Farm Queen

It didn't matter that Brandi Nicole Schwinn is from Brooklyn Park, the most urban part of the county, nor that she lives on a 5-acre "farmette."It also made no difference to the Anne Arundel County Farm Bureau that the 17-year-old was the only contestant vying for the title of County Farm Queen.What was important to the bureau's judges was her knowledge of farming and her desire to promote the role of agriculture and the farming community."I don't want people to think I won because I was the only one competing," said the North County High School senior.

Four young women will compete in the Carroll County Farm Queen contest on Aug. 2 -- opening day of the county 4-H/FFA Fair.The winner will serve as an ambassador for agriculture in the county in the coming year and will be eligible to compete in the state contest Aug. 29 and 30 for a $2,000 scholarship.Candidates will be judged on their poise and knowledge of agriculture, said contest coordinator Jane Wolfe of Woodbine.Mrs. Wolfe said she met Tuesday with the candidates to discuss issues facing farmers today, such as property and water rights, animal welfare and the use of pesticides.

From Farm Queen to financial adviser -- an easy transition for BeckyLynch.A graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute in Blacksburg, Lynch said she pursued her degree in agricultural economics becauseshe wanted to combine her interest in finances with her background in farming."

Lisa Messenger, a junior at Old Mill Senior High School, has been crowned queen of the Anne Arundel County Farm Bureau for 1991.The 4-H member will represent Anne Arundel County for the second consecutive year at events such as the state Farm Bureau convention in December. As queen, she will promote farm education and bureau work and act as a goodwill ambassador to the farm community.Messenger, who lives on a small farm in Severn, helps her family raise and train quarter horses and grow vegetables.