Anna Conroy Champions Ranching With Grit and Grace
by SHAYLYNN MARKS
Ask Anna Conroy about her new title as the 2025–26 Polk County Cattlemen’s Sweetheart and she’ll be the first to tell you: It’s not a beauty pageant.
“Even as a little girl, I’ve always wanted to be able to somehow help the industry out. Now with this title, I’ve been able to kind of teach people more about the industry,” she says.
Conroy, who recently graduated from Lake Wales High School, was raised in Polk County and is a sixth-generation cattle rancher. Despite her deep roots in the industry, she prefers to lead with action over legacy.
“Even though I’m a sixth generation, I believe what matters is more of what you know, and not just what your family knows,” she says.
Dr. LuJean Waters, President of the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association, agrees that Anna’s dedication sets her apart.
“When we select a Sweetheart, we want someone who is the real deal — someone who can ride, has worked cattle, and has developed hands-on skills through servant leadership,” Waters says. “Anna easily checked all the boxes. She rides her horse beautifully, has worked cattle on many local ranches, and is poised and well spoken.”
A Platform for Advocacy
For Conroy, the Sweetheart title is a platform to promote land stewardship and education, both being topics she’s passionate about.
“I’ve hit on some things about water conservation,” she says. “With this title, I’ve been able to promote the industry — not just cows, but what we do for the ecosystem.”
Her commitment to advocacy was evident at the Florida Cattlemen’s Convention, where she delivered a presentation on water conservation. Conroy says she chose the topic because it felt relevant and urgent, especially in light of ongoing development and environmental challenges in Florida.
“Water is a hot topic,” she says. I really wanted to learn about it, so I researched and taught myself while putting it all together.”
Strength Built From the Ground Up
Donald Conroy, Anna’s father, explains the origin of his daughter’s pure grit.
“She’s been dragged in the mud. She’s been bucked off horses, sure, and got back on again,” he says. “That kind of stuff builds character.”
He added that this resilience shaped how she handles pressure today.
“She’s had to get up there and face competition in front of everybody, where some people would have folded,” he says. “She didn’t. I think that came from getting bucked off and getting back up again.”
Balancing Boots and Cleats
Though she earned a scholarship to Warner University for softball, her father mentions her commitment to agriculture.
“She’s a great pitcher, but that work ethic came from livestock chores — building pens in the rain, cleaning stalls, feeding, doing it all.”
Conroy balances her schedule with precision, often shifting from feeding livestock to lacing up for practice with barely a moment to spare.
“You’re always going,” she says. “Many late nights, early mornings, blood, sweat, and tears. But I try to use all the time the Lord gives me to do something beneficial.”
Her father agrees.
“She’s tough,” he says. “She knows that sometimes the fun gets out of things and it just turns into work, but you stick your nose to the grindstone and do it anyway. I’m proud of her.”
The Selection and Support
The selection process includes an application, essay, and interview.
Bridget Stice, Extension agent and longtime supporter of the Polk County Cattlemen’s Sweetheart program, said Conroy embodies the traits needed for the role.
“She’s smart, hardworking, and has a heart for ranching,” Stice says. “Whether she’s working cows with her dad or volunteering at industry events, she shows up and puts in the work.”
Waters adds that the Sweetheart must be ready to represent Polk County at both the local and state levels.
“We need someone who will reflect our values with respect, punctuality, and confidence,” she says. “Anna’s representation at the FCA Convention made us extremely proud.”
Riding Into What’s Next
Conroy will begin studying agribusiness at Warner University this month while continuing to play softball. She also plans to work as a large animal vet tech under Waters.
“Anna already brings a strong foundation of practical skills and integrity,” Waters says. “I have no doubt she’ll go far in this industry.”
Outside of academics, she’s set to represent Polk County at the Hollie/Brewer Adaptive Rodeo on Oct. 18, an event for youth with special needs that gives participants a taste of the cowboy lifestyle.
“Just seeing their faces light up gives me chills,” Conroy says. “Many kids don’t get that experience, and we bring it to them.”
Advice for the Next Generation
She reflects on her experience stepping outside her comfort zone during the competition.
“I’m not much of a public speaker, and I’m usually the quiet person in the corner.”
Despite her initial nerves, the process helped her grow. “Competing at the convention really made me come out of my shell and realize that maybe I don’t have to be scared to talk,” she says.
“Even if you don’t become Sweetheart, don’t let that stop you. The Lord always has a plan for you,” she adds. “It takes a lot of work and late nights being scared to get up in front of people, but it’s worth it.”