2018 MSFB Farm Ambassador Tells Agriculture’s Story

Rachel Peeler of New Albany is our Farm Bureau Ambassador for 2018. Rachel received the title at state convention in December, competing with outstanding college students from around the state.  As Farm Bureau Ambassador, she was presented a $4,000 scholarship.

The Farm Bureau Ambassador program is designed to identify young leaders who can use their experiences to tell the farmer’s story. The program strives to enlighten and inform the public about agriculture, and the ambassador makes appearances on behalf of Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) and agriculture at events across the state.

At the time of her interview in January, Rachel was eager to begin carrying out her responsibilities. By the time you read this article, she will have participated in the Dixie National Livestock Parade in Jackson and spoken at the State Women’s Leadership Conference in Natchez.  She plans to participate in the Ag in the Classroom workshops this summer.

“I am passionate about agriculture, and I consider it an honor to represent Farm Bureau,” she says. “Farm Bureau’s work on behalf of farmers is so important. The organization not only serves as the Voice of Agriculture^® on issues affecting Mississippi farmers, it offers programs that teach children and adults what farmers do for them every day. That is so important.”

Farm Life

Rachel grew up on a farm in Union County which has horses, Corriente cattle, and chickens.

 “I love horses so much,” Rachel says.  “I’ve been actively involved in 4-H my whole life, and I’ve always competed in horse events. I’m a barrel racer, I’ve won a few of those events, but I’ve done really well in state- and national-level horse judging, horse bowl and hippology contests.” 

The beautiful belt buckle she wore the day of her interview was presented to her as a result of her accomplishments in Dixie National Horse Bowl competition.

Rachel is an Animal and Dairy Sciences major at Mississippi State University (MSU). She will graduate in May, and vet school is her next goal. She says she will begin working on a master’s degree in Agricultural and Extension Education at MSU while she applies for admission to the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine.

Rachel balances her school work with her work at the beef unit on the MSU South Farm, where she helps care for the cattle, pigs and sheep. She also volunteers in her community for many worthy causes.

Ambassador Program

Rachel says she learned about the Farm Bureau Ambassador Contest from Union County Farm Bureau Women’s Chair Mary Manning, who sent her information about the program.  She says MFBF Region 2 Regional Manager Terry Norwood, whom she has known through 4-H, also encouraged her to participate. Union County MSU Extension Agent Gina Wills has always been supportive of her ag interests.

Rachel says the members of the State Women’s Committee have been extremely supportive of her.

“Throughout this whole process, the State Women’s Committee and the judges for the Farm Bureau Ambassador contest were very personable, approachable, and took a genuine interest in us,” Rachel says. “Former Farm Bureau Ambassador Beth Tillman told me I would inherit 10 new friends who would be very sympathetic and have my best interests at heart, and that has definitely been the case with the members of the State Women’s Committee.”

“I’m excited about the Farm Bureau Ambassador program. I recommend it to anyone it means something to,” she says.  “If you aren’t passionate about agriculture, then don’t do this.  I think agriculture deserves your best effort.”

Rachel served as valedictorian of her high school senior class. During high school, she won four state championships for cross-country running and two state championships for track.  She expresses her gratitude to her coach, Chris Greer, and her teammates.

Rachel worked in the New Albany Animal Clinic during high school and for the two years she attended Northeast Mississippi Community College. She is a member of the Starkville Church of Christ. 

Rachel’s parents are David and Sharon Peeler of New Albany. She loves her family, her friends, her church, and her work with agriculture and livestock.

The Farm Bureau Ambassador program is sponsored annually by the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Programs. For more information about the Farm Bureau Ambassador program, contact the MFBF Women’s Programs and Ag in the Classroom Program Coordinator Clara Bilbo at (601) 977-4245.