Oregon Dairy Women
Oregon Dairy Women (ODW) is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization with the main objective of promoting the dairy industry. The ODW’s mission is to promote greater use of all dairy products through outreach and educational programs.
Since 1959, the Oregon Dairy Women’s Dairy Princess Ambassador Program, in collaboration with the Oregon Dairy Farmers Association and the Oregon Dairy Nutrition Council, has served as the premier advocate for the Oregon Dairy Industry. The ODW awards scholarships to students attending college, and provides financial support to 4-H and FFA programs, Agriculture in the Classroom, Ag Fest, Summer Ag Institute, Adopt-a-Farmer, and judging teams.
Financials
Programs
Oregon Dairy Princess Ambassador Program
The Oregon Dairy Princess Ambassador (DPA) Program has been promoting the dairy industry since 1959 through classroom presentations, county and state fairs, community events, summer camps, school assemblies, and more.
State and County DPAs are given the opportunity to develop valuable skills, including public speaking, grooming, poise, and confidence. They also form lifelong friendships, learn about nutrition, make a difference in their community, earn college scholarships, and can possibly receive internship credits.
Scholarships for Higher Education
4-Year College/University Students - $3,000 Scholarship(s) offered annually
2-Year Community College Students - $1,000 Scholarship(s) offered annually
ODFA Scholarship: 4-Year College/University, Trade School or Community College Students - One $1,500 Scholarship offered annually
Red Barn
Visit us at the Red Barn, located on the Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem, for ice cream, shakes and milk chugs. Sales from these dairy products provide the funding for our support to 4-H, FFA, and other programs including our Dairy Princess Ambassador Program. We are looking for volunteers every summer to help run the Red Barn at county fairs and the Oregon State Fair.
Volunteering + Events
Oregon Dairy Princess Ambassador Contest
Each year, our county dairy princess ambassadors compete for the two state titles at the Oregon Dairy Princess Ambassador Contest. This event takes place at the Oregon Dairy Farmers Association Convention, and is an opportunity for dairy farmers and allied industry to connect with the ambassadors that represent their livelihood.
Educational Visits
The Dairy Princess Ambassador Program provides free educational presentations for students in Grades K–12. All lessons can be adjusted in length for your schedule. The lessons for each age group are:
Kindergarten–2nd Grade: Milk—The Journey from Farm to Table (about 30 minutes in length)
3rd–5th Grade: Dairy Technology Throughout Time (about 30 minutes in length)
6th–8th Grade: Innovating the Dairy Industry (30 minutes of instruction, 20 minutes of group work)
9th–12th Grade: Analyzing Dairy Industry Perspectives (30 minutes of instruction, 20 minutes of individual work)
The program also offers a 45-minute civic engagement presentation, and the Dairy Princess Ambassador attends events around the state of Oregon, such as community and school resource and health fairs, community and family-focused events, county fairs, after-school programs, organizational clubs, and conventions.