Princess diaries, dairy edition

Greetings, supportive dairy community. I am honored to be serving each and every single one of you as your 72nd Princess Kay of the Milky Way. If I have not had the pleasure to meet you during the hustle and bustle of the state fair, let me introduce myself.

While growing up on my family’s dairy farm in Waverly, Minnesota, my love for dairy farming bloomed. The memory that started it all began in the milking parlor when I was 3 years old. That day, I decided I was going to help milk cows, even though I was not tall enough to reach the cows. Well, as a future dairy farmer, my innovative idea was to utilize a step stool. From that moment on, I loved being in the barn, helping my mom and seeing all my animals.

Through the years, I outgrew the step stool; however, I never outgrew my love for my animals and working with my family. Yet, what truly solidified my future career path was during the coronavirus pandemic. During the year, I was able to immerse myself in the operations of my farm and learn more about the care of dairy farmers on a daily basis. In addition, my family continued to show me the importance of our farm practices and the value of seeing the diversity within dairy farming.

Ultimately, during my senior year of high school, I was excited to attend South Dakota State University to gain new experiences with my degree path of dairy production. Now, as I enter into my junior year, I have not only learned more about dairy but also have gotten opportunities to incorporate dairy in everything I do. As an active member in the dairy club and country swing dance club, I enjoy sharing my passion for the dairy community with young leaders in agriculture.

Furthermore, this year, I am excited to serve as the secretary for Jack’s Cupboard, the SDSU on-campus food pantry. Caring for the nutritional needs of my campus community has always been a desire, and I am looking forward to creating on-campus initiatives to keep the cupboard well-stocked, especially with dairy products.

Minnesota State Fair recap

The Great Minnesota Get Together was everything I had dreamed about and more. As a young girl, I remember that, as a family, we would always stop in the dairy building for ice cream and to awe at the butter sculptures. While I am still amazed at the talent our butter sculptor has displayed during my 12 days, I am also in awe of the countless connections made with consumers. The memories I have made during the duration of the fair all narrow down to three categories: butter booth, global impact and inspiration for the next generation.

Let’s just say it was a full-circle moment sitting in the rotating cooler. I was able to see the full crowds admire a 60-year-old state fair tradition, and I realized the impact it has on the dairy community. The butter booth sparks questions that lead to conversations about dairy and consumer backgrounds. The finalists and I have had the joy of meeting people from seven different countries and roughly 18 different states. What do each of these travelers have in common? They wanted to experience the Minnesota State Fair and the famous butter sculptures.

In addition, for some of the Minnesota residents, it was their first time visiting, and for many, they were seasoned professionals. Yet, all of them still asked me a very important question: How and why did I choose to run for Princess Kay of the Milky Way?

While answering the how was easy, by explaining the requirements, the why required a little more thought. I soon realized my why for running for Princess Kay was because of you, the dairy farmers. It was to give back to the community that has shaped me into the woman I am today, to dedicate a year of my time to the many years you have been dedicated to your dairy legacy. In doing so, I hope to continue to inspire the next generation of young dairy leaders, to show them that the opportunities within the dairy farming community are endless.

So, the 2025 Minnesota State Fair may have come to a close, but you “butter” believe this is just the beginning.

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 very active doing school visits and events representing dairy farmers, and sharing the importance of dairy farming and dairy foods at appearances across Minnesota.