Seven young women traded in their farming boots for high heels Sunday, hoping to be crowned the next agriculture queen.
“The preservation of agriculture is very important to me,” said Melinda Gilmer, 16, of Olney.
“If I win, I hope I can do whatever I can to make everything stay the same.”
The annual contest for Miss Howard County Farm Bureau sets out to find a young woman between 16 and 19 who can be a spokeswoman for the agricultural community and the county?s Farm Bureau. The winner promotes farming at schools and events.
This year?s contestants are Amy Brueckmann, Brittany Bowman, Beth Coles, Laura Bradley, Ashton Eash, Hannah Goodmuth and Melinda.
“It?s an important title, because kids will listen to someone closer to their age,” said Brooke Hartner, 18, of Woodbine, who was the 2006 winner.
During her reign, Hartner taught youth about farming, animals, crops and dairy leasing. She also went to young farmers retreat with other women who represented the farm bureaus in their counties.
The Howard winner goes on to compete at the Maryland State Fair?s Farm Bureau contest for Miss Maryland Agriculture, Hartner said. She also receives a college scholarship, among other gifts.
To qualify, young women must have a family member in agricultural commodities production and the county?s farm bureau.
The contest includes a private interview and a 90-second speech about personal 4-H involvement.
This was also the second year for the Little Miss Howard County Farm Bureau contest, which is for girls ages 8 to 11.
“I get to help the queen, and I?m looking forward to working with kids,” said the 2007 winner, McKensie Ridgely, 10, of Union Bridge.
