Delano Herald Journal

Serving the communities of Delano, Loretto, Montrose, MN, and the surrounding area

Wright County Dairy Princesses to be crowned



Three young women are preparing themselves to become goodwill
ambassadors for Wright County’s dairy industry.

Rachel Bakeberg, Stacy Wozniak, and Betty Berning will
interview for the dairy princess positions at the American Dairy Association
(ADA) of Wright County’s annual coronation and banquet, Thursday, April
9, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo.

The dairy princess program is one of the long-standing
traditions of Minnesota’s dairy industry. Now in its 45th year, the ADA
seeks knowledgeable young women to serve for a year with the dairy industry
and promote its wholesome products.

The dairy princesses will be called upon throughout their
reign to fulfill a number of responsibilities. These include, first and
foremost, to speak well on behalf of the dairy industry. These speaking
engagements may range from a public address to a one-on-one conversation
with a consumer.

Dairy princesses also make appearances in parades, elementary
schools, hometown promotions and a number of other seasonal activities.
They are called upon extensively during June Dairy Month.

The candidates will be judged on poise, appearance, speaking
ability and knowledge of the dairy industry. Contest rules require that
the contestant be between the ages of 18-24 and the daughter of a dairy
farmer.

County winners will advance to regional competition this
summer and finally, 11 regional dairy princesses will vie for the crown
of Princess Kay of the Milky Way at the Minnesota State Fair in August.

Tickets are available from local ADA members, Matt Stifter
at 320-485-2883 or Jim Raymond at 320-543-3205.

Rachel is the daughter of George and Kay Bakeberg of Waverly.
As an active student at Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted (HLWW) High School,
Rachel pursues agricultural activities with enthusiasm.

She is presently the HLWW FFA president. While a FFA member,
Rachel participates in dairy cattle and dairy foods judging. In high school,
she is involved in varsity volleyball and basketball.

Rachel said, “It’s important to take care of your
responsibilities.”

Some of her major responsibilities off the farm include
being a 4-H junior leader and peer helper for Wright County.

Rachel has learned a strong work ethic and family values
as a daughter of dairy farmers. On the farm, her responsibilities range
from feeding and milking cows to helping with calf chores.

“All chores have their ups and downs, but if I had
to choose one, it would be finding a newborn calf with it’s mother out in
the pasture,” said Rachel.

Stacy is the daughter of Leonard and Sandy Wozniak of Cokato.
Stacy continues her involvement in the agricultural industry as a full-time
student at Central Lakes College pursuing an associate degree in horticulture.

Becoming a dairy princess will allow Stacy to inform the
public of her and her parents’ lifestyle. She said she wants to encourage
the public to use products her family produces daily.

Family is a vital part of Stacy’s life. One of the most
valuable things she has learned from the farm is a sense of accomplishment
by working together as a family unit. To help the unit to be complete, Stacy
helps with morning and evening milking, as well as feeding calves.

“I can monitor a calf from birth to becoming a high-producing
milk cow,” said Stacy.

Betty is the daughter of Tony and Barb Berning of Albertville.
She is looking forward to becoming a dairy princess because the industry
means a lot to her.

Betty shows that interest with various activities in and
out of school. On the family farm, Betty milks cows and feeds calves when
needed. She said farming has taught her to expect the unexpected.

The Sherburne County 4-H program has proven to be beneficial
to Betty’s leadership skills. She has been an ambassador, camp counselor,
and officer for her 4-H club. Last fall, she attended the National 4-H Dairy
Conference in Madison, Wis.

FFA has been beneficial to her gaining knowledge in the
dairy industry by competing in dairy judging.

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