. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? Some of the biggest concerns I think consumers have about dairy products are safety of dairy products and the difference between dairy products nutritional facts and other non-dairy alternative products (soy milk, almond milk, etc.). I would inform them there are several processes milk goes through to ensure its safety. There are many tests performed and it is never touched by human hands when going through this process. As for the differences in nutritional facts between dairy products

Winona County continued and alternative products, the nutrients in dairy products are all natural. Many of the nutrients in the alternatives are added to the product. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I would inform them that it is has a very large impact on their health and that the nutrients in dairy products are beneficial for their bodies. It helps build strong bones, maintain a healthy weight and a balanced diet. Many of the nutrients also help prevent against many cardiac problems or high blood pressure. It can also prevent many people from getting diabetes. There are many more benefits that dairy products provide us; it should be a very important part of each and everyone’s diet. Parents: Mike and Michelle Walch Town: Rollingstone Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I grew up on my family’s dairy farm most of my life. This experience made me become more family oriented. It taught me so many things I couldn’t learn living in the city. On our organic dairy farm, we have 160 cows, but only about 120 are milking. I help with milking. Miranda Walch, 17 Our farm has been in the famDairy Star Sponsor: ily for over one century. My Elba Co-op Creamery future plans are currently unElba, MN decided, but I plan to work in 507-932-3861 the health care field. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. I have so many amazing experiences on the farm, but one that sticks out the most would have to be my 12th birthday party. My friends and I were having a good time enjoying cake and ice cream when my dad got a phone call saying the bull was out. My friends and I sat in the vehicle scared to death as the bull kept running towards the vehicle. It was so relieved when my dad finally got the bull back in the pen. It was cool for my friends to see that things can happen unexpectedly on the farm and you always have to be ready for them. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I believe the biggest concerns people have about dairy products are animal welfare, antibiotics and the price of the products. Animal welfare could be addressed by inviting people to our farm to see our animals first hand. I would provide literature for all the different treatments we use and the cost of producing the products they consume. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Dairy products help with a wide variety of issues people have from obesity issues to cancer concerns. In order to get the same nutrients as there are in one glass of milk, a person must eat three cups of broccoli. Milk is the easiest and best way for people to get the calcium and nutrients they need. Dairy products benefit the human body by decreasing the risk of kidney stones, lowering risk of breast cancer and lowering the risk for colon cancer.

Parents: Jim and Michelle Woodard Town: Winona Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/ or work on, and your future plans. I was raised on an 80-cow registered and grade Holstein farm where we raise all our own replacement heifers and finish out all our steers. I also work on a 300-cow dairy, and Home and Community Options in Winona where I get the opportunity to work Jessica Woodard, 20 with people with disabiliDairy Star Sponsor: ties. I attended Northeast AMPI Iowa Community College Rochester Division where I majored in dairy www.ampi.com science. During the summer when I’m not at work, I can be found in the show ring. In the winter, nine out of 10 weekends, I can be found cheering on my youngest brother at wrestling tournaments. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. We named our farm Woodard’s Never Dull Dairy because we always have some-

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Winona County continued thing exciting going on. However, when I was younger I attended half-day kindergarten, which meant I got to spend my mornings in the barn with my dad. I was “glued to his hip.” One day, dad had to artificially breed some cows, and I got to watch as long as I stayed quiet. Later that day after I got home from school, my parents found me in the living room “breeding” the loveseat with a sandwich baggy over one hand, and a McDonalds straw in the other. When they started laughing, I looked at them and said “Shh, I’m tryin’ to breed a cow here!” What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I think there are two major concerns for consumers right now. The first is the rising price of dairy products in the store. I would tell consumers to step back and look. The price of everything is going up, but you cannot save money by not spending it on dairy products. People need three servings of dairy in their diet. The second concern is about flavored milk being healthy. Truth be told, flavored milk is just as healthy as white milk. The slight amount of added sugar is all natural sugar. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? I would be sure to remind them of what consuming three servings of dairy products helps prevent, such as osteoporosis. I would also remind them about the nine essential nutrients they would need to find a new way to get. Dairy products provide them with nine nutrients more conveniently. I would also tell them consuming dairy products helps builds strong bones, muscles and teeth, and also helps boosts metabolism.

