Fort Atkinson resident Jessica Schmitt crowned Iowa Dairy Princess

(Pictured L to R): 2018 Iowa Dairy Princess Jessica Schmitt and Alternate Grace Howe

18-year-old Jessica Schmitt of Fort Atkinson is the new Iowa Dairy Princess.

Schmitt was selected Wednesday evening during a ceremony at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.  Jessica is the daughter of Carl and Terry Schmitt.  She will spend the next 12 months serving as a goodwill ambassador for Iowa's dairy farm families, making public appearances.

Schmitt represents Winneshiek County and will be attending Iowa State University this fall.

17-year-old Grace Howe of Waukon was named Alternate Iowa Dairy Princess. Howe, the daughter of Shelly and the late Matt Howe, will share duties with the princess. She represents the Iowa Jersey Cattle Club and will be a Senior at Waukon High School this fall.  She will succeed Josie Buddenberg, the daughter of Bruce and Julie Buddenberg of Decorah, who was the 2017 Alternate Iowa Dairy Princess.

Kassi Steinlage, 18, was named Miss Congeniality. She is the daughter of Loran and Brenda Steinlage of West Union and represents Fayette County.

The coronation ceremony also marked the 65th anniversary of the Dairy Princess program in Iowa, recognizing former princesses and alternates who attended the ceremony.