Dairy Princess. A term known well among those in the dairy business-the farmers, agri-services, agencies and organizations. Not so much to the public, especially in the suburban to urban regions. An honor bestowed upon a young lady selected from amongst her peers to represent the dairy industry and champion the great dairy families from their communities. They are promoters to the public of the importance of the dairy industry, and farming in general; they tout the nutritional value of dairy products and their value in our diet; and they become the public face and voice of young leaders.
Here in Franklin County, New York the Dairy Princess moniker is familiar and celebrated. Last Saturday, the annual Dairy Princess Banquet was held in Constable and was extremely well attended. It was a time of reflection for the outgoing Princess, Errolynn Bradley and a time of anticipation and excitement mixed with a touch of nervousness for incoming Princess April Gokey. There were comments by the young ladies; Moms were both proud and teary eyed; and those in attendance left with a feeling of pride that there are good, respectable young people who are well spoken and proud of their families and the profession they represent.
As I sat in the audience and listened to the young people tell their stories I looked around at the people in attendance. I saw pride in their faces as they watched daughters speak in front of a packed room. I observed farm leaders with a sense of accomplishment in their work over the years with youth. I recognized in some expressions a comfort that another generation was continuing on a path to carry the industry forward. I watched young Dairy Ambassadors, both young men and women, boys and girls sitting at a head table where they were front and center. Some would continue to promote dairy throughout their teens. Some would go on to professions within the agricultural sector, including farming. The audience peered at them with satisfaction and were gratified with the future of developing leadership.
Myself, I left the event with a feeling of pride that I had, years ago, set upon a path connected with farming. I was thankful to have had the opportunity to have milked cows, promoted and taught agriculture over the years and, through my career with cooperative extension, had lived and worked in rural areas and with the great men and women who resided there.
Last updated June 1, 2015