Dwight Nelson, Gleaner Writer

National Farm Queen Yakisha Davis (centre) is flanked by first runner-up Crystalee Carter (right) and second runner-up Jennivise Lindsay at the Denbigh Agricultural and Industrial Show on Friday. - photo by Dwight Nelson

Yakisha Davis, Kingston and St Andrew's representative, walked away with the National Farm Queen title at the Denbigh Agricultural and Industrial Show last Friday night.

From a field of 12 contestants, Davis came out on top in the College of Agriculture Science and Education (CASE) sponsored event. And, by doing so won several sectional prizes including: Most Aware in Agriculture; Best Presented Technical Paper; a scholarship to the CASE; and $30,000.

Thunderous applause

The show began at 8 p.m. with Derval Malcolm assuming MC duties. The contestants were then introduced to the audience starting with Portland's Farm Queen, Janique McKenzie.

During the introduction, representative from St Mary, Karen Tamasa and Clarendon's entry, Natalee Campbell, were greeted with thunderous applause.

Guest performer, the dimunitive Janet Jones, treated the crowd to great entertainment with her 'oldies' selections. And, had the women screaming with her rendition of Gloria Gaynor's I Will Survive.

During the talent segment St Thomas's Farm Queen, Jennivise Lindsay, had the crowd in laughter. She portrayed a spiritual 'Mother Woman' who had a message of how technology could improve youth initiatives in agriculture.

St Mary's Karen Tamassa won Best Personality, while Portland's Janique McKenzie walked away with the prize for the Most Congenial.

Jennivise Lindsay from St Thomas captured the prize for the Best Talent. She was well recieved when she was called back to the stage as second runner-up. Crystalee Carter, Westmoreland's entrant, was first runner-up.

Newly-crowned Farm Queen Yakisha Davis prizes also included:

Jamaica Agricultural Society's (JAS) President's Trophy; Ministry of Agriculture Trophy; a breeder pig from the Pig Farmers' Association and a goat from the Goat Breeders' Association.