Before Olivia Lulich, Miss Wisconsin USA 2026, takes on the national pageant, she is already thinking beyond the spotlight. For Lulich, the crown isn’t just an award; it’s a platform. As Wisconsin’s representative on the national stage, she’s using her title to spotlight American agriculture. She’s an advocate for its people, its process, and the important link between farms and the food families rely on every day.
Lulich is an an agriculture teacher and an FFA advisor at Viroqua High School in Viroqua, Wisconsin. She grew up close to the industry through her family’s livestock experiences and her involvement with 4-H and FFA. Lulich spent summers helping her grandparents milk cows, and raised sheep and beef cattle with her brother. Those early lessons have shaped how she talks about agriculture now—especially her mission to bridge the gap between producers and consumers. She brings her life on the farm to her audience through storytelling, education, and consistent advocacy.
As the nationally televised Miss USA pageant approached, Lulich joined AgDay for a conversation about why she’s passionate about agriculture advocacy. She also shared what she hopes people will learn, or reconsider, about where their food comes from and who makes it possible.
Agriculture and Messaging
Q: What really got you interested in agriculture in the first place?
A: “I always say I was born into agriculture. I remember spending summers at my grandparents’ dairy farms, helping milk cows. It wasn’t until I was about 10 years old when I told my dad, ‘Hey, I really want to get some sheep. I want to join 4-H and FFA.’ His number one rule was, you had to eat the animal you were going to show before we invested in it. So I remember eating my first lamb chop. It was a little traumatizing as a 10-year-old, but it’s still my favorite food today. That really kickstarted my journey in agriculture. From there, I started raising and showing sheep and later added beef cattle with my brother. Having those different experiences and being able to share the agriculture story ultimately led me to pursue a career in agricultural education.”
Q: You said you want to bring agriculture to the national stage. What does that look like day-to-day in your role as Miss Wisconsin USA?
A: “Agriculture isn’t something commonly talked about in pageantry, and having grown up in the industry, I’ve seen the disconnect many people have between the farm, where their food comes from and the importance of agriculture. I knew as Miss Wisconsin USA I wanted to continue being a voice for the industry and help bridge that gap between producers and consumers. One way I’ve done that is through social media. Every Friday, I do a series called AgFact Friday, where I highlight a different Wisconsin agricultural commodity, share fun facts, show how our food is grown and produced, and explain the process of how it gets to grocery store shelves. Now, as I get ready to compete in the nationally televised Miss USA competition, the goal is still the same. How can we continue sharing the agricultural message and the positive truths about our industry while inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in agriculture?”
Balancing Teaching and Pageantry
Q: What got you involved in pageants?
A: “I started pageants when I was five years old. My mom was like, ‘we are two extroverted parents. We are not having someone who’s shy.’ So, she encouraged me to do pageants. I think from there, I caught the competitive bug. Like most of us in the industry, we probably have a little bit more of that competitive spirit. I think that’s where it really had started. I met some amazing friends and just went from there.”
Q: Are you teaching right now? How do you balance both roles?
A: “Absolutely. Those of us in agriculture, we love to be as busy as we possibly can. Now, competing in Miss USA, I actually have to take the whole first week off of school, which is so weird to miss those first couple of days. But we’ll juggle it all like we always do. I don’t think there will be a lot of time for sleep or downtime, but I’m still excited to tackle both roles. I know my students and my community will always be there to support me.”
Practicing What She Preaches
Q: You’re known for teaching public speaking as an ag teacher. What’s it like for students to see you putting those skills into practice every day?
A: “I always say you have to practice what you preach, and this is one way they get to see those lessons come to life. I’m always talking about staying true to who you are, knowing the facts and learning how to present and share your voice. I think these experiences will make me a better FFA coach and give my students a chance to see what’s possible when you’re passionate about something and want to share the importance of an industry. Whether I’m an FFA advisor, an ag teacher or Miss Wisconsin USA, the story and the truth are always going to be the same. It’s been so fun for my students to interact with me on social media and see the things we practice in the classroom being used in real life.”
The Miss USA pageant will be held at 7 p.m. Central on August 27, in Miami, Florida.
