A Block of Butter, and a Big Voice for Dairy: My Conversation with Heidi Montag

When I first met Heidi Montag, I was struck by her poise, passion, and deep-rooted connection to the land. In this episode of Rooted Agritourism, I had the pleasure of speaking with this remarkable young woman—Benton County Dairy Princess and finalist in Minnesota’s iconic Princess Kay of the Milky Way program.

From the outside, having your head sculpted in butter might sound whimsical (and yes, we talked all about it!), but behind that tradition is a powerful story of youth leadership, advocacy, and a genuine love for agriculture.

A Royal Role with Real Responsibility

Heidi grew up on a dairy farm, where daily chores, early mornings, and hard work were just a part of life. But what truly impressed me was how she’s taken that upbringing and turned it into a platform for advocacy. Through her involvement in the Princess Kay program, Heidi represents more than just a title—she represents the voices of young farmers across Minnesota.

We talked about the surreal experience of sitting in a rotating, refrigerated booth at the Minnesota State Fair while her butter sculpture was crafted—a time-honored tradition that still captures the public’s imagination. But for Heidi, it’s not about the butter. It’s about using that moment to share the real stories of dairy farmers with the wider world.

Leading Beyond the Farm

Heidi isn’t just showing up for events—she’s leading in them. From joining the FFA to participating in agricultural boards, she’s making an impact at every level. Her calendar includes everything from local radio interviews to community presentations, and through it all, her mission is clear: to promote understanding and appreciation for agriculture.

One part of our conversation that really resonated with me was Heidi’s perspective on modern farming challenges. She opened up about zoning regulations that impact agritourism efforts, the sustainability struggles of small family farms, and the growing disconnect between consumers and producers. These are the real, tangible issues young farmers face—and Heidi is stepping up to be part of the solution.

Bridging Generations Through Storytelling

What I admire most about Heidi is how naturally she uses storytelling to connect with people. Whether it’s through social media posts, speeches, or casual conversations at the farm stand, she brings a fresh, authentic voice to the agricultural space.

She spoke about her family’s baking and produce ventures, and how those small but mighty efforts not only support the farm economically, but also create meaningful relationships with the local community. That’s agritourism at its best—building bridges between worlds that too often feel separate.

The Future Looks Bright (and Butter-Sculpted)

As someone deeply invested in the future of agriculture and rural life, conversations like this fill me with hope. Heidi Montag is exactly the kind of leader we need more of: grounded in tradition, driven by purpose, and fearless in her advocacy.

So whether you’re in agriculture, education, or just love a good story involving butter, I encourage you to tune in. This episode is a celebration of farming, family, and the future—and a reminder that the next generation of ag leaders is already making a powerful impact.

Listen now to hear Heidi’s inspiring journey on Rooted Agritourism.