Dairy Royalty Crowned in Chautauqua County

Dairy Princess and her court to promote milk and dairy products

By Lisa Kempisty, Extension Educator, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County

JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK (June 29, 2017) – Esteemed members of the Chautauqua County dairy industry recently gathered for the Chautauqua County Dairy Princess Pageant held in conjunction with the Dairy of Distinction Awards program, at the Carlson Community Center Hall, Lakeside Park, in Mayville NY to learn who would represent them as the new reigning dairy princess.

Madison Woodis, daughter of Michael and Heather Woodis of Dewittville, NY was crowned the 2017-2018 Chautauqua County Dairy Princess. Madison is a recent graduate from Chautauqua Lake Central School and will study Animal Science at Morrisville State College this fall. Active in the 4-H dairy program for seven years, Maddie enjoys showing cows at local and state fairs. She participates in the Junior Dairy Leader program through Cornell University, serves as President of the Chautauqua County Junior Holstein Club, and is a member of the Chautauqua Lake National Honor Society. Maddie so loved her time as the 2015-2016 Chautauqua County Dairy Princess, that when the opportunity to serve again presented itself, she was eager to be involved again. Maddie looks forward to once again officially represent the dairy farmers of Chautauqua County and educate the public on the benefits of dairy in a healthy diet.

Alternate Dairy Princess, Ashley Haskins, daughter of Jodi Rice and granddaughter of Lewis and Myrna Rice of Ellington was also recognized to help promote the dairy industry throughout Chautauqua County. Ashley will be a Junior at Falconer Central School this fall. Ashley helps on her grandparent’s dairy farm milking cows, feeding calves and heifers, and doing field work. Ashley plays varsity basketball, and is a member of the Wild Oats 4-H Club, where she is active in the dairy project and participates in dairy judging. Ashley is a member of the Chautauqua County Holstein Club and was selected for the Dairy Youth Explorers program. Ashley looks forward to working together with the Dairy Princess and her Court in promoting the dairy industry.

Chautauqua County’s outgoing Dairy Princess Joyce Wiltsie of Frewsburg made her final dairy promotion appearance and shared a farewell speech. Congratulations to Joyce on an outstanding job representing our dairy industry and continued success in the future.

This year’s dairy promotion court includes many ambassadors not yet old enough to compete for the dairy princess crown, but are eager to assist the dairy princess and her alternate in their efforts. The 2017-2018 Dairy Ambassadors were also introduced, who are looking forward to working with the Dairy Princess and Alternate in dairy promotion activities throughout Chautauqua County. This year’s Dairy Ambassadors are:; Autumn Gregory of Forestville; Collin Gregory of Forestville (our Dairy Duke); Tesika Kilmer of Kennedy; Katelyn Miller of Cherry Creek; LynnDee Nagel of Clymer; Miranda Nickerson of Corry, PA; Sadie Steward of Kennedy; Leighanne Swan of Sherman; Erma Wolcott of Mayville; Ella Woodis of Mayville; and Evangeline, Lily and Sophia Woodis of Dewittville.

Thanks to our Master of Ceremonies Mike Walker, lifelong dairy farmer turned professional cattle photographer of Randolph NY, for helping make our program a great success. Thanks also to Debbie Stearns, Classic Occasions for catering a delicious dinner and to Lakeview Gardens for donating the flowers.

A special thanks to Heather Gregory of Forestville, NY who serves as the chairperson of the Dairy Promotion Committee and to all of the committee members who assist with the many activities of the dairy princess and her court.

To help support our local dairy farmers and promote the nutritional value of milk and dairy products, the Dairy Princess and her court looks forward to teaching others about dairy farming and dairy products at their public appearances. They invite you to visit their dairy promotion display at the upcoming Chautauqua County Fair to be held July 24 through July 30 in Dunkirk, NY.

The Chautauqua County Dairy Princess program is made possible through the support of the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council, the local planning and management organization funded by dairy farmer checkoff dollars.

Congratulations to our new Chautauqua County Dairy Princess and her court and best wishes with your dairy promotion activities throughout the next year.

If anyone is interested in having the Dairy Princess and her court participate in an upcoming community event to educate others about milk and dairy products, and the importance of our dairy industry, please contact Heather Woodis, Booking Chair at (716) 753-2112.

The Chautauqua County Dairy Promotion committee is one of many programs Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County participates in (CCE-Chautauqua), and meets the goals of the county’s 20/20 Comprehensive Plan. CCE-Chautauqua is a community based educational organization, affiliated with Cornell University, Chautauqua County Government, the NYS SUNY system, and the federal government through the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Last updated June 29, 2017