The Iowa State Fair is a grand celebration of agriculture, and this year it went above and beyond in honoring some remarkable young individuals from the dairy community; the 2024-25 Iowa dairy princess, Haley Ronnebaum, and the alternate dairy princess were all over the iconic Iowa State Fair fairgrounds sporting their crowns to advocate for the industry.
Meet the Royalty
Representing Delaware County, Ronnebaum, the daughter of Mitch and Jenny Ronnebaum, is not just a titleholder; she’s a true advocate for the dairy industry. Soon, she is ready to embrace her sophomore year at Iowa State University, majoring in dairy science with plans to become a large-herd veterinarian.
Ronnebaum’s passion for agriculture, rooted deeply in her upbringing in a dairy community, shines through as she aims to give back and promote the industry.
“Growing up, I did a lot through the dairy Quiz Bowl and dairy judging,” she says. The 19-year-old’s commitment extends beyond her community, as she encourages more consumption of dairy products, emphasizing their health benefits. “It’s just awesome be able to reach out to so many people at one time at the Iowa State Fair and promote the dairy that we all love.”
Importance of Advocacy
This past year, both princesses have visited numerous classrooms, dairy events, fairs and more as they put their dairy knowledge into practice through education and advocacy to help consumers understand the dedication of dairy farmers to their cows, their land and their products.
“There’s a lot of things that can go wrong in the dairy industry. People have different viewpoints,” Ronnebaum says. “It’s important to promote it and show the good side of the industry and how products help you in your everyday life.”
This dedication to the dairy community isn’t limited to Ronnebaum. Harley Baumler, serving as the 2024-25 Iowa dairy princess alternate, shares responsibilities with Ronnebaum. Baumler, the daughter of Mike and Amy Baumler of Fort Atkinson and representing Fayette County, is a senior studying agricultural and rural policy at Iowa State University. Her wealth of experience in the dairy sector, combined with her passion for educating consumers, marks her as an influential advocate for the community.
Both young women have rich connections to their dairy farming backgrounds despite their families having sold their cows in recent years. They bring valuable skills and work ethics nurtured by their farm life to their roles as ambassadors. Particularly poignant is the duo’s perspective on the rewards.
“I’m glad that I was raised in the dairy industry, and I’m glad to represent the industry that grew me,” Baumler says. “The most rewarding part is learning how to communicate with people that maybe don’t understand all the signs and don’t have that knowledge. I have a passion for educating consumers about all means agriculture, but especially dairy.”
Iowa State Fair attendees have had the opportunity to meet these ambitious advocates, who are eager to promote the benefits of dairy consumption. The event underscores a collective effort to support the dairy industry and spread awareness of its positive impact on human health and community well-being.
Renewed Interest in Dairy
A delightful trend at the fair is the resurgence of interest in dairy products, especially whole milk and its potential return to schools — a cause supported passionately by both princesses. Products like cottage cheese are also being reimagined, finding new favor in trendy recipes.
Cottage cheese is growing in popularity, the princesses says. Baumler adds that she eats it on the go and appreciates that whey protein, once was seen as a by-product, now is a go-to item for many consumers.
The Iowa State Fair is more than a gathering; it’s a launchpad for these young women as they continue to advocate for dairy. Both ladies demonstrate that the future of the dairy industry is in capable hands — individuals who blend passion, education and community commitment to lead the charge for agriculture’s next generation.
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