UWRF junior Jena Hanson was crowned the 73rd Princess Kay of the Milky Way on Aug. 26 at the Minnesota State Fair.
Princess Kay of the Milky Way serves as a goodwill ambassador for Minnesota’s dairy farmers and represents the industry during a yearlong term.
Hanson said she was shocked to win the competition but is ready to take on the responsibilities that come with the title.
“I was so honored to be able to represent such an amazing industry, especially being that I didn’t come from a farm. Being able to represent a lot of young women who don’t come from farms, but who are passionate about this. It is a really big deal to be able to represent the entire state of Minnesota’s dairy industry. And it’s a role that I take on wholeheartedly. I am so honored to do it,” she said.
Hanson never intended to become Princess Kay of the Milky Way. She did not grow up on a farm, show animals in 4-H or initially plan to enter the dairy industry.
“I always loved animals growing up. Because of that I thought I wanted to become a veterinarian. So, I started doing mentorships in high school my sophomore year, and because of COVID no vet clinic would take me on. So, I had to find something else. I ended up on a dairy farm and de-cided that I wanted to be a large-animal vet. The next year I took the class again, and it was at that second mentorship that I realized that I wanted to go into dairy,” Hanson said.
Even after entering the dairy industry in high school and pursuing a dairy science degree at UWRF, Hanson still did not see herself as Princess Kay material. But those around her did.
“My current boss, Dawn Kasper, pushed me into going out for county-level princess. And it was at that banquet that one of the judges came up after the banquet and talked to me and she said, ‘You should apply [for Princess Kay of the Milky Way]. You never know what’s going to happen. Just go try.’ And hearing her words as well as being inspired by my boss was the biggest thing. They changed my life so much. And to have such strong women by my side was super important,” Hanson said.
Hanson has internalized this lesson and is using it as a guide during her time as Princess Kay of the Milky Way.
“One of my big messages that I have been saying this entire reign so far is if you have a goal, go for it. No matter how far-fetched it might seem. A lot of people did not ever expect me to look for an agriculture job, let alone to compete for Princess Kay [of the Milky Way]. But my family taught us to dream big. God has a plan. Everything will happen the way it’s supposed to. Pursue your goals, it doesn’t matter who tells you no. Just go for those tough things and work hard. It’s an experience that you can only have once,” Hanson said.
Community is a big part of Hanson’s goals as Princess Kay of the Milky Way. This is reflected in her butter sculpture, commonly known as a “butterhead.” Hanson plans to share the butter sculpture with her community at a Knights of Columbus breakfast.
Hanson is most excited to work within the community, regardless of people’s prior experience with the dairy industry.
“I have worked with all age ranges, and I think that’s benefited me a lot. I have worked with the youngest through babysitting, and I have worked with the older generation because I used to work in assisted living. So, I love talking with all generations. I love talking with consumers, but I love talking with the farmers. I love going out to the farmers’ properties or farms and saying, this is what I want to represent, because that is who drew me into it,” she said.
During the Minnesota State Fair, Hanson enjoyed using facts she learned in her introductory classes at UWRF when interacting with the public. Her favorite fun fact to share involves ties to UWRF.
“If you’re lactose intolerant, can you still drink milk? The answer is yes, because if you’re lactose intolerant, it’s just that your gut is missing the lactase enzyme. And so, if you reintroduce that into your diet, you’re able to consume milk. And so even here at UWRF, all of our ice cream that we make has that lactase enzyme added back into it. So, you’re able to eat the ice cream even if you are lactose intolerant.”
However, fun facts are not all that Hanson has learned at UWRF. She credits her advanced courses with helping her know how to talk with farmers, an important aspect of being Princess Kay of the Milky Way.
“I understand the consumer side because I was a consumer, but I fell in love with the producer side. So, I want to be able to show that I support them. So, any events that are hands-on with farmers, I am super excited for. There’s something so special about the dairy community. And that’s really what drew me in is not only do I get to work hands-on with animals every day, but the people I am surrounded with are so amazing,” Hanson said.
Hanson is excited to share her knowledge with others and the opportunities that being Princess Kay of the Milky Way will bring.
