Natalie Vernon, the daughter of Casey and Dawn Vernon of Wayne County, was named the 2020-2021 New York State Dairy Princess on Tuesday. She will devote the next year as a dairy industry ambassador supporting ADA North East strategies with the goal of building consumer awareness and confidence in dairy farmers and dairy products.
Rachel Rouland, of Monroe County and daughter of Timothy and Kimberly Rouland, was selected as first alternate and second alternate was Erin Armitage, of Washington County, daughter of Kevin and Lee-Ann Armitage.
ADA North East manages the New York Dairy Princess program by hosting the pageant, providing trainings, and including the promoters in dairy campaigns and programs, among other activities during the year.
Twenty-two county dairy princesses competed for the title. Competition included a personal interview, answering impromptu questions, a prepared speech geared toward adults, a product knowledge exam, writing skills test, and informal interaction with others. The judges evaluated the contestants on their communications skills, knowledge of the dairy industry, poise and personality.
Pageant judges were: Tracy Smith, Warren County, N.J., Dairy Princess Coordinator & So-N-So Acres Farm; Mike Weimer, Classifier, Holstein Association USA; and Holly Pullis, Hollywood Enterprises & Roedale Farm.
Additionally, Heidi Kovalewski, Onondaga County Dairy Promotions chairperson, was presented with the Golden Cow award, given annually to recognize outstanding service and dedication to local dairy promotion in New York State.
Sponsored by ADANE, the 57th annual coronation completed the yearlong reign of Reegan Domagala of Lewis County.