Hanson crowned 73rd Princess Kay

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. — The new Princess Kay of the Milky Way, Jena Hanson, may not have grown up on a dairy farm, but that is exactly the point. Hanson’s path into the dairy industry may be unconventional, but she hopes to motivate others to define their own journey during her reign.

“I want to encourage other people within the dairy industry — and people who aren’t — to go for their goals,” Hanson said. “Anything you want to do, you’re more than capable if you just put your mind to it.”

The coronation took place Aug. 26, the night before the Minnesota State Fair’s opening day, at the fair’s Luther Auto Bandshell stage.

Hanson, the daughter of Steve and Suzie Hanson, is from and represents Steele County. She will be an incoming junior at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls majoring in dairy science management.

“Dairy, to me, is very important because it’s not something I grew up with, but it’s something that I found a passion for over the years,” Hanson said. “I’m so grateful to be able to pursue this career.”

Hanson’s love for agriculture started after joining her high school’s FFA chapter, sparking her interest in becoming a large animal veterinarian. Needing experience and connections, Hanson mentored at several dairies, where her passion for the dairy industry was discovered.

“I love the relationships dairy farmers have with one another,” she said. “The community is so strong and one that I’m so proud to be a part of.”

Hanson works for Dawn Kasper, who owns Kashome Holsteins near Medford. On the farm, Hanson helps milk and feed 160 cows along with taking care of calf chores.

“Kasper really pushed me to become a county princess, and it was from there that I learned about the role of Princess Kay of the Milky Way and wanted to pursue this,” Hanson said. “Without their support and help, I would have never been able to achieve all the goals that I’ve accomplished so far.”

Hanson was crowned next to runners-up Isabella Schiffler, of Albany, and Jaiden Smith, of Melrose, both representing Stearns County.

Hanson, Schiffler and Claudia Frenchick, of St. Martin, representing Meeker County, each received a $1,000 scholarship from Midwest Dairy. The recipients were chosen based on academic excellence, leadership, activities, dairy involvements and future goals.

The year’s Miss Congeniality, which is voted on by the candidates, was awarded to Smith, who showed kindness, encouragement and support throughout the process.

One of Hanson’s goals is to ensure individuals know there are many ways into the industry.

“I never thought that I’d be qualified for this type of role,” she said. “I’m just so excited to be able to represent everyone who supported me, because I wouldn’t be here today without all the farms that took me on.”

Hanson’s parents said they feel pride and excitement about their daughter being selected as a finalist and crowned Princess Kay. They said they know Hanson will bring people together through education and her dedication.

 “No matter what, she is going to do amazing things,” Suzie said. “Whichever path she ends up going on, she loves the dairy industry, and I just love that she's able to advocate for it. She wants to bring young people into the industry, and she’s just so good at bringing people together.”

Her father agreed.

The first 48 hours of Hanson’s reign will be spent inside a cooler getting her likeness carved into a 90-pound block of butter by Gerry Kulzer. Afterwards, she will spend the remainder of the state fair visiting with attendees, consumers and producers alike to share the importance of dairy.

“I’m definitely looking forward to taking on this role wholeheartedly and really just advocating for the dairy industry," Hanson said.