Marissa Leier, daughter of Larry and Rosalind Leier, was crowned North Dakota's 66th State Dairy Princess today (June 21) in Bismarck. Leier is 19 years old and comes from Hague. She was one of four young women vying for the opportunity to advocate for the state's dairy farmers during public appearances throughout the year.

The runner-up was Amy Noel, 19, of Linton. She is the daughter of Albert, Jr., and Lisa Noel. The two were crowned during a luncheon with Midwest Dairy Association North Dakota Division board members. Midwest Dairy Association sponsors the princess program.

Leier was a member of the state champion dairy judging team that competed at World Dairy Expo and the livestock judging team that competed at the National Western Stock Show in Denver. She attends North Dakota State University where she is majoring in biology.

Noel is a graduate of Linton High School where she was active in 4-H. She attends the University of Mary where she is majoring in nursing. Both Leier and Noel received scholarships from the Friends of Dairymen and the North Dakota Milk Producers. Noel was also awarded the Midwest Dairy Association scholarship, chosen separately from among the candidates. Leier will spend her year serving as the official goodwill ambassador for the state's dairy farmers.

06.21.2012