Faith Palmer of Waukon crowned Alternate Iowa Dairy Princess ...

Faith Palmer (right in photo at right), 17-year-old daughter of John and Meghan Palmer of Waukon, was crowned the Alternate Iowa Dairy Princess during an evening ceremony at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines Tuesday, August 7. Palmer represented Allamakee County and will be a senior at Waukon High School this fall.

Julie Hammerand (left in photo at right), an 18-year-old from Sherrill, was crowned the 66th Iowa Dairy Princess. Hammerand is the daughter of Jerry and Lois Hammerand, and she will spend the year serving as a goodwill ambassador for Iowa’s dairy farmers. Throughout their year-long reign, Hammerand and Palmer will make public appearances to connect with consumers and help them understand the dedication of dairy farm families to their cows, their land and the milk they produce. Hammerand represented Dubuque County and will be a student at the University of Northern Iowa this fall, where she is will major in Art Education.

In addition to the two princess crownings, Alexis Costello, 20, was named Miss Congeniality and was also recognized for her performance in the public speaking portion of the contest. She is the daughter of Tim and Karen Costello and represented the Iowa Holstein Association. Eight candidates competed for the Iowa Dairy Princess title this year, with the judging held August 6 and 7 in Ankeny.

The outgoing 2018-2019 Iowa Dairy Princess is Jessica Schmitt, daughter of Carl and Terry Schmitt of Fort Atkinson, and the outgoing Alternate Dairy Princess is another Allamakee County native, Grace Howe, daughter of Shelly Howe and the late Matt Howe of Waukon. Their reigns will be completed at the end of the Iowa State Fair, and the new Princess and Alternate will begin their duties September 1. Photo courtesy of Midwest Dairy.