DAVIDSONVILLE, Md. — Join us for the 79th annual Miss Maryland Agriculture Contest to be held on Aug. 23 in the Cow Palace at the Maryland State Fairgrounds beginning at 7:30 p.m. The contest is open to the general public.
The Miss Maryland Agriculture program has been a part of the Maryland State Fair since the 1930s when it was originally titled the “Miss Timonium Fair.” The mission of the program is to “[surface] young women with an agricultural background to serve as leaders to promote our industry and the Farm Bureau organization throughout the year and in the future.”
Eligible participants of the contest include ladies between the ages of 16 and 19 who are Maryland Farm Bureau members in good standing. Contestants must first be named a Miss at the county level before competing in the state contest. This year’s contestants are:
- Kylee Cessna, Allegany
- Cassie Bell, Anne Arundel
- Emme VanFossen, Calvert
- Mackenzie Covey, Caroline
- Jordyn Griffin, Carroll
- Lexy Droz, Cecil
- Georgia Bowling, Charles
- Grace Brinsfield, Dorchester
- Tiffany Lenhart, Frederick
- Alana Harman, Garrett
- Eliza Freeman, Harford
- Makenzie Hereth, Howard
- Caitlyn Gardiner, Montgomery
- Kaylin Nichols, Prince George’s
- Bailey Riggs, Queen Anne’s
- Brooke Beauchamp, Somerset
- Annette Braun, St. Mary’s
- Kara Hutchison, Talbot
- Morgan Thompson, Washington
- Elizabeth Williams, Wicomico
All contestants attend a three-day orientation program to gain knowledge and expertise that will assist in competition for the title of Miss Maryland Agriculture. They also participate in community service events such as visiting the Ronald McDonald House in Baltimore, working with the Maryland Food Bank and other organizations in the state throughout the year.
During the Maryland State Fair, the girls will take part in a two-day contest consisting of professional interviews, round-table discussions and an on-stage public speaking contest. They are judged by out-of-state judges on their agricultural and Farm Bureau knowledge, personal presentation and speaking ability. Contestants are provided with a variety of opportunities in agricultural education, career preparation and public relations to enhance their agricultural, professional and personal lives.
“The Miss Maryland Agriculture program provides a unique opportunity for young women interested in agriculture to learn more about the industry on a statewide level, while equipping them with the tools and experience they need to be advocates and leaders in the industry. We’re proud to support these young women that represent the next generation of Maryland agriculture,” said Mary Amoss, Miss Maryland Agriculture Program Coordinator.
To assist the girls with their future education and career plans, scholarships are awarded at the county and state levels.
To help in funding the Miss Maryland Agriculture program and contest, Maryland Farm Bureau welcomes financial and promotional contributions. If you or your farm/organization are interested, contact Ryan Zimmerman at rzimmerman@mdfarmbureau.com.
— Maryland Farm Bureau