CRAWFORD COUNTY - The Crawford County Dairy and County Fair Royalty were crowned in front of a full house at the United Methodist Church in Eastman, on Monday, May 25, 2026.
Hailing the title for the 2026 Crawford County Fairest of the Fair is Brooke Mitchell and Crawford County Junior Fairest is Millie Dahlburg.
The 2026 Crawford County Dairy Princess is Kristin Nolan and Little Miss Squirt is Layla Brandes.
The Steve and Mary Jo Johnsrud Award went to Donna Hartley (Dairy Princess Coordinator) presented by Sawyer Roberts, representing the Crawford Dairy Promoters.
Donna has spent countless hours promoting the dairy industry and investing in the next generation of agricultural advocates in Crawford County. For years, she has played an important role in helping lead the Crawford County Dairy Princess and Little Miss Squirt program; from recruiting young women from across the county to mentoring and encouraging them as they grow into confident spokespeople for the dairy community. Her passion and dedication has made a lasting impact.
Dustin and Megan Payne and family as well as Darlene Payne were recognized as this year’s hosts of the Crawford County Dairy Breakfast.
The State Fairest of the Fair, Kaelie Billingsley from Kenosha was the guest speaker. Chad Sime spokesperson of the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin presented updates on the Dairy Industry. Lyrica Marks, Crawford County Fair Coordinator explained the fair highlights. Chad Achenbach was the MC for the event.
County Fairest
Brooke Mitchell
Brooke Mitchell is the daughter of Bart and Amy Mitchell. She lives on her family’s beef and crop farm in Boscobel.
Brooke graduated from Wauzeka-Steuben High School in 2025 where she was active in clubs such as NHS, FFA, FBLA, Student Council, and Forensics. She also enjoyed a year of acting at the Opera House in Elkader, Iowa. Brooke now attends the University of Wisconsin Madison majoring in Life Sciences Communication with a minor in Agricultural Business. At UW-Madison, Brooke participates in a variety of clubs including the Association of Women in Agriculture, the National Agri-Marketing Association, and the Association of Women in Communications. She is an active member of the Steuben River Runners 4-H Club, serving in many officer positions and participating in numerous 4-H events and competitions. Brooke has been exhibiting at the Crawford County Fair her whole life and is excited to use the skills she has gained throughout the years to promote the fair and enhance her passion for communication.
Jr. County Fairest
Millie Dahlberg
Millie Dahlberg is the daughter of Matt & Katey Dahlberg. The family owns a cow/calf operation near Seneca. Millie is a freshman at Seneca High School. She shows beef and pigs at the fair. This year, she will be showing a sheep for the first time. She inherited her passion for showing animals from her mom. Millie understands the time, care, and work ethic needed to be successful and is always willing to help others along the way. Millie has been an active 4-H member since kindergarten, holding different officer positions and participating in many county events. She also is in FFA, Forensics (achieving a Silver at State), Band, Basketball, Softbal. She also works part-time as a waitress and baby sitting. Millie ran for the 2026 Junior Fairest of The Fair because of her love for the fair. She wants to promote the Fair Fun to everyone!
Dairy Princess
Kristin Nolan
Kristin Nolan is the 16-year-old daughter of John and Carrie Nolan. She is a sophomore at Prairie du Chien High School. Kristin is a member in FFA, Eastman Cloverleaf 4-H Club, Holy Family J-Walkers Youth Group, Basketball, Softball, Volleyball. She is a community volunteer for St. Feriole Gardens, Carriage Classic, Fire Dept. Family Fun Days & Oktoberfest. She served as the 2022 Crawford County Junior Fair Ambassador. Nolan’s family milks 210 cows on their 1,100-acre dairy farm. Kristin is employed by ‘The Porch’ restaurant.
Little Miss Squirt
Layla Brandes
Layla Brandes is the daughter of Nathan and Allie Brandes. She is 10 years old and attends Boscobel Elementary School. Her parents have a 300-cow dairy farm outside of Wauzeka. She served as the 2025-26 Little Miss Squirt Attendant. She became the new Little Miss Squirt because she loves learning more about the cows and getting to talk to people about the Dairy Industry. Outside of her helping on the farm, she is a member of the Steuben River Runners 4H Group. Layla is currently competing on the Shine Power Studios Competitive Dance Team. She also enjoys playing Softball, learning Taekwondo and hunting. Fun Fact: It takes nine pounds of Milk to make one pound of cheese.
