Taylor County woman wins 2024 National Mrs. Agriculture USA title

THORNTON, W.Va. (WBOY) — West Virginia has entered the national stage in representing agricultural pride as Taylor County resident Grace Austin-Trboyevich was named the 2024 Mrs. Agriculture USA on Saturday.

The non-profit Miss Agriculture USA said on its website it’s an “Agvocate for agriculture”, as those who wear the crown spread awareness about agriculture’s importance to the country. There is no prize money won, but rather an experience that will never be forgotten.

“Agriculture is something that cannot die in the United States. Rather, it’s you know, the milk you drink, the meat you buy from your local grocery store, I wanna spread that it isn’t just how—it didn’t magically just get on the shelves,” Austin-Trboyevich said.

Austin-Trboyevich said she plans on traveling to as many states as she can to spread her message and inspire the younger generation to get into farming and understand its importance. Starting in Florida next week as she highlights the difference between agriculture in the south and what may be found in West Virginia.

Austin-Trboyevich is a fourth-generation farmer, helping run Hidden Falls Ranch , her family’s farm that’s been in Taylor County for decades. The new queen has a long history of participating in programs promoting agriculture’s future, like 4-H, where skills she learned from it like picking steer and raising it for quality beef are still ones she said she uses to this day.

“I showed my very first Jersey Heffer at three years old, and I’m hoping to let my little girl Rhylee as well get into it,” said Austin-Trboyevich.

Her love for animals doesn’t stop at the farm, as she was inspired to start this journey last year when she was approached by someone at her job at the vet hospital she used to work for. Now, Austin-Trboyevich is working on her vet tech associate’s degree.

To win the title she had to first take pictures of her everyday agricultural life, give fun facts and more. Then during this weekend’s finals, she did interviews, wrote an essay, answered random prompt questions on stage, competed in the formal wear category and shared fun facts about herself. Austin-Trboyevich said she had a positive experience as all contestants supported each other.

Austin-Trboyevich said all of this could not have been done without the support and love of her family, who were there every step of the way as she followed her passions.

“Always supporting me in 4-H and FFA, and trying to get me out there, get me involved, rather it be rodeos or 4-H meetings, just making the best out of what we had even though we didn’t have a lot,” Austin-Trboyevich said.

Her father, Marty Austin, said learning she had won was the first time she ever made him cry.

Austin-Trboyevich said she hopes to inspire her and her husband, Chris Trboyevich’s, young daughter, Rhylee, to keep the old and new family traditions in agriculture alive.

“I’m hoping to pass down my love and care for animals onto her as well because she already does so good with it,” Austin-Trboyevich said.

Austin-Trboyevich will be back on the national competition stage next year when she crowns next year’s queen.

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