Worden Iowa Dairy Princess; Hageman Alternate Princess
By Jean Caspers-Simmet
simmet@agrinews.com
Date Modified: 08/27/2012 2:25 PM
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DES MOINES — Logan Worden, 19, of Oelwein is Iowa's new dairy princess. She was crowned last week on the Iowa State fairgrounds the night before the fair opened.
Worden, daughter of Dennis and Joan Worden, will use the title to help consumers understand the dedication of dairy farm families.
Worden represented the state's Brown Swiss breeders in the contest, in which she also was named winner of the presentation category. During the pageant she performed her original skit outlining the health benefits of dairy products for athletes. She talked about how chocolate milk is much healthier than Mountain Dew or sports drinks.
The Alternate Iowa Dairy Princess, who shares duties with the Princess, is Karla Hageman, 17, daughter of Alan and Ruth Hageman of Decorah. She represented the Iowa Guernsey Association.
"It definitely hasn't set in yet," Worden said after the pageant. "I'm very excited about this opportunity. I can't believe I'm here. I look forward to the next 12 months, especially working with Karla. I'm sure it will be a ton of fun."
Worden is a sophomore at Iowa State University studying dairy science and agricultural business.
"Having the opportunity to promote nature's most perfect food and the best animals in the world, no matter which breed, all while working alongside the state's most dedicated and hard working individuals is one of the greatest blessings that I have ever had," said Worden in explaining why she wanted to be dairy princess.
"It's amazing," said Hageman. "Nothing can compare to how I feel right now."
Hageman is a senior at South Winneshiek High School.
The morning after the pageant, Worden and Hageman were in the show ring at the Iowa State Fair exhibiting cattle. Hageman also participated in 4-H dairy judging between the end of the princess judging and the evening pageant.
Both young women begin their reign on Sept. 1. The current Iowa Dairy Princess, Jessica Hammerand of Epworth and Alternate Princess Heidi Hain of Nora Springs, will continue their work through the end of August.
Rounding out the top five were: Kaley Heffern, 18, daughter of Jack and Cindy Heffern of Harpers Ferry, representing Allamakee County; Nicole Engelken, 17, daughter of Tom and Cherrie Engelken of Earlville, representing Delaware County; and Caitlin Geise, 20, daughter of Brad and Lisa Geise of DeWitt, representing Jackson and Clinton counties.
Emilie Neumueller, 19, daughter of Tom and Gail Kruse, representing Dubuque County, was named Miss Congeniality. Midwest Dairy Association sponsors the dairy princess program.
Worden's family owns Onword Swiss, which consists of 90 mature females and 90 young stock. Hageman's family milks 130 registered Holsteins.