Jena Hanson, a 20-year-old college student from Owatonna, was crowned the 73rd Princess Kay of the Milky Way, serving as Minnesota’s dairy ambassador.
Jena Hanson, representing Steele County, was officially crowned on August 26, 2026, at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds during an evening ceremony. She is a 20-year-old student at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, pursuing a degree in Dairy Management, and has prior experience working with dairy farmers in Steele County . While Jenna didn’t grow up on a dairy farm, she began working on a local dairy farm during high school and developed a great respect for the dairy industry. Originally planning on becoming a large animal veterinarian, she is now pursuing a career in Dairy Management. Hanson was selected from ten finalists who competed statewide, with Isabella Schiffler and Jaiden Smith of Stearns County named as runners-up.
As Princess Kay of the Milky Way, Hanson will serve as the official goodwill ambassador for nearly 1,500 Minnesota dairy farm families over the next year. Her duties include public appearances, classroom visits, and speaking engagements to educate consumers about the nutritional benefits of dairy and the sustainability practices of Minnesota dairy farmers
A unique tradition of the Princess Kay program involves sculpting the princess’s likeness in a 90-pound block of butter. Hanson’s first official duty will be to sit in a rotating cooler at the Dairy Building during the Minnesota State Fair on August 27 and 28 while Minnesota artist Gerry Kulzer carves her likeness. Other finalists will also have their likenesses sculpted throughout the fair.
Hanson has been active in the dairy community and youth organizations, including FFA and 4-H, and has participated in choir, orchestra, and tennis during high school. She was chosen for her personality, communication skills, and knowledge of the dairy industry, which are key criteria for the Princess Kay selection Additionally, she is one of the scholarship winners among the finalists, alongside Schiffler and Claudia Frenchick.
Throughout her year-long reign, Hanson will help connect consumers to Minnesota’s dairy farms, promoting awareness and appreciation for the state’s dairy industry while participating in various educational and promotional events
