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Tickets for the 72nd Mower County Dairy Banquet are now on sale.

The Mower County Dairy Royalty will be crowned at the annual banquet on Sunday, March 23, at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center’s Ruby Rupner Room located in Austin.

The event will begin with a silent scholarship auction at noon, followed by a luncheon at 12:30 p.m.

The 2025 Mower County Dairy Princess candidate is Abby Sorgatz, daughter of Kurt and Carrie Sorgatz, Rose Creek, and sponsored by Smith Family Farms.

This year, three Mower County Dairy Ambassadors will be crowned. The Ambassador program is open to ninth, 10th and 11th grade girls who have a passion for the dairy industry and dairy products.

The candidates are Kiley Koenigs, daughter of Tom and Katie Koenigs, Adams, and sponsored by Jax Dairy Farms; Meryn Silbaugh, daughter of Paul and Sara Silbaugh, Lyle, and sponsored by Smith Family Farms; and Lauren Sorgatz, daughter of Kurt and Carrie Sorgatz, Rose Creek, and sponsored by Foremost Farms.

One Mower County Milkmaid will be crowned this year. Girls in third and fourth grade with a passion for the dairy industry and dairy products are eligible to be a Milkmaid.

The candidate is Declynn Jax, daughter of Tim Jax and Sara Hobscheidt, Adams, and sponsored by Jax Dairy Farms.

Tickets for the banquet are $15 and must be purchased from Mower County ADA board members Eugene Anderson at 507-440-8650, Julia Merten at 507-438-7739, Tanya Miller at 507-440-5445 and Chris Sukalski at 507-251-0871.

Abby Sorgatz

Tell us about yourself, the farm you are associated with and your future plans: I’m a senior at Southland High School and am involved in volleyball, softball, football stats, NHS and 4H. I am attending Winona State University in the upcoming fall for athletic training. The farm I am associated with is Smith Family Farms. I lease cattle and it is a great experience each year. I go back frequently and visit the cows I have shown in the past.

What is your favorite dairy food and why: My favorite dairy product is ice cream. I usually get ice cream with friends so I associate it with a good time.

What is your favorite dairy memory or dairy fact: My favorite dairy memory is spending time with my cows and friends at the fair!

What do you think is the most important thing for consumers to know about dairy foods or dairy farming: I think the most important thing for consumers to know about dairy foods are the nutritional benefits that they provide and the variety of products that are produced.

Kiley Koenigs

Tell us about yourself, the farm you are associated with and your future plans: I live on a small farm outside of Adams and am currently a sophomore at Southland High School. I also take classes through Riverland Community College. On my farm, we are currently raising six dairy steers and will start caring for dairy heifers later in the spring. We show our cattle at the Mower County Fair. I am undecided on my future plans.

What is your favorite dairy food and why: My favorite dairy food is definitely ice cream! There are many flavors available to buyers and it tastes good!

What is your favorite dairy memory or dairy fact: My favorite dairy fact is telling kids that cows have four stomachs! My favorite dairy memory is showing cattle at the fair.

What do you think is the most important thing for consumers to know about dairy foods or dairy farming: One important message for dairy consumers is the importance of understanding where their dairy foods come from. Knowing the source can help ensure the quality, safety and sustainability of the dairy they consume. This awareness can also support local farmers and promote good knowledge for the dairy industry.

Meryn Silbaugh

Tell us about yourself, the farm you are associated with and your future plans: I am 17 years old and am a junior in high school while doing full time PSEO at Riverland Community College. I have been dancing for 15 years at Acclaim Dance. I live on a hobby farm with llamas, goats, ducks and chickens! I lease dairy cattle from my uncle, Ed Smith. My future plans are to graduate from high school with my AA degree from Riverland Community College and then continue my education at a four year college.

What is your favorite dairy food and why: My favorite dairy food is cheese because I love how it can be paired with almost anything and can be a grab and go snack for a busy day. My favorite way to eat cheese is with eggs!

What is your favorite dairy memory or dairy fact: My favorite dairy memory is picking out show heifers with my sister. The craziest things happen that nobody would believe, such as cows jumping cement fences. It’s a bonding experience I think everyone needs to have with their siblings.

What do you think is the most important thing for consumers to know about dairy foods or dairy farming: There are so many good benefits that come from consuming dairy foods. Farmers work non stop to care for every one of their animals. Cows are farmers’ whole life. Also, eat cheese!

Lauren Sorgatz

Tell us about yourself, the farm you are associated with and your future plans: I am from Rose Creek and am a freshman at Southland High School. I have leased cattle to show for two years and have enjoyed every second of it. We lease our cows from Smith Family Farms. I also love being able to visit the cows I have shown whenever I can.

What is your favorite dairy food and why: My favorite dairy food is definitely ice cream. I enjoy it because there are so many different flavors to try and it’s a good dessert on a hot day.

What is your favorite dairy memory or dairy fact: Being able to make connections with my calves, and showing them at the fair.

What do you think is the most important thing for consumers to know about dairy foods or dairy farming: The dairy industry is one of the most highly regulated food products that the US consumer can purchase.

Declynn Jax

Tell us about yourself, the farm you are associated with and your future plans: I am nine years old and my dad is part of Jax Dairy Farm Inc. I’ve learned how to show and take care of calves. I would like to be a veterinarian when I grow up.

What is your favorite dairy food and why: Yogurt, because it is good and yummy!

What is your favorite dairy memory or dairy fact: Showing my cows at the fair. I know that cows have four stomachs.

What do you think is the most important thing for consumers to know about dairy foods or dairy farming: Our dairy cows are important to us and dairy foods balance a healthy diet. Milk gives us strong bones.