Emma Cameron’s journey from the deserts of Santa Fe, New Mexico to wearing the crown of Miss Rodeo America.
Miss Rodeo America is a title many young girls wish to achieve in their lifetime. Emma Cameron was no different. Her home in the historic southwest of Santa Fe helped fuel Emma’s passion for rodeo at an early age. This passion and dedication to rodeo launched her to the national eye when she was crowned the National High School Rodeo Queen in 2018. After high school, Emma attended Cornell University, then went on to work as a commodity risk management analyst in Kansas City before moving back to the Southwest, where she worked as a diagnostic technical specialist in the animal health industry. In 2023, Emma was crowned Miss Rodeo New Mexico 2023. In December of 2023, young Emma’s dreams came true when she was crowned Miss Rodeo America 2024.
As Miss Rodeo America 2024, Emma has served as the official representative of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. This role can be grueling as she must travel approximately 50,000 miles and appear at nearly 150 rodeo performances, as well as making appearances at schools, civic groups, and other special events educating the public and creating awareness about the sport of rodeo, its sponsors, and its opportunities. However, she has taken up the challenge well and has had the opportunity to ride 56 AQHA horses in 20 different states in the last year.
Miss Rodeo America serves to represent and promote rodeo, agriculture, and the Western way of life to more than 2 million people and as a spokesperson at a variety of promotional events and as a model in commercial advertisements for Western retailers, publications, sponsors, and other service providers in the Western industry.

As her time as Miss Rodeo America comes to an end, Emma plans to continue her advocacy at law school and pursue a career representing producers to ensure the sustainability of the agriculture industry.
In her free time, she enjoys rodeoing, showing ranch riding and reined cow horses, weightlifting, and working with 4-H and youth rodeo organizations. Outside of the rodeo and agricultural arenas, she has a special place in her heart for foster children and children who face difficult circumstances as they try to learn who they are in the world.

Growing up, can you remember the moment that you knew you wanted to be a rodeo queen? If so, can you tell us more about that memory?
A: I knew I wanted to be a rodeo queen when I watched Chenae Shiner [2012 MRA] crown Paige Nicholson in 2013. I met Paige later that year at the New Mexico State Fair, and ever since I have wanted to be Miss Rodeo America.
There is a lot more that goes into being a rodeo queen, let alone Miss Rodeo America. What is something you wish people knew about the role in rodeo that goes beyond the sash and crown?
As MRA, you are a representative of the PRCA and the Western world, working as an intermediary between the contestants, rodeo committees, and the public. You are gifted with the unique platform to be amongst all sides of rodeo, from visiting with sponsors, working with committees, meeting contestants, and inspiring the next generation of rodeo athletes. As a young professional in the industry, it truly is an incredible opportunity.

What has been your most memorable experience in your time as Miss Rodeo America this last year?
My most memorable experience as Miss Rodeo America was the 2023 NFR. Being MRA at the NFR is truly special, and I genuinely enjoyed getting to spend the week with MRA 2023, Kennadee Riggs.
What is your favorite rodeo event and why?
My favorite event is barrel racing because that’s what I grew up competing in. I have a great appreciation for what it takes to make it as a professional barrel racer, and I admire both the horses and the contestants who spend all year on the road.

What words of advice or encouragement would you give to a cowgirl out there if she wants to become a rodeo queen?
My biggest piece of advice is to find people you admire and work with them to make yourself who you want to be. It’s important to be able to take constructive criticism to make sure you are the best you can be when the time counts. Be willing to put in the hours and keep in perspective the joy and passion that inspired you to pursue your dreams in the beginning
Modern Cowboy Magazine is all about providing an accessible platform for those interested in getting more involved in the Western Industry and Lifestyle. What would you say to someone who is curious about our lifestyle and wants to get more involved?
The rodeo industry, in particular, is special because anyone can be involved, and everyone who is willing to put in the work is welcome. The PRCA is open to any contestant who purchases a permit, and if they are competitive enough to win $1000, they can become a card-holding member. This structure is extremely unique for a professional sport and speaks to the camaraderie and culture of the rodeo world. Rodeo truly welcomes anyone who wants to be involved – whether you want to be in the arena or playing a part from behind the fence – the best way to get involved is to put yourself out there and get connected with someone in the boots you’d like to be in!

Make sure to check out the Miss Rodeo America Pageant that will be going on November 30 through December 8th at the South Point Hotel. Many of the events have tickets for the public that you can get at the South Point Ticket Office. Learn more about the role of Miss Rodeo America at Missrodeoamerica.com.




Author
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Hi everyone! I'm Krysta Paffrath, I am a proud Arizona native who has a passion for everything business and rodeo. I am beyond thrilled to be the Editor in Chief for Modern Cowboy Magazine and Ten Gallon Talk. My adventurous and entrepreneurial spirit has guided me to work in many places like the WYO Quarter Horse Ranch in Thermopolis, Wyoming, a working cattle ranch in Seligman, Arizona, and many places in between. I am passionate about preserving the western way of life and working with different brands and rodeos to make that happen. If you're looking for a write-up, please shoot me an email at krysta@tengallontalk.com. Learn more about me at krystapaffrath.com. Looking forward to hearing from you!
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