by Amber Friedrichsen
Winning the Iowa Miss United States Agriculture title was the first step in promoting the agricultural industry for Alexis Stine, a junior in animal science.
As she prepares to represent Iowa at the national pageant in Orlando in June, Stine is working on “Growing the Next Platform.” A platform she wrote for the pageant to advocate and promote agriculture.
“The program itself is more focused on advocacy and volunteering,” Stine said. “We focus on getting out in the community and teaching people. It focuses on teaching kids and families and getting their feet wet in agriculture and our industries.”
Stine’s journey to success began before she stepped on stage. She’s been actively involved in her family’s swine operation and showing horses as a 4-H member.
Prior to becoming Iowa Miss United States Agriculture, Stine won the Miss Story County title. Her responsibilities included attending community and agricultural events. The pageant system is based on a point system, participants earn points for each event they attend.
“The more events you do, the more appearances you do, the more points you earn,” Stine said. “I did events for Story County Farm Bureau, 4-H and I helped out with events for different organizations.”
Stine would like to win the national title, but won’t be disappointed if she doesn’t.
“The purpose of my reign is to really get out in the community and help promote my platform and help others see the agriculture industry in a positive light,” Stine said.
During her reign she’s had opportunities to network with people and companies, but she wants to do more.
“I want children to know where their food comes from because kids don’t understand that,” Stine said. “I definitely want them to know that we care about our animals. Animals are our livelihood.”
Her effort to educate and support the industry has not gone unnoticed. Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen sent Stine a personal email congratulating her on her achievements and commending her ambition.
“It kind of made my heart stop a little bit because it’s not every day you get an email from President Wintersteen,” Stine said.
No matter the outcome of the national Miss United States Agriculture pageant, Stine will continue to be a voice for agriculture. Her dedication to informing others goes far beyond winning a crown.
Feb. 24, 2020