Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan has changed the way people view pageant girls. During her reign, she began advocating for agriculture by establishing partnerships with The Hand That Feeds Us, U.S. Cattlemen's Association and Real Farmers, Real Food. In the 90-year history of Miss America, Teresa has taken the Miss America organization off the beaten path.

As a result of Teresa's advocacy, more state title holders are coming forward to support their state's farmers and ranchers.

In traveling across the country, she has found there is massive disconnect geographically. By being a non-traditional spokesperson for agriculture, Scanlan has set out to bridge that gap between urban and rural America. In speaking to audiences, she is aims to bring the message of the importance of food production to a broader audience.

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