ANKENY, Iowa – Haley Ronnebaum, an 18-year-old from Earlville, was crowned the 71st Iowa Dairy Princess during an evening ceremony at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on Wednesday, August 7. Haley, daughter of Mitch and Jenny Ronnebaum, will spend the year serving as a goodwill ambassador for Iowa’s dairy farmers. Throughout her year-long reign, she will make public appearances to connect with consumers and help them understand the dedication of dairy farm families to their cows, their land and the milk they produce.
Haley represented Delaware County in the contest. She will be a freshman at Iowa State University this fall where she will study dairy science. Haley was also recognized for her performance in the public speaking portion of the contest.
Harley Baumler, 20, of Fort Atkinson, was named Iowa Dairy Princess Alternate. Harley, the daughter of Mike and Amy Baumler, will share duties with the princess. She represented Fayette County and will be a junior at Iowa State University studying agricultural and rural policy. Harley was also named Miss Congeniality in the contest.
Eight candidates competed for the Iowa Dairy Princess title, with the judging held August 6 and 7 in Ankeny. The winners were selected based on an application, answers to essay questions, interview and public speaking skills, professionalism and ability to advocate for dairy farmers.
The outgoing 2023-24 Iowa Dairy Princess is Ashley Elsbernd, daughter of Peter and Kristi Elsbernd of Calmar, and the Alternate Princess is Elizabeth Fossum, daughter of Kevin and Julie Fossum of Waterville. Their reigns will be completed at the end of the month and the new Princess and Alternate will begin their duties on September 1.
Editor’s note: Interview opportunities with the Iowa Dairy Princess and Alternate are available. To make a request, please contact Heidi Lantzky at (563) 380-8372 or IowaDairyPrincessCoordinator@midwestdairy.com.
Photo: 2024-25 Iowa Dairy Princess NAME (L) and Iowa Dairy Princess Alternate NAME (R). Midwest Dairy® represents 4,000 dairy farm families and works on their behalf to build dairy demand by inspiring consumer confidence in our products and production practices. We are committed to Bringing Dairy to Life! by giving Consumers an Excellent Dairy Experience and are funded by farmers across a 10-state region, including Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, and eastern Oklahoma. For more information, visit MidwestDairy.com and follow us on Facebook.