Chelsey Ruby receives her Miss Teen Rodeo Kentucky sash and hat.

Agriculture is a multifaceted field that includes everything from business and manufacturing to processing and food systems — even entertainment. A great example of agricultural entertainment is the excitement of rodeos.

Rodeos are some of the nation’s oldest forms of entertainment. They are rooted in Western culture and showcase Western riding skills as well as athleticism and bravery. But how are rodeos promoted throughout the country? One way these events are advertised is through a spokesperson called Miss Rodeo.

Who Is Miss Rodeo?

Miss Rodeo America is the official spokesperson for the Professional Rodeo and Cowboys Association and promotes Western heritage. Many states have their own Miss Rodeo titleholders. These women work as representatives for the organization. They do public appearances, participate in events, engage in community outreach and work to educate and advocate for agriculture and their way of life.

Being selected for Miss Rodeo is not easy. Contestants compete in a pageant where they are evaluated on their public speaking, horsemanship, knowledge, interviews and stage competition. A panel of judges selects the winner, who is then crowned Miss Rodeo of their respective state. Some states allow teens to compete and utilize them as ambassadors for the organization.

I had the honor of interviewing Miss Teen Rodeo Kentucky, Chelsey Ruby. Ruby is a sophomore at Simon Kenton High School in northern Kentucky. At 15, she has accomplished many incredible things. Ruby is a committee chair with Simon Kenton FFA and the secretary of the Young Guns 4-H Drill Team. She is also a barrel racer and avid horsewoman.

Not only is Ruby a strong advocate for agriculture, but she is also a role model to young girls. She is diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and diabetes, but she doesn’t let her medical struggles slow her down. I asked her some questions to learn a little more about her and what her life is like as Miss Teen Rodeo Kentucky.

Q: How Did You Get Into Agriculture?

A: “I got into agriculture through my sister, Carlee Ruby, and Lori Montgomery. These two women have had a huge impact on my life and how I view the world. My sister Carlee has always pushed me to be the best version of myself, and she has shown me the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Lori has also been an incredible role model, teaching me the value of agriculture and the Western way of life. Without people like them in my life pushing me to grow, I never would have become the person I am today.”

Q: What Is It Like Being Miss Teen Rodeo?

A: “Being Miss Teen Rodeo is an honor I don’t take lightly. Miss Rodeo Kentucky Shyanne Spencer and I are faces of agriculture and the Western way of life, and we take pride in representing rodeo and the people behind it. We work to bring awareness to rodeo in our communities and help others understand that rodeo is more than a sport—it’s a way of life. For many competitors, rodeo is how they make a living and support their families. Getting to represent them and share their stories is one of the most rewarding parts of this title.”

Q: How Do You Balance Miss Teen Rodeo With Your Life?

A: “Balancing Miss Teen Rodeo Kentucky with my personal life hasn’t always been easy, especially while living with cystic fibrosis and diabetes. These conditions require daily responsibility, discipline and a lot of planning. There are days when managing my health is just as demanding as school, rodeo events and appearances. However, having cystic fibrosis and diabetes has taught me how to be organized, resilient and tenacious. Instead of letting my diagnoses hold me back, I use them as motivation. They have shown me that even with challenges, I can still chase my dreams and represent something bigger than myself. I want younger kids who have cystic fibrosis, diabetes, or any other medical condition to see that it is possible to live a full, active life and still do what you love. Being Miss Teen Rodeo Kentucky allows me to advocate not only for agriculture and rodeo, but for perseverance, medical awareness and self-confidence.”

Q: Do You Have Any Advice for Others? 

A: “My advice to others is to never let fear, doubt, or obstacles stop you from achieving your goals. You should surround yourself with people who push you to be better and believe in you, even when you don’t believe in yourself. Whether it’s agriculture, rodeo, or life in general, hard work and determination go a long way. No matter what challenges you face, healthwise or personally, you are capable of more than you think.”

Ruby added “I want to thank Miss Teen Rodeo Kentucky for everything they have done for me. I am honored to have this incredible opportunity.”

Ruby’s story shows her determination and strength, and I hope it inspires others to pursue their goals and to raise awareness for health conditions like cystic fibrosis and diabetes. Agriculture has many faces, and there is no cookie-cutter persona to fit them all. Because of its diversity, representation in agriculture is so important. Seeing others’ successes, whether similar or different from your own, is important for gaining perspective and encouraging others to keep going. It can validate their experiences and show them there is something to keep striving for.

If you would like to learn more about Miss Rodeo Kentucky and stay up to date about events, follow Miss Teen Rodeo on Facebook and other social media platforms or visit https://www.missrodeokentucky.com/.