KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Abbygail Pitstick, South Solon, Ohio, was crowned as the 2017-18 National Hereford Queen during the 2017 American Royal National Hereford Show in Kansas City Oct. 29.

Pitstick will spend the next year in her new role as the face of the Hereford breed and an agriculture advocate setting a positive example for young women.

“I’m looking forward to the next year serving as the National Hereford Queen,” Pitstick said. “As the face of the Hereford breed, there will be many roles to fill, but I’m excited to take it head on. I hope to meet as many Hereford breeders as possible and serve as a positive role model for the youth in our breed.

Pitstick competed against six other young women from across the U.S. for the title. The National Hereford Queen program is managed by the National Hereford Women. Queen candidates are evaluated on their involvement with and knowledge of the Hereford breed, behavior, attitude, appearance and interaction with producers, as well as their résumés and interviews. Judges look for a responsible, well-rounded young lady who is willing to spend an entire year traveling across the country to represent the Hereford breed to her best ability.

First runner-up honors went to Megan Marion, Bainbridge, Ind.; Devin Bollman, Bellaire, Texas, was named second runner-up; and Rachael Bagnell, Slater, Mo., was selected as Miss Congeniality.

Pitstick is the 17-year-old daughter of Neil and Elizabeth Pitstick. She has been a member of the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) for four years and is currently serving as the Ohio Buckeye Junior Hereford Association president.

“I fell in love with Hereford cattle about four years ago when I purchased my first Hereford heifer,” Pitstick said. “From then on, the Hereford breed has been influential in my life.”

In addition to Hereford activities, Pitstick is involved in her school and community. She is a member of the FFA and served as chapter reporter. She was recognized in her district as top five in entrepreneur beef proficiency for the past two years and received the FFA Scholar Award each year since 2014.

Pitstick is a senior at Miami Trace High School where she serves on the Superintendents Advisory Council and is a member of the National Honor Society. Pitstick also volunteers at her local food shelter collecting and serving meals during holiday seasons.

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Cutline: Hereford royalty honored during the 2017 American Royal (l to r) are: Annah Dobson, Johnson Creek, Wis., 2016-17 National Hereford Queen; Abbygail Pitstick, South Solon, Ohio, 2017-18 National Hereford Queen; Megan Marion, Bainbridge, Ind., first runner-up; Devin Bollman, Bellaire, Texas, second runner-up; and Rachael Bagnell, Slater, Mo., Miss Congeniality.
Queen Photo