On Sunday, April 30, the 52^nd Washington County Dairy Princess pageant crowned a new team of dairy princesses for the 2017-2018 year. In front of over one hundred people at the Middle Falls Firehouse, the four candidates offered speeches on dairy promotion and information. They each answered the impromptu question, “As a member of the Washington County Dairy Princess team you represent the entire dairy industry.  What are some key messages that you want the consumer to know?” Citing health and nutritional benefits of milk and other dairy products, the candidates also brought up issues about animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and farming practices.

The new team is anchored by Dairy Princess Rachel Hall, daughter of Chris and Cathy Hall of Greenwich. First Alternate is Kassidy Kuzmich, daughter of Brady and Kia Wolff of Argyle. Alternate Dairy Princesses are Shania Danio, daughter of Greg and Sherrie Danio of Greenwich, and Mackenzie Casey, daughter of Bridget Beecher of Hartford.

Outgoing team Julia Houser of Greenwich and Sara Stein of Greenwich gave thank you speeches reflecting on their year of dairy promotion and service. They also acknowledged the more than 40 Dairy Ambassadors who participate in the program gaining life skills, learning lessons and raising self-confidence all while promoting dairy products.

Chairperson Betsy Foote also thanked the many farmers and agri-service donors and praised the efforts of Julia and Sara.

Please congratulate all of these young women and raise a glass of milk with them as they set off on a year of discovery. The Washington County Dairy Princess program is made possible through the support of the local dairy and agri-business community and the American Dairy Association North East (ADANE), the regional planning and management organization funded by dairy farmer checkoff dollars.

Pageant photo gallery.