Summary of yourself and your ag/dairy background:

My grandparents have a small family farm that I have taken part in since I was able to walk. We raised dairy cattle for show and also raised beef, goats, sheep, rabbits and chickens.

Audrey Schmitz

Editor / Progressive Dairy

Email Audrey Schmitz

How your reign started:

My reign started in November of 2019. New Jersey has a small dairy princess program, and I was the only county princess who ran that year. However, I still went through an interview process with questions, did a milk-product knowledge test and presented a formal speech and an interactive children’s program.

Your promotion activities over the past year:

The past two years with the pandemic have been hard. I attended the New York State Pageant in 2020, just prior to the country shutting down. I also reached out to pre-schools and did a couple pre-school programs virtually. I presented to a couple classes virtually about milk, it’s importance in their daily diets and where it comes from. I also attended a field day in Camden, New Jersey, this past summer, as well as attended several fairs.

Specific promotion activity you are most proud of from your reign:

Since my reign was during the COVID-19 shutdown, I am most proud of being able to adapt to new ways of interacting with the youth through a virtual platform and adapting programs for those platforms.

What you think it takes to be successful at promoting dairy:

To be outgoing, very well spoken and knowledgeable of the dairy industry as well as the importance of dairy in your diet.  

PHOTO: Brittany Smith attends a field day in Camden, New Jersey. Photos provided by Brittany Smith.