Introducing the Finalists
Dairy princess programs provide a way for young women to be involved in the dairy industry, creating dairy advocates and community leaders. The Iowa Dairy Princess and Princess Alternate serve as goodwill dairy ambassadors for Iowa’s dairy farmers, representing them at events across the state of Iowa during their year-long reign.
Meet the 2026 Iowa Dairy Princess Finalists below.
Hannah Hagen
Representing Allamakee County
Hannah Hagen, 18, is from Allamakee County and is the daughter of Erik and Lisa Hagen. She plans to attend Iowa State University, where she will major in Animal Science.
Makenzie Simon
Representing the Dubuque County
Makenzie Simon, 16, is representing Dubuque County and is the daughter of Nikki and Duke Simon. She is attending Western Dubuque High School.
Emma Streif
Representing Fayette County
Emma Streif, 18, is from Fayette County and is the daughter of Dave and Marcia Streif. She plans to attend Northeast Iowa Community College to study Animal Science, Beef Science, and Agricultural Business.
Lindsay Taplin
Representing Fayette County
Lindsay Taplin, 19, is from Fayette County and is the daughter of Barry and Kathleen Taplin. She attends Wartburg College, where she is majoring in Neuroscience and Psychology and minoring in Biology.
Mae Wedemeier
Representing Fayette County
Mae Wedemeier, 18, is from Fayette County and is the daughter of Scott and Catherine Wedemeier. She plans to attend Iowa State University to study Agricultural Communications with a minor in Leadership Studies.
Hanna Vagts
Representing Winneshiek County
Hanna Vagts, 18, is from Winneshiek County and is the daughter of Derrick and Sara Vagts. She plans to attend Iowa State University.
Media Requests
For Iowa Dairy Princess media requests and interviews, please email Mariah Busta, Midwest Dairy Farmer Relations Manager.