The National Association of Farm Broadcasters hosted its 68th Annual Conference in Kansas City last week—featuring members of the agricultural community including producers, crop insurers, farm lenders, and seed technology companies.

And... Miss America 2011, Teresa Scanlan of Nebraska.

Teresa on air with Terry Henne of WSGW Radio

Teresa wore her crown at NAFB's Trade Talk, and that drew quite a bit of attention—something she has come to expect and welcome in her tenth month as a high profile ambassador—but this was on a whole new level, even for her, as she conducted more than 20 interviews with farm broadcasters and representatives.

Enthusiastic attendees, representing everything from apples to ethanol, a local radio show to a USDA official, stopped to ask who she was and why she was there. And while the crown might have been what made them stop, her answer was what made them stay.

"I get to do a lot of travelling as Miss America and the more that I speak about agriculture, the more I realize how removed this country is from its food. I'm here to speak on your behalf and help to reach those demographics that might otherwise be uninterested"

Teresa spoke to reporters about the importance of spreading agriculture's message and reaching young people who are three generations removed from the farm. "I am part of that third generation removed," she said, "but I was lucky enough to at least grow up in an agricultural community. Some kids don't have that upbringing. You ask them where their food comes from and they say, 'the store.'"

Teresa visits with Michael Scuse, USDA Under Secretary
for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services

While Teresa has worked with The Hand That Feeds U.S. for several months now and is familiar with the issues agriculture faces, the conference proved to be a learning experience for her as well.

At the Growth Energy booth, she spoke to representatives about the history of ethanol and the advent of the food versus fuel debate, learning that the technological advancements and improved efficiency of American farmers makes it possible to grow both corn for food and feed, as well as fuel, on the same amount of land as was used 100 years ago.

She learned what sorghum is, where it's grown, and what it's used for. And she assured several ranchers that beef is and should be considered a healthy part of a balanced diet—a point she was sure to make about milk and dairy to the dairy producers as well.

Teresa talks to a USDA reporter about
educating people on the importance of agriculture.

"Too many people—and kids especially—think that these foods—meat, potatoes, and milk—aren't healthy. Of course they are. We just need to make sure we balance them with our fruits and vegetable and grains."

It's no small feat, a group of 210,000 full-time farmers producing enough food, fuel, and fiber to feed and clothe the entire country and many parts of the world. In fact, it's one of this country's greatest accomplishments. So, while the crown may have seemed out of place at first, American agriculture being represented by our very own Miss America is a pretty natural fit.

Teresa, who will crown the next Miss America in January of 2012, plans to continue her work with agriculture. "I won't be able to wear the crown after this year," she said, "but I hope to continue working with The Hand That Feeds U.S. because I know this is going to continue to be a big issue, not just this year, but for the rest of my life."

"After all," she said, "not everybody farms, but everybody has to eat."