Appler: Educating others on Brown Swiss

 

Appler: Educating others on Brown Swiss

 

Becky Walz
Editor

 

“Being part of the Share-a-Heifer program changed my life, and the Brown Swiss breed has opened up so many doors for me,” shared 2013 Iowa Brown Swiss Princess Kathryn Appler.

Crowned Friday evening at the annual banquet in West Union, the Valley senior hopes to educate others about the dairy breed.

“As princess, I will be able to share my knowledge and love for the brown cow with others, and this all came from one breed and a Share-a-Heifer named Kuddles,” Appler said.

She is looking forward to meeting new dairy famers involved in the industry and talking with people about her love for the dairy industry. In addition, Appler will help educate people about the benefits of drinking milk and why dairy farming is important to the consumer.

When asked why she prefers Brown Swiss to any other dairy breed, Appler stated she loves their longevity and the soundness of their feet and legs.

“Plus their ability to produce high-component milk day after day. They carry the same heart (ability to work hard day after day) as the farmers that milk them,” the 2013 Iowa Brown Swiss Princess said.

Through the Share-a-Heifer program, the new state princess has received the National Bellringer award, won a 4-H class at the Iowa State Fair, numerous showmanship awards, and shown at the National Show.

On top of the awards she has won in the ring with various Brown Swiss animals, Appler has won a Dairy Quiz Bowl and judged at the National Contest at the World Dairy Expo.

As part of her reign, the Clermont resident will be handing out ribbons and milk at several county fairs and will vie for the Iowa Dairy Princess crown later in 2013.

The teenager is extremely busy outside of the dairy industry as she is involved in various aspects of 4-H, including the State Council, Fayette County Council, Leadership Club, Livewires, Dairy Club, Dairy Judging and Quiz Bowl teams, and the Foundation Board.

Add in FFA, swing choir, drama, speech, Spanish Club, National Honor Society, yearbook/ multi-media staff (2013 yearbook editor-in-chief), teaching assistant, varsity swim team, Iowa Ambassadors of Music, and the Business Management Human Resources Team, and you find a very busy, but involved princess.

Following her graduation in May, Appler’s future plans include attending Loras or Coe College to study biology/pre-physical therapy.

“I feel extremely honored to be representing the Brown Swiss breeders of Iowa and will strive to do my best to promote them and the brown cow this year,” Appler concluded.

 
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