Earlier this month, the nation's capital hosted one of the nation's most iconic representatives, Miss America 2011.

Teresa Scanlan, who is the former Miss Nebraska, met with several farming groups including representatives of corn, sugar, wheat, rice, and cotton to learn more about the importance of U.S. agriculture and the men and women who produce our food, fuel and fiber.

A native of the "Cornhusker State" Teresa is no stranger to farming and ranching, but was interested to hear that her state's number one industry—an enterprise that she has always seen as indispensable to our country's success—is more often the subject of scorn and political attacks than the praise it deserves in places like Washington, DC.

After the visit, Teresa announced that she would be partnering up with The Hand That Feeds U.S. to get the message out to urban reporters, young people, and other Americans who have become detached from the farming process. Sure, people buy food from the grocery store every day she says, but they don't seem to understand how it got there. It is not something we should take for granted.

Farming has never been known for its glam factor, and certainly isn't a typical platform for a Miss America, but then again, Teresa has been known to operate outside of the ordinary, a reputation that started when she won the crown at age 18 to become the youngest Miss America in history.

But why, of all the issues that we face as a nation, has Teresa chosen to use her crown to educate her fellow citizens about the importance of agriculture?

"To me it means the difference between prosperity and disaster in our country," Teresa stated bluntly on a local radio show in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.

"To me it's about not forgetting our roots and what is most important to our country. Holding on to that thin green line…protecting the heartland of the country…protecting a way of life and a livelihood for many farmers and those involved in agriculture."

Teresa has continued to spread the message through an op-ed that was published on FoxNews.com and an appearance on Fox & Friends, where she was interviewed by fellow Miss America, Gretchen Carlson.

"[We need to talk] about why agriculture is so important, why it is the heart and soul of this country and, being from Nebraska I understand that quite well."