By DAVE BLOWER JR.
Farm World Editor

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good. Or, perhaps, a greater force is at hand providing courage for those who are struggling to make ends meet.

Last week, yet again, reigning Miss America Katie Stam, 23 – of Seymour, Ind. – made an appearance to promote dairy. Approximately 450 Indiana dairy producers joined Stam at an Indiana Pacers’ basketball game at Conseco Fieldhouse on Dec. 16. With the well-documented challenges facing dairy producers, Stam couldn’t have had more gracious supporters.

“It sure doesn’t hurt to have Miss America promoting your product,” said Jay County dairy producer Don Walter, who was heading home after an evening of pizza, gourmet cheese, a Pacers game against the Charlotte Bobcats and a meet-and-greet with Stam.

The fame that goes along with the title of Miss America allows Stam to tell the dairy producers’ story to a wider audience.

“I talk about dairy everywhere I go – not just in Indiana, but around the world,” she said.

Her willingness to talk to the public about dairy is an opportunity fulfilled. “This is wonderful; this is an opportunity we just couldn’t let pass by,” explained Deb Osza, general manager of the American Dairy Assoc. of Indiana and the Dairy and Nutrition Council.

“To have a communicator the capacity of Katie, who grew up on an Indiana dairy farm, is a recipe for success. She knows what it is like to be a dairy producer, and she has just a fantastic stage right now. We’re very proud of her.”

Indiana State Agriculture Department Director Joe Kelsay echoed Osza’s words.

“She’s such a natural promoter, Indiana dairy producers are fortunate to have such a great spokesperson,” he said. “All of the stars lined up to be able to bring her to this position. You couldn’t have planned this any better.”

And, likely to the delight of Osza and Kelsay, Stam would like to continue her work promoting dairy throughout the country.
“Absolutely, I do want to continue my work with dairy producers,” she said. “I feel as if I’ve found my calling. We need as many people as possible supporting our dairy farms.

“I really feel like (dairy producers) are my extended family. I want to do anything I can to help make their lifestyle better.”
Although Stam’s parents no longer own or operate the family dairy, they continue to show 4-H cattle at the Jackson County Fair.
“The most important thing I learned was the value of family tradition,” Stam said.

Those moments are very rare in today’s society. Someday, I hope to provide that for my children.”

Stam will turn her crown over to the 2010 Miss America on Jan. 30.
And though she has enjoyed her year, she is looking forward to some changes.

“I’ve not truly been home since January 15 (when she was crowned Miss America),” she said. “Even when I come back to Indiana, I’m working. I’m staying in hotels and going to events.”

Stam’s schedule covers more than 20,000 miles each month. She will change locations about every 24-48 hours. So far, Stam has been to 32 states – many, more than once. And, she added, she will visit more before ending her reign as Miss America.

Stam said she has more than 50 appearances already booked for 2010, so she intends to remain busy. Also, she is considering some offers in broadcasting, and she recently finished writing a children’s book titled I Want to be Miss America.