Anderson shares her passion and pride for dairy industry
By Carol Stender
cstender@agrinews.com
Date Modified: 08/26/2010 9:13 AM
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LESTER PRAIRIE, Minn. — Ever since she was a young girl, Karen Anderson of Lester Prairie felt was proud of the dairy industry.
Now she's sharing her enthusiasm with others as McLeod County's dairy princess and as a Princess Kay of the Milky Way finalist.
"I have looked up to a number of people who have been leaders and role models in different associations related to the dairy industry," Anderson said. "The dairy industry has given me many opportunities to succeed such as 4-H, showing cattle, dairy judging and the American Guernsey Association. Now it is my time to give back to the dairy industry that has given me so much."
The Princess Kay program is a great way for her to share her dairy experiences and knowledge with others, she said.
Anderson and her brother, Kevin, are the seventh generation on the family's Lester Prairie farm. Their parents, David and Donna, milk 45 registered Guernsey cows in a tie stall barn and raise 55 young stock. They farm 158 acres and raise corn, soybeans and alfalfa.
Their farm, they call "Up the Creek Farm," has been in the family for more than 150 years, she said.
Her foray into dairy promotions started in 2007 when she was a McLeod County Dairy Ambassador. This was the first year she's participated in the county and Princess Kay programs, she said.
Anderson credits her sorority sisters with helping her prepare for the Midwest Dairy Association's May Event and its princess program.
Her parents attended the banquet where the 12 Princess Kay of the Milky Way finalists were announced.
"My parents were filled with emotion just like I was," she said of being named a finalist the banquet. "They were extremely proud of me. The one thing that I remember most about that day was the look my father had on his face. When I saw him, my first reaction was to go and give him a hug. My father, as well as all the hard working, dedicated dairy farmers are the main reasons why having the opportunity to represent the dairy industry as a Princess Kay finalist means so much to me."
She enjoys every opportunity she has to talk about the dairy industry, but says elementary children are especially fun to discuss dairying and dairy products.
"They are so interested in what you have to say and to show them," she said.
It's an honor to represent the dairy producers.
"Dairy farmers have unlimited amount of pride and passion for their cattle and the land that they call home," she said. "They are dedicated individuals who work hard to produce pure, wholesome dairy products for everyone."