The Mint Milk is Coming

A lot of people wait for the Shamrock Shakes at McDonald's to know St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner.

But in New York, there's something else that says that special holiday is coming up.

Coming soon to a Byrne Dairy and Deli near you -- MINT MILK!!! Mint Milk is expected to be in stores this week

To find a local Byrne Dairy and Deli, go to https://byrnedairystores.com/locations

Wayne County Dairy Princess Wins State Pageant

From the American Dairy Association North East

Left to right: 2nd Alternate Erin Armitage, State Dairy Princess Natalie Vernon and 1st Alternate Rachel Rouland.

Natalie Vernon of Wayne County was named the 2020-2021 New York State Dairy Princess Tuesday night at the Holiday Inn in Salina, outside Syracuse.

She has served as the Wayne County Dairy Princess since spring of 2019. She will now spend the next year advocating for the dairy industry throughout New York state.

As state princess, she receives a $1,200 scholarship and will serve as a dairy industry ambassador and spokesperson, working with the American Dairy Association North East to represent dairy farmers at a variety of special events, including the New York State Fair, county dairy princess pageants, farmer meetings, fairs and school visits.

She will also play an integral role in the training and mentoring of new county dairy princesses.

Named first alternate state princess was Rachel Rouland of Monroe County. Erin Armitage of Washington County was named second alternate state princess. They receive a $700 scholarship and $600 scholarship, respectively. Both will assist the New York State Dairy Princess with training, appearances and other duties.

Twenty-two county dairy princesses competed in the state pageant, which included a personal interview, impromptu questions, a prepared adult speech, a product knowledge exam, writing skills test, and informal interaction with others.

Judges evaluated the contestants on their communication skills, knowledge of the dairy industry, poise and personality. 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.

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.

The American Dairy Association North East sponsors the dairy princess competition each year. This was the 57^th annual pageant.

The outgoing state dairy princess was Reegan Domagala of Lewis County.