Local woman takes third place in national Farm Bureau contest
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IDAHO FALLS – Advocating for Idaho agriculture is a cause Paige Nelson has proudly devoted her life to, but she never thought she’d be the recipient of a national award in the process.
The 34-year-old Rigby woman took third place in the American Farm Bureau’s Excellence in Agriculture contest. It took place last weekend at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas.
She was one of dozens of participants across the U.S. who gave a 25-minute presentation to a panel of judges about their love of agriculture, leadership opportunities they’ve had and industry concerns. Nelson’s presentation was titled “Farmers, Stigma and Potential.” Watch a portion of it in the video above.
Nelson was awarded a $2,500 cash prize, a $2,500 Black & Decker shopping spree and a Case IH gun safe, a total prize package worth about $7,000.
Three days after returning home, Nelson is still astonished by the experience. She tells EastIdahoNews.com she’s thrilled to be among the winners of this contest.
“You get there and see your competition and think, I don’t even stand a chance,” Nelson says. “When they called my name as the third place winner, I was 100% thrilled.”
Nelson has been involved in Idaho Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers program for years. The program, according to its website, is for men and women between 18 and 35. Its goal is to “surface, grow, and develop young Farm Bureau members and provide them with opportunities and experiences to strengthen their leadership.”
Nelson grew up on a cattle ranch in Fremont County, where she participated in 4H. Today, she and her brothers own ML Brand Beef, a direct-to-consumer beef cattle business in St. Anthony. She also works as a freelance agriculture journalist.
Participating in the national agriculture contest is the result of years of work, which Nelson started about 10 years ago as a new Farm Bureau member.
Idaho Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers program hosts three competitions and that’s where Nelson got her start.
“I started out doing the Discussion Meet, where you and other (program members) simulate a committee meeting. You’re given a topic to discuss, a problem to solve and you work together to bring ideas and solutions,” says Nelson.
Nelson won the state competition in this category in 2014 and went on to compete at nationals. Qualifying for the Excellence in Agriculture contest was her next goal. This contest recognizes young farmers and ranchers “who actively contribute and grow through their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability and participation in Farm Bureau.” The application process requires participants to write a lengthy essay about their experience.
“Since 2015, I’ve been engaging in activities on and off the farm and in and out of Farm Bureau to build up my resume and help me stand out,” says Nelson.
Her victory at the state competition in December allowed her to advance to the national tournament.
She delivered her presentation twice — first to a group of judges who selected her for advancement into the top 10.
On Sunday, she gave her presentation again to a different panel of judges in a crowded room of friends and family members.
Despite hours of practice, Nelson became unexpectedly emotional.
“I got really choked up at one point and had a hard time getting through it,” Nelson explains. “I’m giving this presentation in front of my husband, my parents, my aunt, my brother and sister-in-law and farmers across the state. They’re here supporting me in San Antonio. If that doesn’t speak volumes, I don’t know what does.”
Despite winning this award, Nelson says she didn’t do any of this for attention. The things she’s accomplished through the years and the people she’s worked with are cherished memories.
As far as she’s concerned, it’s been a decade of personal improvement she’s happy to spend the rest of her life working on.
Regardless of the accolades, Nelson says her accomplishments are a testament to the value of agriculture in Idaho and nationwide.
“I’ve been rewarded five times more than the prize I earned at nationals,” she says. “Anybody who has ambitions of improving themselves and making a difference, but isn’t sure (how to do that), agriculture is something you should consider. It’s a worthy endeavor that will enrich your life.”
Marshal and Taylor Sewell of Florida took the top spot in the competition. The second place award went to Morgan Slaven of Virginia.
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