Julia Mullenbach, Rose Creek, was crowned the 2018 Mower County Dairy Princess at the 65th annual Dairy Princess Banquet, on Saturday, April14, at Lansing Corners Supper Club near Austin.

Mullenbach is the daughter of Al and Lynette Mullenbach, and was sponsored by Read’s Brown Swiss where she is employed.  About 70 guests braved the April snowstorm to attend the annual dairy celebration.

Abby Rossow, daughter of Mike and Vicki Rossow, Dexter, was named Mower County Dairy Ambassador. She was sponsored by AMPI. Mullenbach and Rossow were presented with “Austin Chamber Bucks” by Darrell Ingvaldson representing the Austin Chamber of Commerce.

Two girls were named 2018 Mower County Milkmaids. The milkmaids are Amy Smith, daughter of Andy and Angie Smith, Adams, sponsored by Caledonia Haulers and Smith Family Farms; and Lauren Irvin, daughter of Jason and Karen Irvin, Rose Creek, sponsored by Jake’s Petroleum, L/C.

2017 Mower County Dairy Princess Danielle Jax recounted her year as princess and thanked everyone for the opportunity to serve. Over $800 was raised for the dairy princess scholarship fund through the silent auction that was held.  Donors contributed another $1,600 to this fund.

Eugene Anderson presents Renita Irvin with the Milk Pitcher award for her many years managing the malt wagon at Mower County Fair.

Prior to the banquet, Renita Irvin, Rose Creek, was presented with the Milk Pitcher award for her many years managing the malt wagon at the Mower County Fair.

Rick Smith announced the Golden Butter Knife award was presented to Domino’s Pizza of Austin for use of real dairy products.

The annual banquet is organized by the Mower County American Dairy Association Board which is chaired by Chris Sukalski, LeRoy, and includes Rick Smith, Adams, vice chairman; Tanya Miller, LeRoy, secretary; Gene Anderson, Waltham, treasurer; and Tracy Smith , Adams, Princess coordinator.

Additional board directors include Randy Smith, Adams, Ed Smith, Rose Creek and Lisa Hurley, Grand Meadow.