DAVIDSONVILLE, Md. — Bailey Riggs of Queen Anne’s County earned the title of 2018 Miss Maryland Agriculture last Thursday as the Maryland State Fair kicked off in Timonium. Joining her Court this year is Tiffany Lenhart of Frederick County, Jordyn Griffin of Carroll County, Alana Harman of Garrett County and Lexy Droz of Cecil County.
On Aug. 23, Maryland Farm Bureau, in partnership with Maryland State Fair, held their 79th annual Miss Maryland Agriculture contest. Representatives from 19 counties across the state competed for the title to become Maryland’s next young face of agriculture.
After earlier rounds of interviews, round-table discussions, first impression scenarios and various other contest activities, the county Misses ventured on stage for their final round of competition — public speaking. Each competitor had 90 seconds to give an introduction of themselves, along with answering a fishbowl question about their involvement in the agriculture industry.
Several distinguished guests were in attendance that night including Maryland Farm Bureau President, Chuck Fry; Maryland Secretary of Agriculture, Joe Bartenfelder; and Maryland State Fair Board Chairman, Gerry Brewster.
Before announcing the winners, 2017 Miss Maryland Agriculture, Mackenzie Underwood gave her farewell address. “I had an amazing year running around Maryland educating consumers about agriculture,” said Underwood. When asked if she had any advice for the Misses as they continue their year as Farm Bureau ambassadors, she answered, “Continue. Continue to educate, continue to talk about agriculture.”
After several minutes of tabulation, the results of the two-day competition were ready. Riggs, Lenhart, Griffin, Harman and Droz were all called to the front of the stage to receive their sash.
“I’m really proud to represent an awesome industry and an awesome group of people in this upcoming year,” Riggs said.
Bailey Riggs of Centreville, Md., is the daughter of William and Doreen Riggs. She grew up helping on her grandparents’ farm that eventually became a trucking company for agricultural goods. She’s an active 4-Her, showing pigs, beef and rabbits, and she’s spent the last few years working at a local produce stand. Bailey is the President of her high school senior class.
Tiffany Lenhart of Thurmont, Md., is the daughter of Jerry and Tina Lenhart. Tiffany earned the title of 2018 Miss Maryland Agriculture 1st Runner-Up. She lives on a dairy farm where her family no longer milks, but instead raises calves for show. Her family also breeds and sells pigs and boer goats.
Jordyn Griffin, the daughter of Wyatt and Jennifer Griffin of Union Bridge, Md., is this year’s Miss Maryland Agriculture 2nd Runner-Up. Her family raises beef and dairy cattle for sale and show, along with growing produce for farmers markets and community supported agriculture programs. In 2017, Griffin was the Alternate Maryland State Dairy Princess. She is the incoming President for her high school’s FFA program.
Alana Harman of Frostburg, Md., is the daughter of Ben and Michelle Harman. She lives on a beef and goat production farm. She has her own herd of boer goats that she has been raising for the past six years. She will be continuing her education at Frostburg State University this year, while working at the Garrett County Extension office. Alana is the 3rd Runner-Up for the Miss Maryland Agriculture title.
Lexy Droz, the daughter of Jason and Rachel Droz of Oxford, Pa., is the 4th Runner-Up for this year’s contest. Lexy raises dairy goats, horses, rabbits, chickens and ducks, and she is a 10-year member of the Cecil County 4-H program. She is also a certified AGsploration teacher through the University of Maryland Extension.
If you would like to learn more about the Miss Maryland Agriculture program, please visit our website at www.mdfarmbureau.com/miss-maryland-agriculture/.
— Maryland Farm Bureau