HOT PURSUIT

If there’s one thing I’ve grown to support over the years, it’s rallying behind the underdog, so to speak.

Such is the case with this year’s Princess Kay of the Milky Way for Minnesota. On the eve of the Minnesota State Fair, Jena Hanson of Owatonna became the first Princess Kay from Steele County in 18 years and only the fourth in the program’s 73-year history.

It may not seem surprising for someone like Hanson who is friendly, poised and bubbly to earn her way to become the state’s top dairy ambassador. But she has certainly turned more than a few heads with her untraditional background. She likely didn’t go into the Princess Kay competition as the favorite as most come from lifelong dairy roots.

Hanson grew up in Owatonna with no dairy farm in the family or farm background at all. During high school, she became interested in dairy by doing mentorships on area farms. She also was involved in 4-H and FFA where she served as vice president.  

She’ll be the first to tell you that she didn’t think there would be any way that she could ascend to become Princess Kay.

She certainly didn’t grow up with the advantage many Princess Kay finalists have with lifelong knowledge from their parents or others, but under it all there is something incredibly remarkable about Hanson.

In April, I had the opportunity to judge the Steele County Dairy Princess competition where Hanson was one of eight princesses. At the time I was extremely impressed with her leadership and communication skills. She was articulate in describing her hands on experiences with area dairy farms and how she wants to help the dairy industry. Dedicated and caring are two key attributes I noted in judging her.

What truly stuck out with me was how she did not grow up on a farm but planned to go into the dairy industry as a professional career. She is convinced her future path will lead her into something dairy-related. Currently, she shares a strong passion for dairy nutrition.

“With the connections I have made so far from FFA to my mentorships, job shadows and internships, I was able to kickstart my success in pursuing my first couple of years in agriculture, and I can’t wait to expand within the industry,” she said. “I want to be a voice for the small dairy operations because they hold a special spot in my heart.”

Obviously, Hanson knows where she came from in working with at least three small dairy operations in Steele County in recent years. Her experiences with those dairy farmers have propelled her into becoming Princess Kay.

She may not have been in the cow barn as a toddler or young child, but Hanson has grown to obtain deep knowledge of the industry. She has a thorough understanding of the dairy community, dairy nutrition and farm operations. She also has unmatched enthusiasm and passion that’s often difficult to find in young people who are trying to figure out their lives.

Perhaps most importantly Hanson is genuine. With an infectious smile, she interacts with people by displaying high energy, friendly and an approachable personality.

It will be exciting to watch the new Princess Kay as she travels around the state over the next year. What’s even more exciting is that the knowledge she will share comes mostly from the hardworking dairy farmers in Steele County.

Hanson may not view herself as an underdog, but she went in hot pursuit of the title, proving that determination can overcome most obstacles.