Parents: Cliff and Cindy Thompson Town: Lewiston Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I live on a family owned and operated dairy farm, where we milk 165 dairy cows and farm 700 acres. Our farm is run by my family and has been in the family for many years. We strive to produce wholesome and Whitney nutritious dairy products Thompson, 18 for all to enjoy. I have just Dairy Star Sponsor: finished my first year of Luehmann’s IBA college and am employed Lewiston, MN at White Rose Bridal in 507-523-3608 Saint Charles, Minn. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. There are many memories and moments I hold close to my heart from growing up on a farm. One story that pops into my head is, one morning my dad came into my room to wake me up so I could go out and help him milk. He knew if he didn’t wake me up I would be very upset, being that I was only 8 years old at the time. I got on my little yellow boots and followed him to the barn. We were walking down the lane to get the cows and my dad stopped so we could look up at the stars to find the big dipper. From that little moment on, I will never forget to look up to the stars and find the big dipper standing in the same spot. I knew my dad was always there to protect me. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? Some of the biggest concerns I think consumers have about dairy products is are they safe enough. Well, yes, dairy products are safe. From the farm to your fridge, milk is never touched by human hands. Farmers work hard every day so they can produce products that are going to help consumers grow and develop correctly from the nutrients from milk. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Some facts and information I would give to a person who is thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet would be explaining to them in a casual conversation about what these products are offering to their bodies. By eliminating them you aren’t able to receive the full effect of the nutrients, because they aren’t from the exact source. I would give them a list of the nine essential nutrients milk contains and explain what each nutrient does for their bodies, and how they need it to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

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Wright County

Parents: Paul and Veda Davis Town: Cokato Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am a freshman at South Dakota State University majoring in global studies with a minor in Spanish. I am also a part of the SDSU Dairy Club. I am employed at Hoernemann Farm in Winsted where we milk 240 Holsteins. After I graduate from South Dakota State, I Katie Davis, 19 plan to travel and help out Dairy Star Sponsor: in areas of agriculture in Munson Lakes South American countries. I Nutrition & The also hope to have a farm of Country Store my own in the future. Howard Lake, MN Tell us a unique story 320-543-2561 you have from growing up or working on a farm. After milking cows at 5 a.m. and when we were short on help with field work, I was told I was going to learn how to merge hay. When it is your first time driving a tractor in a field that has sharp turns, you learn quickly on how to operate the tractor. I will always remember my dad saying, “If you can drive a car, you can easily drive a tractor.” What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? A major concern consumers have is the safety of the production of dairy products. Especially the milk going from the farm to the plant. To tell the public that the milk is cooled from the time it reaches the bulk-tank to the plant. Once the milk is reaches the plant it is heated and cooled to make sure the milk is ready to be processed to head to the stores. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Having your three servings of dairy products is a way to live a healthy lifestyle. Dairy products are a way for all of us to get our nutrients. Milk has nine essential nutrients we need every day. Eating and drinking dairy products help grow a strong healthy body. Also, having a dairy product as a snack helps improve classroom performance for kids. Dairy product also helps keep your body hydrated.

Parents: Sean and Linda Groos Town: Howard Lake Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. My siblings and I are the sixth generation on our family farm, Minkota Holsteins, where we are currently milking 170 Registered Holsteins and farm 240 acres of corn and alfalfa. I am a freshman at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and have a Rebecca Groos, 19 major in agricultural educaDairy Star Sponsor: tion—leadership and comMunson Lakes munications with a minor Nutrition & The in mass communications. Country Store Upon graduation, I hope to Howard Lake, MN work in public relations or 320-543-2561 marketing for a company within the dairy industry. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. Although my father never considered English to be his favorite school subject, he deserves credit for teaching me my first spelling word. While cleaning barns together in the skid steer, we would be chattering about life and singing songs like “On top of old Smokey.” When we finished, he would park the skid steer and say “o-u-t . . . out”! Not realizing what that meant, I copied his phrase and, to this day, continue to spell the word “out” out loud as I recall our rides together. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? Today’s consumers are increasingly becoming more and more concerned about where their food comes from and the nutritional value of it. Surveys confirm that cooking shows are viewed more often than any other genre of television. As a dairy princess, it is my responsibility to inform consumers that we, as producers, strive to provide wholesome and deli-

Wright County continued

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cious products at a fair price. Complete with nine essential nutrients and at 25 cents per serving, where could you possibly find a better buy? What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Considered nature’s most perfect food, milk truly is the whole package in one kind of a deal. With cheese having more potassium than a banana and yogurt offering more protein than an egg, how could you justify giving up these nutritional benefits? Milk is an affordable purchase for any family trying to make every dollar stretch. Having three servings of dairy each day ensures a well-balanced diet and puts a smile on any dairy farmer’s face.

cows occasionally. The Bakebergs are currently milking 100 Jerseys, Ayrshires, and Holstein cows and run about 650 tillable acres of farmland. Upon completing college, I would like to work in the dairy industry or work as a high school agriculture teacher. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. Two years ago when I was checking on my cows in the freestall barn, I witnessed a funny incident. My Jersey cow, Autumn, was in the holding pen waiting for her turn to be milked. A Holstein was playing with the sliding door to the parlor and closed it on her. Autumn would get frustrated at the other cow and would open the door immediately. Both cows continued this back and forth game until it was Autumn’s turn to go into the parlor to be milked. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I think one of the main concerns consumers have about the dairy products they consume is whether they are free from antibiotics. I would address this concern by explaining to them that dairy cows do get sick just like humans and occasionally and need to be treated with medication. If a cow is being treated for an illness, their milk will not go into the bulk tank. It is dumped down the drain before reaching the milk consumer. I would further explain that when the milk hauler comes to the farm to pick up the milk, they take a sample of the milk from the bulk tank. When the driver delivers the milk to the creamery, the sample is then tested again. If the load of milk tests positive for antibiotics, the whole load is dumped and the milk will never reach the public. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who is thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? If I would come across someone who was considering eliminating dairy from their diet, I would explain to them that eating three servings of nutrient -rich dairy products each day is important for promoting good health. Dairy products deliver a unique package that contains calcium and eight other essential nutrients that provide many health benefits, such as building strong bones and teeth, controlling blood pressure, and maintaining a healthy weight. Also, the protein naturally found in milk helps build strong muscles for an active lifestyle and refuels the body after physical activities better than sports drinks.

