Brandi Morris, a third-year animal health science student, was named the 2020 Nevada Miss Agriculture USA Queen in November 2019. Unlike traditional pageants, which focus on physical beauty, the Miss Agriculture USA Queen organization focuses on the advocacy and promotion of agriculture.
“The Miss Agriculture USA is a new nonprofit queen organization that is much more than just about agriculture, it’s about building confidence, promoting self-esteem, developing public speaking skills, shaping strong leaders, networking and forming lasting friendships and so much more,” according to the Miss Agriculture USA website.
While Morris was awarded the title of the 2020 Nevada Miss Agriculture USA Queen last year, her reign did not start until Jan. 1.
“I have had the pleasure to get to know (Morris) and talk about what she plans for her future,” said Annalyce Brockham, a lecturer in the animal and veterinary science department. “I am so proud of her, and I know she will make a fantastic equine veterinary technician some day.”
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While Morris resides in California, her title includes Nevada because she is Nevada’s representative. The organization appoints a state title for participants to be able to compete at nationals.
Titles are on a first-come, first-served basis and Morris requested to be Nevada’s representative because Nevada is the host state for the National Finals Rodeo every year in December. “Rodeo is a big part of my life, and it has always been my dream to compete at the National Finals Rodeo,” Morris said.
Every fall, the Miss Agriculture USA nonprofit announces that it is looking for young ladies to represent the organization. From there, whoever wants to represent the organization has to go to the website to apply. If a participant lives in a state that does not have a state competition, there is a fee of $199 along with the required ad sponsorship fee of $275. For states that do have a state competition, it’s $149 to register and the ad sponsorship fee is $100.
An ad sponsorship is needed to support the organization and prizes. A participant can have as many sponsors as needed to meet her total. Sponsors can include an individual or a business to support the candidate.
While in high school, Morris also participated in Future Farmers of America (FFA), a youth organization that gives members hands-on experience with an agricultural education.
Before attending Cal Poly Pomona, Morris served on active duty in the U.S. Army from November 2011 to September 2015. Morris left the Army to explore her educational opportunities at CPP.
“I joined the military to take on a new challenge in life. Being in the Army, I knew I would be a part of something bigger than (just) the little town I went to high school in,” Morris said.
Serving in the Army influenced her decision to become part of the Miss Agriculture USA organization, she said.
Morris now wants the chance to make a positive impact through an influential organization by being able to help educate and inspire the new generation of farmers and ranchers.
“Agriculture has always been a part of my life,” Morris said. “I love the ocean, the mountains, the forests, the desert and all the creatures that inhabit those areas. Working with animals has always been my passion.”
While participating in the pageant, Morris will speak about the importance of agriculture and let others know why the country needs more farmers and ranchers.
She has decided to compete at the upcoming National Miss Agriculture USA Queen competition that will be held in Ohio from June 26-27.
“I plan to be as involved and active as I can,” Morris said. “Attending conferences, speaking in classrooms, going to agricultural meetings, FFA events, 4-H (the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s network of youth organizations) events, fairs, parades, community events, rodeos and showing support to other pageant queens,” Morris said.
Morris plans to advocate, as the Miss Agriculture USA organization puts it, to “promote, educate and inspire” wherever she can.
