When a tall, brunette woman, adorned with a crown and sash walks into a room, speaking with confidence and refinement, it’s hard not to wonder who she is and who she represents.
Upon further conversation, you find out she is none other than Miss Rodeo Mississippi Jacqueline Denise Ervin, also known as J.D., and she represents the sport of rodeo.
After competing against other cowgirls from across Mississippi in a day-long pageant held in Jackson last November, Ervin, of McComb, earned the 2023 title of Miss Rodeo Mississippi.
She participated in a horsemanship competition, interview and fashion show. The pageant required significant commitment and dedication from contestants. All of the young women competing were required to meet personal qualifications, complete fundraising requirements, and display commitment to fulfilling the duties of the title.
During her reign, Ervin will serve as an ambassador for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association as well as the agriculture industry.
“My role will be to promote and preserve the sport of rodeo, which means interacting with people across the state and country at various rodeos and events, taking pictures, signing autographs, answering questions, and doing anything I can to promote the rodeo during my year of service,” Ervin says.
Ervin’s background in rodeo and love for horses is part of what led her to compete for Miss Rodeo Mississippi. The former 2021 Miss Dixie National and seasoned rodeo competitor has competed in the National Barrel Horse Association Youth Championships twice.
“I’ve always enjoyed horses and rodeos, and have competed in barrel racing, goat-tying, and western pleasure,” she says. “My grandmother always loved horses, so this has been our little thing to bond over.”
She also credits 2015 Miss Rodeo Mississippi Laura Sumrall and 2021 Miss Rodeo Mississippi Mary Claire Cornett for inspiring her to put in the work and compete for the title.
Ervin remembers visiting the Dixie National Rodeo as a little girl and meeting Sumrall.
“I remember going up to her during the rodeo to get her autograph,” Ervin says. “I was so scared, but she was so kind. I don’t want anyone to be scared to come up to me and ask for a picture, autograph, or anything.”
“Mary Claire has also been a great mentor and role model to me through this whole process of competing, serving and preparing for the Miss Rodeo America pageant,” Ervin says.
Ervin will compete in the Miss Rodeo America pageant held in Las Vegas Dec. 3-10, 2023. Throughout the week-long competition, she will participate in a horsemanship contest, a written test on equine science and rodeo knowledge, extensive interviews, extemporaneous speaking and a fashion show.
“I’m extremely excited, but a little bit nervous,” Ervin says. “But, I’m using that nervous energy to fuel me. I love it and want to do well. I have been studying for the test portion and practicing my interview skills.”
In addition to preparing for the competition, Ervin has been traveling the state and country.
“I’ve been to rodeos and events across Mississippi, and some in Louisiana and Arizona,” she says. “I’ve been taking everything in and soaking up this once-in-a-lifetime experience with my fellow state queens.”
Ervin is the daughter of Doug Ervin, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Chief Organization Officer, and is a quintuplet with three sisters and one brother. Growing up in the Farm Bureau family, she is extremely grateful for the support the organization has given her while pursuing her dreams.
“Farm Bureau means family to me,” she says. “Everyone there has known my brothers and sisters and I since we were born. It’s nice to know they are always backing us.”
“One of our goals at Farm Bureau is to provide support to our youth in agriculture,” MFBF President Mike McCormick says. “It has been a joy to watch J.D. grow into a successful young woman who will be the future of our organization and state. We look forward to cheering her on in December when she competes for Miss Rodeo America.”
As far as the rest of her future goes, Ervin has big plans. The recent Mississippi State University graduate hopes to pursue a career in agriculture.
“Right now, my job is to prepare for the pageant in December and represent our state as Miss Rodeo Mississippi,” she says. “After that, I want to work in the agriculture industry in some capacity and continue advocating for Mississippi’s No. 1 industry. Who knows, maybe I will work a Farm Bureau one day.”