New spokesperson crowned for New York state dairy industry
Natalie Vernon from Wayne County was crowned 2020-21 New York State Dairy Princess Feb. 18 at the Holiday Inn in Liverpool. Having served as the Wayne County Dairy Princess since spring of 2019, Vernon will devote an additional year to promoting milk and dairy products with American Dairy Association North East.
As state princess, she receives a $1,200 scholarship and will serve as a dairy industry ambassador and spokesperson, working with ADANE to represent dairy farmers at a variety of special events, including county dairy princess pageants, farmer meetings, fairs and school visits. She will also play an integral role in training and mentoring new county dairy princesses.
Rachel Rouland from Monroe County was named first Alternate State Princess, and Erin Armitage from Washington County was selected as second Alternate State Princess. They receive a $700 scholarship and $600 scholarship, respectively. Both young women will assist Vernon with training, appearances and other duties.
Twenty-two county dairy princesses competed in the state pageant, which included a personal interview, impromptu questions, a prepared adult speech, a product knowledge exam, writing skills test and informal interaction with others.
Judges evaluated contestants on communication skills, knowledge of the dairy industry, poise and personality.
Pageant judges were: Tracy Smith, Warren County, N.J., Dairy Princess Coordinator & So-N-So Acres Farm; Mike Weimer, Classifier, Holstein Association USA; and Holly Pullis, Hollywood Enterprises & Roedale Farm.
Additionally, Heidi Kovalewski, Onondaga County Dairy Promotions chairperson, was presented with the Golden Cow award, given annually to recognize outstanding service and dedication to local dairy promotion in New York state.
Sponsored by ADANE, the 57th annual coronation completed the yearlong reign of Reegan Domagala of Lewis County.
About American Dairy Association North East: American Dairy Association North East is the local affiliate of the National Dairy Council and the regional consolidation of three promotion organizations including the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council, Inc., Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association and Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program. Committed to nutrition education and research-based communications, ADANE provides science-based nutrition information to, and in collaboration with, a variety of stakeholders committed to fostering a healthier nation, including health professionals, educators, school nutrition directors, academia, industry, consumers and media. Funded by dairy checkoff dollars from more than 10,000 dairy farm families in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and northern Virginia, ADANE works closely with Dairy Management, Inc., to bring a fully integrated promotion program to the North East region. For more information, visit AmericanDairy.com.
2020 New York State Dairy Princess Coronation – Feb. 18, 2020
Speech Winners
- Gabriella Miyoshi – Orange County
- Rachel Rouland – Monroe County
- Natalie Vernon – Wayne County
Written Communications Winners
- Jessica Morgan – Cayuga County
- Rachel Rouland – Monroe County
- Natalie Vernon – Wayne County
Product Knowledge Award
- Delilah Hoag – Rensselaer County
- Brooke Gerhardt – Erie County
- Gabriella Miyoshi – Orange County
Finalists
- Erin Armitage – Washington County
- Lauren Grosso – Onondaga County
- Sonya Helms – Cortland County
- Gabriella Miyoshi – Orange County
- Madison Peryea – Clinton County
- Rachel Rouland – Monroe County
- Natalie Vernon – Wayne County
Miss Congeniality: Lauren Grosso – Onondaga County
2nd Alternate: Erin Armitage, Washington County, Greenwich Central School, Junior
1st Alternate: Rachel Rouland, Monroe County, Midlakes High School Graduate
2020-21 NYS Dairy Princess: Natalie Vernon, Wayne County, SUNY Geneseo, Freshman