Glenn County women reign over milk

Two young women from Glenn County will serve in top positions for the California Milk Advisory Board’s District 4/2.

About 50 dairy industry members, their families and friends witnessed retiring Dairy Princess Amy Leonardo of Willows turn over the crown to Jessica Silveira, 18, of Orland. The ceremony was held June 18 at City Gates Café in Orland.

Jade Leonardo, 17, of Willows was named first alternate.

Contestants were judged on poise, personality, speaking ability, education and dairy background. 

California is the nation’s leading milk producer. It also produces more butter, ice cream, yogurt and nonfat dry milk than any other state and is the nation’s second-largest cheese producer.

As the 2009-2010 Dairy Princess, Jessica represent 15 counties including Butte, Colusa, Glenn and Tehama. Among her responsibilities, she will speak on behalf of the California dairy industry at schools, service clubs, on radio and TV and at public events. Jade will assist Jessica in her duties.

Jessica, the daughter of Joe and Linda Silveira of Orland, is a graduate of Orland High School. She plans to attend Butte College to study agriculture business. 

Jade, the daughter of Manuel Leonardo and Conne Prinz, is a student at Willows High School.