Hello, I am Colleen McDowell the Indiana County Dairy Princess.  Throughout my year as Dairy Princess I have learned a lot. I have not been lucky enough to have had the chance to grow up on a dairy farm;  however, the last two years I have had the chance to work at the Windy View Dairy Farm in Marion Center. I have also, had the chance to show dairy cows, dairy steers, and hogs at the Indiana County Fair, thanks to the Ackerson family. Many of my friends and family referee me as Eillie Mae from the television show The Klapit’s,  because from the waist up I am all Hollywood with my make-up and hair and from my waist down I am all cowgirl with my barn boots on.  Through working at the Windy View Farm and being Dairy Princess I have realized how hard it is to be a dairy farmer, the struggles that dairy farms face every day, and the lack of recognition dairy farmers receive. This is why I wanted to be the Indiana County Dairy Princess. I wanted to share the hard work dairy farmer’s face to give us dairy products we consumer every day. I not only wanted to share the obligations and commitment dairy farmers have to there farm and there work, but also share the importance of consuming dairy products. One of my favorite parts about being Dairy Princess is going to elementary schools, pre-schools, and day-cares and talking to the young children who are easily influenced about the importance of consuming three-every-day of dairy. Healthy eating and healthy food choices start at a young age, getting the chance to influence these children to make decisions that will make them healthier and stronger as they grow into young adults, is an amazing and rewarding opportunity. One of the most memorable things about being Dairy Princess is the way little girls look up to me and how they think I live at Disney World because in their minds all Princesses are from Disney. Overall, this year being Indiana County Dairy Princess has been an unbelievable and rewarding experience.

 

Thank you.