This summer, Minnesota and Iowa celebrated the future of the dairy industry by crowning their 72nd Dairy Princesses during ceremonies at their state fairgrounds. These young women, chosen for their leadership, communication skills, and passion for dairy, will spend the coming year serving as goodwill ambassadors on behalf of dairy farm families.
Minnesota’s Princess Kay of the Milky Way
Malorie Thorson, 20, of Waverly, representing Wright County, was crowned the 72nd Princess Kay of the Milky Way at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds on August 20. Thorson, daughter of Andrew and Colette Thorson, is a student at South Dakota State University. She will represent nearly 1,800 Minnesota dairy farm families, connecting with consumers to promote the nutritional benefits of dairy and the farmers’ commitment to sustainability.
Ten county dairy princesses vied for the title. Alexis Hoefs of New Prague (Le Sueur County) and April Klaphake of Sauk Centre (Stearns County) were named runners-up. Hoefs, along with Natalie Clemenson of Zumbrota (Goodhue County) and Nicole Hauschildt of Zumbro Falls (Wabasha County), received scholarships, while Lauren Steffl of Sleepy Eye (Brown County) earned the title of Miss Congeniality.
Thorson’s first official duty is a long-standing Minnesota State Fair tradition: having her likeness carved into a 90-pound block of butter by artist Gerry Kulzer.
Iowa’s Dairy Princess Program
Two weeks earlier, Iowa crowned its 72nd Dairy Princess during a ceremony at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. Kelsey Timp, 18, of Ossian, representing Winneshiek County, was selected as the 2024–25 Iowa Dairy Princess. The daughter of Brett and Robin Timp, Kelsey will begin her freshman year at Iowa State University this fall, studying agricultural communications and business. Like her Minnesota counterpart, she will make public appearances to help consumers better understand the care and commitment dairy farmers put into their cows, land, and milk.
Joining her is Alternate Princess Alia Domeyer, 19, of Delhi, representing Delaware County. Domeyer, daughter of Dewey and Jeannie Domeyer, will be a sophomore at the University of Northern Iowa, studying finance and marketing. Taylor Sparrgrove, 20, of Washburn, was also recognized for outstanding public speaking.
Thirteen candidates competed for Iowa’s crown. Judging was based on essays, interviews, professionalism, public speaking, and dairy advocacy skills. Outgoing Iowa Dairy Princess Haley Ronnebaum of Earlville and Alternate Princess Harley Baumler of St. Lucas will pass on their duties at the end of August, with the new leaders beginning September 1.
Together, Malorie Thorson and Kelsey Timp represent the next generation of dairy advocates as they proudly carry forward a tradition that celebrates not only the wholesome goodness of dairy but also the people and values behind it.