Minnesota’s Princess Kay of the Milky Way
Princess Kay of the Milky Way serves as the goodwill ambassador for Minnesota’s dairy farmers, a name selected in a Department of Agriculture contest almost sixty years ago. She is selected through a three-phase process.
First, candidates must be a county dairy princess. County dairy princess contests happen from January to April. In May, all the county dairy princesses come together for a leadership event and have the opportunity to compete to be a finalist. Ten young women are then selected to continue moving forward with the competition.
In August, prior to the Minnesota State Fair, another competition occurs between the ten women, and the winner is announced the Wednesday night prior to the Minnesota State Fair. Princess Kay of the Milky way will then spend the next year representing Minnesota’s dairy farmers to consumers.
Meet the 2025 Princess Kay Finalists
Meet the 2025 Princess Kay of the Milky Way finalists who proudly represent Minnesota’s dairy industry and the bright future of agriculture. These finalists represent the heart of Minnesota’s dairy community, and they’ve each got a unique story to tell.
72nd Princess Kay of the Milky Way Coronation
Minnesota’s dairy community will once again kick off the Great Minnesota Get-Together by celebrating the coronation of the 72nd Princess Kay of the Milky Way on Wednesday evening, August 20, 2025. Reigning Princess Kay Rachel Visser of Hutchinson, representing McLeod County, will pass her crown on to one of 10 county dairy princesses vying for the title.
- When: Wednesday, August 20, at 8:00 PM (Princess Kay is crowned at approximately 9:00 PM)
- Where: Minnesota State Fair Leinie Lodge Bandshell Stage (1302 Cooper Street)
Can’t make it in person? The coronation will also be livestreamed on Princess Kay’s Facebook page.
May Leadership Event Information
The May Leadership Event, including judging and hands-on workshops, will be held May 16-17, 2025, in the Twin Cities. Registration is due by April 18, 2025.
The agenda for the May Leadership Event is available here.
Leadership Session Recordings
Princess Kay Application Materials
Request a Visit from a Dairy Princess
Princess Kay of the Milky Way is an ambassador for dairy farmers in Minnesota. She loves to share information about the role of dairy in healthy eating habits and how dairy farmers care for their cows, community and land.
To request Princess Kay of the Milky Way visit your event or classroom, please submit the request form and we will help you connect with Princess Kay.
Media Inquiries
Interested in interviewing the the Princess Kay of the Milky Way? Contact us below!
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