The Houston County American Dairy Association (ADA) is making a slam dunk with efforts to promote dairy products at local sporting events.
Houston County Dairy nights focus on education while offering dairy products at sporting events. At each school, Houston County ADA sells ice cream sundaes with proceeds going back to the school’s athletic program. In addition to the chance to win prizes by answering questions about agriculture, the group gives away free milk and cheese.
After a recent Dairy Night in Spring Grove, Kendra Waldenberger, Houston County ADA Princess, said she can see a positive impact from these local dairy promotions.
“I think just making sure that everybody gets their three servings of dairy every day is a big thing that we want to,” Waldenberger said. “Since we’re at a sporting event, we really want to push drinking chocolate milk after you had either a hard workout or practice or a game to rehydrate.”
Upcoming Dairy Nights will be held at the Houston Public School Jan. 30 and La Crescent-Hokah Public School Feb. 21. The dates mark some of Walendberger’s final events as the Houston County ADA is seeking its next royalty for 2020.
Waldenberger did not have a traditional start to the dairy industry.
“I didn’t grow up on a dairy farm, but my neighbors reached out, and they were wondering if I wanted to lease Brown Swiss cows to show at the fair from them,” Waldenberger said. “Of course I said, ‘yes!”
When she started showing cows at 9-years-old, it sparked a love for working with cattle and the dairy industry.
“Ever since I was little, I always wanted to be a Dairy Princess.”
Waldenberger’s diverse background helps her connect with others who do not have experience in agriculture.
“I didn’t know a lot about dairy cows and the dairy industry, so I feel like I can definitely connect more on questions that they might have about dairy and all of the great nutrients that milk has been to offer,” Waldenberger said.
The Houston County ADA will select a Dairy Princess and Little Miss Squirt in conjunction with the DHIA Banquet March 14th at Good times in Caledonia.
-Kaitlyn Riley
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