Midwest Dairy AssociationKatelyn Grehl (pronounced GRAY ul), Hitchcock, was crowned the 59th South Dakota Dairy Princess tonight (Tues., March 25) in Sioux Falls during the kickoff for the Central Plains Dairy Expo.

Grehl, 19, is the daughter of Frank and Julie Grehl and is a nursing student at Dakota Wesleyan University. She and her family milk 100 cows on the family farm. Grehl has been active showing dairy calves at fairs, teaching Sunday School, and serving as a camp counselor and Vacation Bible School teacher. She is currently secretary for the freshman class of the Wesleyan student nurses' association.

The newly crowned princess receives a $1,000 scholarship from Midwest Dairy Association's South Dakota Division. She will represent South Dakota dairy farmers at appearances aimed at helping consumers understand milk's path from the farm to the table and the stewardship which guides dairy farm practices.

Katie Merrill, 18, Parker, was named runner-up. Her parents are Allen and Kristi Merrill, and she is a senior at Parker High School with plans to pursue a nursing major at Presentation College. She was awarded at $500 scholarship from the Central Plains Dairy Expo.

Each of the five candidates for the title received a $250 scholarship from Midwest Dairy Association.

The South Dakota Dairy Princess is selected based on her general dairy knowledge and enthusiasm for the industry, communications skills and ability to reach consumer audiences. The Dairy Princess program is sponsored by Midwest Dairy Association through the farmer-funded dairy checkoff.
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3.26.2014