Being prepared

Malorie Thorson, 72nd Princess Kay of the Milky Way

Matt Addington/Midwest Dairy

Happy February, everyone. I can confidently say that January went by faster than I would have ever expected. Truthfully, I am surprised. I still believe there is a slow season, especially considering my background growing up on the dairy farm. While there is never a month dedicated to putting our feet up, I view January as the month that changes our pace. We finally exit the holiday season, start writing the correct year on papers and transition the farm to brace for the coldest month of the year. In reality, our change in pace creates preparation so we can best serve the people and animals around us.

One way my father demonstrated this was through equipment maintenance. Every day, he would change a skid loader’s oil or check tires or hydraulic hoses. His change of pace focuses on the equipment of great service to the daily operation of the farm. In turn, employees can complete their jobs, and the animals will have a clean barn.

Similarly, my mom changes her pace in the parlor by teaching the employees the correct protocol if a cow gets frostbite or if a water tub freezes. She is proactively preparing the employees for the cold, so the animals are receiving consistent care. A change of pace is preparation, where you take control of the controllable, to better respond when life speeds up.

Advocacy in action

In many ways, watching my parents adjust their pace taught me how to prepare for the next opportunity, and this past month was no exception. As I was preparing for the First District Association annual meeting, I kept reflecting back on the opportunities I have experienced because of the patrons and people at FDA. They have provided me with tours of their dairy farms, learning experiences within dairy product quality and, most importantly, conversations that still resonate with me today.

So, as I arrived at the banquet hall, my heart was full of gratitude for not only FDA but all other creameries in Minnesota that are providing us opportunities to learn, grow and connect as the dairy community. The feeling only increased as I was greeted at my table by a young boy anxiously waiting to meet me. He told me all about his family’s dairy farm, favorite dairy product and, best of all, his favorite Jersey cow. After the conversation ended, I smiled at him; his enthusiasm reminded me of myself when I was young, and I thanked him for sharing with me. It is conversations like these that form connections as you bond over your passion for the community we call home.

In the same way, my community of Wright County also serves as a place for connection and gratitude. On Jan. 20, I joined the Wright County commissioners for their bi-weekly meeting. I expressed my thanks for their dedication and service in preserving agriculture in Wright County. In addition, they also officially declared the day as Malorie Thorson Princess Kay of the Milky Way Day.

Simply put, I am humbled by the recognition and am grateful the resolution emphasizes continued advocacy for the dedicated dairy farm families in our county beyond my time as Princess Kay. It is not about me, though. I will always celebrate Jan. 20 as a day of recognition for all of you, the dairy farmers of Minnesota, who are the reason I am here today.

To conclude January, I reunited with Fairborne and Fairchild, the Minnesota State Fair mascots, as we walked in the St. Paul Winter Carnival Torchlight Parade. Thankfully, the weather was above zero. It was a great evening, catching up with Wright County town royalty, sharing smiles with parade attendees and, finally, witnessing the community of St. Paul ecstatic for the 2026 state fair.

So, as I kept pace with the parade, it reminded me that a change in pace was the preparation I needed to meaningfully connect with farmers and make the most of all the opportunities and experiences I have been given. I am “udderly” excited for what February will bring as I continue to share our dairy story.

Princess Kay of the Milky Way, Malorie Thorson, serves as the Minnesota dairy community’s goodwill ambassador. Malorie grew up in Waverly, Minnesota. She attends South Dakota State University majoring in Dairy Production with plans to return to her family farm as the sixth generation. Malorie loves trying out new recipes and baking, swing dancing, reading, and spending quality time with her family during early morning milking shifts. Her parents are Andrew and Colette Thorson.

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.