State Dairy Princess Will Be Crowned in Sioux Falls

South Dakota’s 60th State Dairy Princess will be crowned in Sioux Falls Tuesday evening. Four candidates are seeking the current title to replace Katelyn Grehl from Hitchcock, South Dakota, who has served the dairy industry for the past year.

A program is scheduled to begin at 4:00 PM at the Sioux Falls Convention Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in conjunction with the Central Plains Dairy Expo and Convention.

The crowning of the South Dakota Dairy Princess will be held at 6:00 PM during the Expo’s Welcome Reception.

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The four candidates are:

Christy Achen, Aberdeen, daughter of Craig and Cindy Achen;
Elizabeth Mayrose, Salem, daughter of Jerry and Pattie Mayrose;
Katie Merrill, Parker, daughter of Allen and Kristi Merrill
Mercedes Zemlicka, Watertown, daughter of Daron and Valerie Zemlicka

The new princess receives a $1,000 scholarship from Midwest Dairy Association. A $500 scholarship from the Central Plains Dairy Expo is awarded to the runner-up.

Each candidate will receive a $250 scholarship from Midwest Dairy Association – South Dakota Division.

Judging takes place prior to the coronation, and takes into account the candidate’s general dairy knowledge and enthusiasm for the industry, communications skills and ability to reach key consumer audiences.

Throughout the year, the South Dakota Dairy Princess assists with promotion of dairy products, particularly with young children and on-farm events.

Here's a look back to the 2010 competition: