Royalty in the Family (cover

When we think about pageants, the field of agriculture may not be our first thought. But, there are many different royal roles that serve and promote agriculture. Meet wo young women from Sigma Alpha who use their royal role to share agriculture in their communities and beyond.

Pia Martinez is a member of the Alpha Phi Chapter at California State University, Fresno. Pia Martinez grew up in a “zero-stoplight town” with a population of around 7,500 people located in the Central Valley of California— Woodlake, California. The Central Valley produces a quarter of the world’s food, and agriculture is in Pia’s blood. As a young adult, her father was involved in California agriculture as a migrant farm worker. Pia’s mother grew up raising livestock and participating in 4-H and FFA. Pia pursued the passions her parents instilled in her by enrolling at California State University, Fresno to major in Agricultural Communications.

Pia knows both the joys and the discomforts of agricultural life. She says she has experienced that such a career can be emotionally and physically draining. At the same time, Pia feels that agriculture is one of the most rewarding careers because you directly contribute to feeding the world. Pia seeks to use her degree to bridge the gap between agriculture and the people of the of the world.

Pia likens her role as Southern California Miss United States Agriculture to a choose-your-ownadventure book. She tours many parts of the agriculture industry, attends events, speaks at schools, meets with 4-H clubs and FFA chapters and “agvocates” on social media. Pia loves using all of these platforms to share her experiences. The role is an opportunity for her to meet new people, often relying on the crown she wears to serve as an icebreaker. Pia knows she is truly making a difference when people share their own agricultural experience with her or reach out to ask questions about current events in agriculture. Pia thanks Sigma Alpha for helping her to prepare for her time as Southern California Miss United States Agriculture. “Sigma Alpha gave me the opportunity to grow alongside and learn from my sorority sisters,” says Pia. “I rely on my sisters to share their knowledge in areas of agriculture where I have less experience. I feel supported and privileged to know that my Sigma Alpha sisters are in my corner cheering me on every step of the way.” Pia chose to join Sigma Alpha for the same reason many sisters do: to be part of something bigger than herself. She has felt at home in the

Alpha Phi Chapter knowing that her fellow sisters share her passion for agriculture. Through Sigma Alpha, Pia found a group of like-minded women who encourage her to be her best self.

Pia Martinez

Now meet Morgan Askins, Miss Rodeo Kentucky. Morgan is an alumna of the Beta Sigma chapter at Western Kentucky University. Morgan grew up on a small farm in Rockfield, Kentucky. She began her involvement in agriculture as a 4-H and FFA member. She is an equestrian at heart, favoring Quarter Horses and Rocky Mountain Horses, and showing at ARHA, NRHA and AQHA sanctioned competitions. The Miss Rodeo Kentucky competition takes place in Louisville, Kentucky, during the North American International Livestock Exposition. The pageant lasts three days and requires participants to compete in the categories of horsemanship, personality, appearance, personality and speech, and includes a written test. One young woman is selected to represent the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), agriculture, and the western way of life. Morgan does this by traveling the Bluegrass State appearing at agriculture, equine and rodeo events; presenting the American flag and interacting with rodeo fans. Morgan values the relationships she has built with professionals in agriculture through her role. Miss Rodeo Kentucky has given her the opportunity to meet fellow “sash sisters,” livestock contractors, rodeo fans and sponsors. Morgan says that rodeo is truly a family event. “I will never grow tired of the friendships I have made and the ability to lend and receive a helping hand from everyone involved,” explains Morgan. She leans on the networks of helping hands she has developed as she prepares to compete at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in December for the title of Miss Rodeo America 2023.

Morgan supporting the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA); presenting the American flag and interacting with rodeo fans.

Morgan is thankful for her time as a Sigma Alpha sister and looks forward to meeting sisters from other chapters that she is sure to find at almost every event she attends. “All of us are women in agriculture who took advantage of opportunities that lead to success,” she says. Pia Martinez and Morgan Askins exemplify what Sigma Alpha is all about: achieving excellence in agriculture, sharing knowledge, and developing relationships along the way.

Morgan Askins