A year to be grateful for

As my journey as the 71st Princess Kay of the Milky Way nears the end, I am filled with gratitude for everyone I have met, each handshake and conversation I have had and the opportunity to represent Minnesota’s dairy community. One year ago, as I stepped of the stage at the coronation, I couldn’t have imagined everything that this year would have in store.

Over the past 12 months, I have traveled 7,530 miles to more than 70 events. Each experience provided me with a new opportunity to connect with students, consumers and dairy farmers while continually learning. The life lessons I’ve gained, the personal growth I’ve experienced and the passion I’ve shared for dairy are truly immeasurable. For that, I am forever grateful.

From classroom visits to county fairs, every place I visited brought memorable interactions and meaningful conversations I will cherish forever. Visiting with students was one of the most rewarding parts of my year. Throughout the school year, I met with over 3,000 students. It always made my day to see a classroom of curious first graders full of questions or a student eager to tell me about their family’s dairy farm. These young learners reminded me of the value of curiosity, and their energy challenged me to find joy in every moment.

Breakfast on the farm events and other on-farm gatherings were some other favorites of mine throughout the summer. Each visit to a dairy farm allowed me to learn about different farming practices and witness the diversity within Minnesota’s dairy community. Learning from dairy farmers better equipped me to advocate on their behalf and continually fueled my passion and excitement for this role.

Some of the most meaningful events brought me back to the people and places that helped shape who I am today. I had the privilege of returning to my hometown to visit my elementary and high schools, attend my home county’s dairy royalty banquet and take part in the Hutchinson town days parade. Each of these events helped me connect with a new audience, and as the fifth Princess Kay from McLeod County, I was proud to continue a legacy that I am proud to be a part of.

Outside of my hometown, I connected with many youth in agriculture through helping with many 4-H dairy shows and a fitting and showmanship clinic and leading a leadership workshop for 4-H members. These hands-on learning opportunities were some of my favorite memories from the year, as I once stood in the shoes of those youth.

Serving as Princess Kay has taught me to speak more confidently, advocate more authentically and be fully present in every moment. This role reminded me that, no matter how big or small our stories may seem, each one has the power to make an impact, and it’s our responsibility to share them. Even after I put away the crown and sash, I look forward to carrying the lessons and skills I’ve gained with me as I continue to share my passion for dairy.

To Minnesota’s dairy farmers, thank you. Thank you for the work you do each and every day so we always have a story to tell. When it comes to dedication, teamwork and pride, the dairy community is truly second to none. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as the 71st Princess Kay of the Milky Way. As I pass on the crown, I do so with deep appreciation, lasting memories and the confidence that the future of our dairy community is in passionate and capable hands.

Princess Kay of the Milky Way, Rachel Visser, serves as the Minnesota dairy community’s goodwill ambassador. Rachel grew up in Hutchinson, Minnesota working on a neighboring dairy farm. She attends the University of Minnesota double majoring in Agricultural Food and Business Management and Agricultural Communications and Marketing. Her favorite dairy food is cheese sticks. Her parents are Barry and Shannon Visser. Princess Kay is active doing school visits and events representing dairy farmers, and sharing the importance of dairy farming and dairy foods at appearances across Minnesota.