Third-generation cattle producer Madison Woody earns the 2021 Oklahoma Miss Agriculture USA crown
Madison Woody, a 19-year-old from Norfork, Ark., and daughter of Derak and Trisha Woody, is no stranger to agriculture.
Her life has revolved around farming since birth, considering her family has been raising cattle for three generations.
A sophomore enrolled at Oklahoma State University, Madison is majoring in pre-veterinary medicine. She was also named 2021 Oklahoma Miss Agriculture USA in June.
The Miss Agriculture USA pageant is a nonprofit program that promotes confidence, improves social speaking skills and helps women network in the agricultural field. Showcasing agriculture and being a role model is what drove Madison to compete for the coveted crown.
“I want to be a role model for other women,” Madison said. “I want to teach others knowledge of agriculture, seeing as it has been my life and forever will be. And I hope to positively impact people along the way.”
Madison has big plans for her 2021 Oklahoma Miss Agriculture USA title. She hopes to aid small businesses and farmers that currently work and live in small communities.
“While many large operations make up the majority of the U.S. production, small farms build and steady the economy.” Madison commented. “Just like the movement to support small businesses, my movement is to promote not only small businesses, but all farmers. I am an AGvocate for Agriculture.”
As Madison works to positively impact the agricultural world, another crown awaits her. She will compete to become the national Miss Agriculture USA winner in June 2021.
During high school, FFA was a second home to Madison. She showed lambs and cattle and during the Baxter County and Arkansas State fairs, she took home the prize of grand champion heifer. Madison’s agriculture interests include agriculture research, commercial sheep and cattle, ag business management and market lambs.
“Agriculture has always been a big aspect of my life, and gaining the experience in FFA was a game changer for my career path.” Madison shared. “I wasn’t going to do any activities while I was in FFA, but my teacher suggested I try one. I started off with broiler projects then progressed to a whole new world of agriculture. At the end of my high school career, I had a lot of experience under my belt.”
In 2018, Madison won the Arkansas State FFA Sheep Producer and Top Leader of Agricultural Research. Last year (2019) also a big year for Madison. She was named the Arkansas State FFA Top Diversified Livestock Producer and the Arkansas State FFA Silver Ranking Sheep Producer.
For the past four years, Madison has worked part-time as an intern at Baxter Country Animal Hospital, which is owned by Drs. James Snodgrass and Sarah Shedenhelm.
“I have worked for Dr. Snodgrass for quite some time. I received my vet tech certification through Texas A&M with his help.” Madison said. “I am so blessed to work with him and gain the knowledge I’ll need for the future. And the experience under his supervision will come in handy for my career.”
Madison’s dream career is to become a large-animal veterinarian. She also plans to return to Norfork, Ark., in order to serve farmers.
“Agriculture is everywhere. From food to medicine, we are always surrounded by different aspects of agriculture. I grew up in a small town. And I’ve seen firsthand how farmers suffer because veterinarians aren’t available for large animals.” Madison said. “I know it can also be a struggle to afford, much less find, a vet for farming needs. I had to deal with this issue when I was in FFA.”
From FFA to holding a crown that could garner a lot of change within the world for farmers, Madison is set on seeing a different world in the future. She is on a mission to educate others, while also creating an easier and more accessible way for farmers to get the resources that they need.
