Submitted photo

Natalie Ruesler of Jackson shook hands with Missouri Farm Bureau president Charlie Kruse Dec. 8 at the bureau's 88th annual meeting in Osage Beach, Mo. Ruesler was one of 37 contestants competing for the role of Missouri Farm Bureau Ambassador.Southeast Missourian

Natalie Ruesler of Jackson was one of 37 contestants competing for the role of Missouri Farm Bureau ambassador during the organization's 88th annual meeting at Osage Beach, Mo. Ruesler's parents are Keith and Marie Ruesler.

The contest is sponsored by the Missouri Farm Bureau Promotion and Education Program. The contestants were selected by their county farm bureaus to promote agriculture in their county and compete at the state level. During the state contest each contestant was interviewed by a panel of judges who considered knowledge of the industry, speaking ability and personality.

The top male and female winners received a $1,250 scholarship from the Missouri Farm Bureau Foundation For Agriculture and will represent Farm Bureau and agriculture at events across Missouri.

Missouri Farm Bureau is the state's largest farm organization with more than 99,000 member families.