AGRONOMY
Carver County Dairy Princess , Hannah Klaustermeier
By Hollis Willeford Staff Writer
Hannah Klaustermeier is a reigning Carver County Dairy Princess whose family has extensive ties with Mid-County .
Her parents , Mark and Nissa , own a dairy farm in Cologne , where Mid-County trucks make frequent visits to service the farm ’ s diesel and propane tanks . In addition , Hannah ’ s older brother Alex works at Mid-County . We are a proud sponsor for Hannah in her involvement with the dairy princess program .
Hannah , along with Alex , older sister Abi , and younger brother Sam are the third generation of Klaustermeiers living on the farm in Cologne . The family milks 135 cows , and , with the rest of the stock added in , their total herd numbers are between 350 to 400 at any given time . The Klaustermeiers also grow corn and beans on fields around the dairy operation .
Talk to Hannah , and you ’ ll have no doubt about what interests her most around the farm . Of course , it ’ s the animals , and specifically the calves .
“ I really like to watch as the calves progress and grow . Their personalities can be so different . Some will be skittish and back away because they ’ re not sure what you are , while others will be the exact opposite and strain to be with you and lick your hand . I think it ’ s really cool to get to know them like people ,” said Hannah .
The Klaustermeiers typically have up to 50 calves at any given time and Hannah feeds and spends time with them every
morning and evening . Beyond their physical needs around the farm , Hannah is a champion for dairy cows whenever she gets the chance to make an impression .
Her favorite part of being a Carver County Dairy Princess is talking about dairy cows to people she meets on the fair circuit , through 4H , and at functions she attends through the Carver County American Dairy Association .
“ When I ’ m showing my cows and calves , I tell people that cows are basically like big dogs . I ’ ll be laying next to one in the straw , and they ’ ll fall asleep with their head wrapped around me . That is just the best feeling .”
Hannah is not afraid to tackle difficult topics either . However , she has a hard time accepting the negative public perception she sometimes encounters about the treatment of animals on dairy farms .
“ I don ’ t like it when I see or hear something about how dairy animals are mistreated or that they don ’ t get the diets they should have . So whenever I can , I try to overcome that stigma by letting people know how everything we do around here is for the benefit of the animals . I mean , if we were to mistreat them , then it ’ s not going to benefit the farm .”
Hannah graduated from Mayer Lutheran High School last spring . She has not decided on a career path at this point , but since animals are her passion , she said it would involve something animal-related .
She has her sights set on the University of Wisconsin at Madison and would like to enroll in the zoology program there . Hannah said she wants to work with a variety of animals .
“ After college , I would really like to go on to graduate school and learn about exotic animal rehabilitation . There ’ s something that really appeals to me about working with injured animals and returning them to the wild ,” she said .
Then Hannah thought for a moment , and , true to her roots , she said , “ I like waking up on the farm to all the cow sounds . But , through it all , I would still always have to be partial to dairy cows .”
No matter where life ’ s work takes her , Hannah is ready to continue as an advocate for the dairy industry long into the future .
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Carver County Dairy Princess Hannah Klaustermeier loves working with the animals on her family ’ s dairy farm . .
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