ANKENY, Iowa – Midwest Dairy’s Iowa Division is seeking candidates to serve as the 73rd Iowa Dairy Princess and Alternate. Applications are due July 1.
The Iowa Dairy Princess serves as the official goodwill ambassador for Iowa dairy farmers, helping share the story of dairy with consumers. Through appearances and outreach efforts, the Iowa Dairy Princess and Alternate promote dairy farmers’ commitment to animal care and environmental stewardship, highlight the safety and nutritional value of dairy products, and communicate the impact of dairy farming across Iowa.
Eligible candidates are young women ages 17 to 24 who have an active interest in Iowa’s dairy cattle industry and have completed their junior year of high school. Candidates who reside in counties with an active dairy promotion board and princess contest must be nominated through their county program. Those living in counties without an active promotion board may apply to represent their county at large. A complete list of eligibility requirements is available at MidwestDairy.com.
The contest provides participants with professional development, networking, and leadership opportunities. Judging will take place August 11-12, 2026, in Ankeny and will evaluate candidates on their communication skills, knowledge of the dairy industry, and enthusiasm for dairy promotion.
The 73rd Iowa Dairy Princess and Alternate will be crowned at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 12, at the Multi-Media Center in the Cattle Barn on the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.
All contestants who participate in the contest will receive a $500 scholarship. In addition, the 2026-27 Iowa Dairy Princess and Alternate will each receive a $1,000 scholarship from Midwest Dairy upon successfully completing their reign.
For complete contest rules and to apply online, visit MidwestDairy.com or contact Mariah Busta at 563-449-2414 or mbusta@midwestdairy.com.
Midwest Dairy® represents 3,600 dairy farm families and works on their behalf to build dairy demand by inspiring consumer confidence in our products and production practices. We are committed to Bringing Dairy to Life! by giving Consumers an Excellent Dairy Experience and are funded by farmers across a 10-state region, including Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma. For more information, visit MidwestDairy.com, and follow us on Facebook and YouTube.