Olivia Favero has spent much of 2026 on the road as Miss Rodeo America. But no matter how far her travels take her, she carries the same things with her: a love of horses, a deep connection to agriculture, and the lessons she learned growing up on her family’s farm in Taylor, Utah. For Favero, the crown is more than a title – it’s a chance to share the Western way of life that has shaped her.

The dream of becoming Miss Rodeo America began long before Favero was crowned. Her love of agriculture and horses led her to begin competing in rodeo queen pageants when she was just eight years old. She recalled watching Miss Rodeo America contests growing up and being especially inspired by Chenae Shiner Vest, a former Miss Rodeo Utah who went on to win the national crown in 2013.

“That’s when I knew it could be possible for me one day,” Favero said. “Now that I am wearing the crown, it has deepened my gratitude for the ladies who capitalized on this position before me.” 

Favero’s connection to agriculture stretches back generations. Some of her fondest memories are of watching her grandpas and great-grandpas work on the family farm, hauling hay and riding horses in the barnyard. Those roots remain one of her favorite things to share with the people she meets.

“Traveling is full-time for this position, and I left a lot at home – my family, a job, school, horses, the farm,” Favero explained. “My favorite thing to talk about when I meet people is my roots at home. Telling them that I have been raised in the country and farming alfalfa hay brings me comfort while I am away.”

As the official representative of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), Favero’s year includes more than 100 rodeo performances, along with appearances at schools, civic groups, and other events across the country, where she works to educate the public about rodeo and the opportunities within the Western industry.

Since being crowned in December, she has traveled across 18 states and ridden 48 different horses at rodeos around the country. While her travels have taken her far from home, Favero has found a sense of community everywhere she goes. 

“As I work with volunteers who give all they can to producing great rodeos, I often get to hear their stories too. There are so many great farmers and ranchers in the rodeo industry,” Favero noted.

As the world celebrates the International Year of the Woman Farmer, Favero hopes to encourage more young women to find their place in agriculture and embrace both the opportunities and hard work it offers. 

“Women in agriculture and rodeo queens have a lot in common. We protect our history and value of the land, as well as bring hope to our future,” Favero said. “I hope to inspire the next generation to embrace the hard work that lies ahead. Long days working on the farm and with livestock are by far some of my favorite days. I’ve realized how much I miss it this summer as I’ve been away from home.” 

Favero’s year has also given her memorable experiences outside the rodeo arena. In March, she traveled to Washington, D.C., where she joined world champion cowboys and cowgirls in meeting with President Donald Trump. His interest in rodeo and the Western lifestyle led to a conversation filled with questions about the sport.


“Being recognized by the President was a huge accomplishment,” Favero said.

For young women who dream of someday wearing the Miss Rodeo America crown, Favero encourages them to enjoy the journey and recognize what they have to offer.

“This crown encompasses so much beauty, and the women who wear it bring their own beauty to it each year,” Favero said. “I encourage dreamers to enjoy the ride and be confident in what they bring to the table!”

One of Favero’s favorite pieces of advice comes from Maya Angelou: “People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.” That idea is also at the heart of the legacy Favero hopes to leave.

“More than anything, I want to leave a legacy that made people feel valued. I can never repay all of the people who were so kind and generous to me. But I hope that I can be that for others along their journeys,” Favero said.

Follow Olivia’s journey as Miss Rodeo America by following her on Facebook (Miss Rodeo America) and Instagram (@MissRodeoAmericaOfficial).