Parents: Lyle and Mary Hirsch Town: Howard Lake Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and work on, and your future plans. I am a senior at Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted High School. I plan on attending the University of WisconsinRiver Falls this fall to major in animal science/pre-veterinary (Large Animal Science). I currently live and work on my family’s dairy farm milking our Holstein herd. This Katie Hirsch, 18 opportunity has allowed me Dairy Star Sponsor: to develop my passion for the Munson Lakes agricultural industry. Nutrition & The Tell us a unique story Country Store you have from growing up Howard Lake, MN or working on a farm. One 320-543-2561 of the most rewarding experiences is watching a calf being born. Even more exciting is working at the CHS Miracle of Birth Center at the Minnesota State Fair and watching the reactions of those seeing the miracle of birth for the first time. This past year, while working as a barnyard attendant, I was able to educate those who were not able to experience this phenomenon daily. As I talked to consumers, I began to realize the significance that each and every producer can make to teach the public about where their food comes from. I hope that my year as a dairy princess will allow me to help dairy farmers reach their consumers. What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address this topic? One of the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products is whether or not they are good for you. Programs like Fuel Up and Play 60 are implemented in schools around the nation to encourage physical activity and the consumption of dairy products. The essential nutrients found in milk help to build strong muscles and bones after a tough workout. Dairy farmers are consumers as well and if these products were not beneficial for their health, they would not use them. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Producers of dairy provide options for everyone. Not only are low-fat options available, lactose-free products allow for each and every person to consume enough dairy to maintain their healthy lifestyles. By choosing a mix of milk, cheese and yogurt, an individual receives all the benefits of dairy including 48 percent of his/her daily value of protein. Parents: Jeff and Janell Koch Town: Winsted Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I have been attending Ridgewater College in Willmar working on my degree in agriculture and dairy management. This fall I will be transferring to the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to finish my agricultural education and animal science degrees. I have been involved in 4-H, FFA, PAS and the Wright Jillian Koch, 21 County Breakfast on the Farm Dairy Star Sponsor: Committee. During the sumMunson Lakes mer months, I show my Jersey Nutrition & The cattle at the Wright County Country Store and Minnesota State Fair. I Howard Lake, MN work at and board my Jersey 320-543-2561 cattle at Goldview Farms in Waverly which is owned by Butch, Faye and Pat Bakeberg. I also feed calves and milk

Parents: Gene and Mary Lambert Town: Buffalo Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am a freshman at South Dakota State University studying agriculture. I might be changing my major to dairy management and nutrition. I live and work on my parents’ dairy farm. We milk an average of 60 Holsteins with a few Jersey crossbreeds. We also run 1,000 Krista Lambert, 19 acres of crop land, which inDairy Star Sponsor: cludes corn, soybeans, wheat Munson Lakes and alfalfa. In the future I Nutrition & The would like to run or manage Country Store a dairy farm. I plan on havHoward Lake, MN ing a family and raising my 320-543-2561 children out in the country. Tell us a unique story you have from growing up or working on a farm. One weekend we had our cousins over and decided we wanted to ride the calves. We had a few tied up in the shed so we found an old helmet and made a chute with the straw bales. While doing all of this, we had to look innocent so our parents wouldn’t find out. It took us quite a while to figure out that calves don’t really want to be bothered with kids for hours on end. Let me just say we came out of the shed with a lot of bruises! What do you think are the biggest concerns consumers have about dairy products and how would you address these topics? I feel the biggest concern for consumers is about hormones in milk. When I am in public addressing this concern, I like to remind people that the human body doesn’t intake or recognize these hormones as hormones. If there is a possibility that there is a trace the milk there is still no need to worry. I want to remind people that dairy farmers care about their product and that we want it to be perfect before it leaves the farm. What kind of dairy facts and information would you give to a person who was thinking of eliminating dairy from his/her diet? Research has shown that people 7,500 years ago had been drinking milk. Milk is such a pure and clean product for people to have. There are so many nutrients in just one glass; you can hardly find anything much better for you. If you don’t have dairy in your diet, any doctor would be telling you to take supplements. Are pills better for you than a refreshing glass of milk? I would have to say no. So on a hot summer day after working hard outside, go in and have some milk. Your body will thank you.