The Freeborn County American Dairy Association is seeking candidates for the 2012 County Dairy Princess and County Milk Maid. The duties of the Dairy Princess and Milk Maid are to promote dairy products and the dairy industry by working with dairy promotions, news media and elementary schools as directed by the county committee. A $500 scholarship is awarded to the Dairy Princess.

The Dairy Princess is eligible and encouraged to attend a statewide Dairy Promotion Training Seminar held at the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph May 18 to 20 where she will learn lifelong skills in areas such as public speaking, media relations and dairy message delivery. Lodging and meals for the seminar will be covered. The Dairy Princess may apply to be a finalist for the 2012 Princess Kay of the Milky Way title. Twelve finalists will be selected to advance to the Princess Kay contest held in August.

In order to be eligible for the Freeborn County Dairy Princess and Milk Maid, the candidate or their parents must be actively engaged in the production of milk to a licensed plant at some time during 2012. Candidates also qualify if they or their parents or guardians are employed on a dairy farm in a dairy-related capacity. That employment must meet the criteria established on the current Affidavit of Eligibility supplied by Midwest Dairy Association or the county board. The farm through which you qualify must participate in the Minnesota dairy promotion check-off. Candidates must be a United States citizen and must reside in Freeborn County. Candidates still qualify if a brother or sister has taken over the farm or are away from home to work or attend school. Candidates must maintain interest in the operation of the farm and must be a genuine user of dairy products and a genuine supporter of the dairy industry and its future success. Freeborn County Milk Maid candidates must be at least 11 years old and not have reached their 13th birthday by April 1, 2012.

Freeborn County Dairy Princess candidates must be a high school graduate by July 1 and not yet 24 years old on July 1.

Entry deadline is Feb. 1. Entry forms may be obtained from the Freeborn County Extension Office. Additional information may be obtained from Bruce Ness, Freeborn County American Dairy Association at 377-2075.