Paige Cruse talks to a tour group about local agriculture advocacy.
Anna Paige Cruse, a member of the Fort Pierce Westwood FFA Chapter, is impacting the world of agricultural advocacy and communication. As a seventh-generation cattle rancher in Florida, Paige’s deep connection to the land is part of her heritage and has shaped her passion for agriculture. Through her platform, Front Paige Ag, she uses her voice to bridge the gap between agricultural producers and consumers.
Paige’s journey into agricultural communications began with guidance from her FFA advisor. “My FFA advisor played a pivotal role in shaping my SAE project,” she recalls. Her advisor recognized that Paige’s extensive involvement in FFA left her little time for paid work on her family’s cattle operation. Paige’s passion for agriculture advocacy led her to pursue an agricultural communications project, which became Front Paige Ag.
What started as an FFA requirement quickly turned into her career passion. “It became more than just a project; it became a platform to amplify the voices of grassroots agricultural producers and educate the public on the realities of farming,” Paige explains.
Through Front Paige Ag, Paige has focused on educating the public about agriculture, advocating for farmers and ranchers, and sharing the stories of those who often go unheard. “The agriculture sector faces a lot of criticism fueled by misinformation. I saw Front Paige Ag as an opportunity to set the record straight — not through arguments, but through facts, education, and storytelling,” she says.
Her advocacy has resonated within the agricultural community. “Farmers, ranchers, and industry professionals have reached out to express their gratitude for my advocacy,” Cruse shares. One of the most rewarding aspects of her work is showing older generations of agricultural producers that young advocates like herself are passionate about ensuring the future of farming. “My platform has reassured older generations that the future of agriculture remains bright.”
Cruse created her platform called Front Paige Ag: A Voice for Agriculture.
However, Paige’s journey has not been without its challenges. The digital age presents unique obstacles, particularly when it comes to capturing the attention of audiences. “The average social media user engages with content for only a few seconds,” Paige explains. Early on, she struggled to condense complex agriculture topics into brief, engaging posts without oversimplifying the information. Over time, Paige honed her skills, learning to use eye-catching visuals, headlines, and concise messaging to capture and maintain the audience’s attention. Another hurdle was building credibility as a teenager in a field dominated by seasoned professionals. “As a young person, it was difficult to be taken seriously in the agricultural industry,” she says. But through consistent, well-researched content and meaningful engagement with her audience, Paige gradually established herself as a trusted voice. “Today, credibility is one of my greatest strengths,” she reflects.
One of Paige’s most transformative experiences was being invited to the U.S. Sugar Influencer Tour, where she had the opportunity to learn about sugar production firsthand. “From riding the sugar train through vast cane fields to standing atop a literal mountain of raw sugar, the experience provided an in-depth look at an industry I had previously known little about,” she shares. The tour also introduced Paige to other influential agricultural communicators, reinforcing her belief in the power of collaboration within the industry.
Looking ahead, Paige plans to continue building on the success of Front Paige Ag. “It’s not just a project — it’s my passion, my career and my future,” she says. As she prepares for college, Paige plans to major in agricultural communications at the University of Florida and hopes to run for Florida FFA state office. These experiences will help her expand Front Paige Ag into a more multifaceted platform, including social media, public speaking engagements, and industry collaborations. “I envision Front Paige Ag growing to reach more people and make an even bigger impact,” she says.
Paige’s advice for aspiring communicators is simple but powerful: “Do not let fear hold you back. Stepping into agricultural advocacy, especially as a young person, can be intimidating, but confidence comes with experience.” She encourages young people to network, ask questions, and learn from professionals in the industry. “Mistakes are inevitable, but they’re also valuable learning opportunities,” Cruse explains.
Paige Cruse speaking at an event to promote agriculture advocacy.
Since starting Front Paige Ag, Paige has grown immensely. “The growth I’ve experienced through Front Paige Ag is immeasurable,” she says. She has learned the ins and outs of social media, improved her writing and public speaking skills, and developed a deeper understanding of agricultural issues. Perhaps most importantly, Paige has learned how to accept constructive criticism, allowing her to improve her work continuously. “Front Paige Ag started as a school requirement, but it has evolved into something much greater — a platform that has shaped my identity and aspirations,” she reflects.
For Anna Paige Cruse, communication is more than just a skill — it’s the key to progress. “Communication is the foundation of progress,” she says. Through Front Paige Ag, she strives to not only inform but also inspire meaningful conversations. “Ultimately, communication is the key to securing a strong future for the agricultural industry.” With her passion, leadership, and determination, Paige is undoubtedly helping to shape a bright future for agriculture, and she’s just getting started.
