Hi everyone! My name is Elanie Mason and I am beyond blessed to serve as the 2020-2021 Manatee County Cattlemen’s Sweetheart this year. Ever since I was a little girl, I have DREAMED of wearing that pretty crown and sash! And now that dream has come true, I am currently writing yall in the barn at the fair as the Annual Farm City Week Prospect Show goes on. The same dirt that my chair sits in today, is where my roots were planted, right here in Manatee County, at the Manatee County Fair.

 To me, the best way a kid can grow up, is showing beef animals, especially at this fair. The memories and experiences I have had has given me a deeper appreciation for the industry and the rich history that was planted right here, in Manatee County!

Now I think it is safe to say that the world we live in today is drastically different from the world we were living in a year ago. This pandemic has been a trying time for many families. It has been a life changing experience to say the least. This time has given me the opportunity to really invest in my goals and ambitions and I hope it has done the same for you as well. I have found a hobby that I have turned into a small business. I design and hand make clay earrings to sell. In the month of October, I hosted a fund raiser for the Susan G Komen Foundation and designed a breast cancer style earring. I was able to donate over $200 to the foundation just by selling breast cancer incorporated earrings.

Even though making earrings is fun, my education comes first. I will be continuing my education at the University of Florida where I will be earning a degree in Agricultural Education and Communication with a focus on Communication and Leadership Development. I am working full time at Corteva Agriscience as a Lab Research Assistant and I love it. Some may say that I am busy, I like to say that I am maximizing my potential and giving back wherever I can.

 I am so excited to embark on this journey and represent a county that is near and dear to my heart. You can follow my journey on the Facebook @ManateeCountyCattlemensweetheart and on Instagram @manateecattlemensweetheart Be on the lookout for fresh beef incorporated recipes on these social media pages.

Elanie Mason