UW-River Falls' Jena Hanson is Minnesota's Princess Kay of the Milky Way

Falcon Futures: UW-River Falls' Jena Hanson is Minnesota's Princess Kay of the Milky Way

Sept. 4, 2026 - University of Wisconsin-River Falls student Jena Hanson of Owatonna, Minn., has been named Minnesota's 73rd Princess Kay of the Milky Way, the state's official diary ambassador. Hanson, a junior dairy science major, will spend the next year representing Minnesota's dairy farmers through public appearances, educational outreach and advocacy efforts across the state.

"I am incredibly excited to represent the dairy industry as Princess Kay of the Milky Way and to serve as an advocate for Minnesota's dairy farmers," Hanson said.

Hanson says her experiences at UWRF helped prepare her for the role.

"UWRF has played a significant role in preparing me for this opportunity through its outstanding dairy program," Hanson said. "The education and hands-on experiences I have received have strengthened my understanding of the dairy industry and provided me with the knowledge and confidence to educate others about agriculture and dairy farming."

Hanson is entering her junior year at UWRF and is pursuing a degree in dairy science management. Because of the college credits she accumulated before enrolling, she is on track to graduate early in May.

Her passion for agriculture and dairy farming began long before college. During high school, Hanson completed two dairy farm mentorships in her community and has continued to build industry experience through employment on a dairy farm. She was also active in her local FFA chapter and participated in the Dairy Bowl through 4-H.

To prepare for the Princess Kay competition, Hanson focused on strengthening her interview, public speaking and media communication skills while refining her ability to share the story of Minnesota agriculture with a variety of audiences.

At UWRF, Hanson is involved in Dairy Club and regularly participates in activities and events through the Newman Center.

Following graduation, Hanson hopes to pursue a career supporting family-owned and local dairy farms.

"Whether that is working as a dairy nutritionist or serving as a herd manager, my goal is to help producers operate successful, sustainable dairy operations while continuing to strengthen the industry I am passionate about," she said.

One of Hanson's first duties as Princess Kay was to spend several hours sitting in a rotating 40-degree display cooler at the Minnesota State Fair while her likeness was carved into a 90-pound block of butter. Hanson says her family will make good use of the butter scraps for cooking and baking throughout the holiday season. She will donate her sculpture to her hometown Owatonna Knights of Columbus, who plan to display it at their annual pancake breakfast.

As she begins her year as Princess Kay of the Milky Way, Hanson looks forward to representing Minnesota agriculture while serving as an ambassador for the dairy producers who play a vital role in the state's economy and communities.

"I am honored to represent both Minnesota's dairy industry and the University of Wisconsin-River Falls," Hanson said.

Photo: Jena Hanson, a junior dairy science major at UW-River Falls, was named Minnesota's 73rd Princess Kay of the Milky Way August 26. She will spend the next year serving as the state's official diary ambassador. Contributed photo.