Redwood County Dairy crown wearer is a Princess Kay of the Milky Way finalist
As a 2026 Princess Kay of the Milky Way finalist, Elizabeth Coudron will soon have her likeness carved in butter during the 2026 Minnesota State Fair.
Funny, what dreams are made of. But the traditional butter sculpture is a mere symbol of what being involved in the world of dairy means to Coudron, the daughter of Ron and Jennifer Coudron of Milroy.
“I’ve dreamed of this forever,” Elizabeth said. “I think it’s such an amazing opportunity to do this. Growing up around the dairy community and watching how Princess Kay can make such an impact is so inspiring. If I can be a small piece of that, it would be so amazing.”
Being chosen as a finalist is just one small chapter of Elizabeth’s story.
She grew up on the family farm where they milked up to 90 holsteins until 2012. The farm has transitioned to custom raising heifers, “which essentially means that young cows have a long sleepover at our house until they go back to the farm that they came from,” she said. “I grew up showing and being involved in 4-H and FFA.”
The 2024 Marshall High School graduate just finished her sophomore year at South Dakota State University where she is double majoring in Animal Science with an Industry Relations specialization and Ag Science.
She said after college, she would like to work in agriculture marketing and communication. She is interning this summer at a dairy coop in Litchfield.
Princess Kay of the Milky Way, now in its 73rd year, is the title awarded to the winner of the statewide Minnesota Dairy Princess Program, an annual competition organized by the Midwest Dairy Association. During her one-year term, the Princess Kay of the Milky Way serves as official good-will ambassador for the Minnesota dairy industry. The Princess is crowned every year at the Minnesota State Fair, and receives a scholarship.
Elizabeth sent in a formal application to the contest prior to the Midwest Dairy’s May Event. There, she did a speech, a professional interview and a mock-media interview.
“They judge all of those things, and the top 10 are named as finalists,” she said.
More recently, a live video featuring reigning Princess Kay of the Milky Way Malorie Thorson was posted on Facebook announcing the 10 finalists.
“They don’t specifically say, ‘these are the 10 finalists’ — they write a little bio about you and lead into your name,” said Elizabeth. “I was the seventh one announced, and as soon as she started talking about things, I knew it was me.”
The next round of judging will take place in August at the Minnesota State Fair. The Princess Kay of the Milky Way coronation is Aug. 26.
“The Princess Kay who is crowned will be at the fair all 10 days, and the other nine finalists will be there four of the days,” Elizabeth said.
