56th South Dakota Dairy Princess Crowned « Back

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Natalie Thyen (TEEN), Waverly, is South Dakota’s 56th State Dairy Princess.  She was crowned Wednesday night (March 30) in Sioux Falls during the Central Plains Dairy Expo. 

Thyen, 19, is the daughter of Dan and Becky Thyen and is a student at Lake Area Technical Institute in Watertown, pursuing a career as a medical assistant.

Throughout the coming year, she will represent South Dakota dairy farmers at a variety of appearances, helping consumers to understand how milk is produced in a wholesome and responsible way.  She receives a $1,000 scholarship from Midwest Dairy Association’s South Dakota Division.

Melissa Zemlicka, 19, Watertown, and Hiltien (hill TEEN) Landman, 19, of White were named named runner-ups.  Each was awarded a $500 scholarship from the Central Plains Dairy Expo.  Zemlicka is the daughter of Daron and Valerie Zemlicka, while Landman’s parents are Rein and Boukje Landman. 

The candidates for the title were judged on their general dairy knowledge and enthusiasm for the industry, communications skills and ability to reach consumer audiences.  The Dairy Princess program is sponsored by Midwest Dairy Association through the dairy checkoff.

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Midwest Dairy Association is a non-profit organization funded by dairy farmers to build demand for dairy products through integrated marketing, nutrition education and research. Midwest Dairy is funded by checkoff dollars from dairy farmers in a 10-state region, including Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma. For more information, visit www.midwestdairycheckoff.com. Follow us on Twitter and find us on Facebook at Midwest Dairy.