Lillie Longhorn, Miss Rodeo Iowa 2024, is a passionate and driven young woman who is proud to represent the state of Iowa and its rich agricultural heritage. Raised in Pilot Mound, Iowa, as a fourth-generation farmer, Lillie’s roots run deep in Central Iowa’s farming community. The daughter of Scott and Alayna Longhorn, she has been blessed with the opportunity to showcase and promote the values and traditions of Iowa’s agricultural way of life.
A 2017 graduate of Ogden High School, she was an active and well-rounded student. She was a member of the volleyball, basketball, and track teams, as well as involved in marching band, show choir, the school musical, student council, and National Honor Society. Lillie also earned 27 college credits while still in high school, laying the foundation for her future academic success. Following graduation, she attended Northwest Missouri State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Corporate Finance with a minor in Agricultural Business in 2020. Lillie continued her education at Northwest, completing a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Management in 2021. Since graduating, she has worked in the agricultural industry, both at a local cooperative and on her family’s farm, further cementing her passion for agriculture and rural life.
Her Love for Rodeo
Lillie’s love for rodeo and agriculture runs deep, thanks to the influence of her family. For over 60 years, the Longhorn family has been involved in the Dayton Rodeo, and Lillie has been a part of it for much of her life. From working the arena and taking tickets to singing the national anthem, Her involvement in the rodeo community has been extensive. She attended her first rodeo at just one month old and was on a horse as soon as she could hold herself up. Growing up, she started showing horses in both western and English pleasure events, but it was when she discovered the thrill of speed events that she truly found her passion.
Today, Lillie enjoys a variety of riding styles, from western pleasure and English riding to barrel racing and participating in queen contests. Her diverse background in riding has helped her become a well-rounded equestrian, and she cherishes any opportunity to be around horses. Throughout her life, Lillie has been involved in numerous saddle clubs and spent ten years as a 4-H participant. She credits 4-H for encouraging her growth as a rider and is now passionate about helping the next generation of young riders build their skills and confidence. As Miss Rodeo Iowa, Lillie aims to continue mentoring future 4-H participants, inspiring them to follow their dreams and develop a deep love for the sport of rodeo and horsemanship.
As Miss Rodeo Iowa 2024, Lillie will have the incredible opportunity to travel across the state, the nation, and even into Canada, making over 100 appearances and covering approximately 30,000 miles. Throughout her travels, she will promote Iowa’s agricultural industry, the sport of rodeo, and educational opportunities for young women. Her year will be filled with attending rodeos, fairs, and parades, as well as visiting schools, hospitals, and nursing homes. Lillie will also be conducting radio, television, and newspaper interviews to raise awareness about the importance of agriculture, rodeo, and community involvement.
At the end of her reign, Lillie will represent Iowa in the prestigious Miss Rodeo America competition, held in Las Vegas during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Here, she will have the chance to compete for the coveted Miss Rodeo America title, as well as over $100,000 in educational scholarships.
Throughout her year as Miss Rodeo Iowa, Lillie will continue to share her passion for agriculture, rodeo, and western heritage. Her journey will inspire countless individuals, and she looks forward to meeting as many people as possible along the way. To keep up with Lillie’s travels and experiences, be sure to follow her on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
