UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Cheyenne Bastian-Brown, a fourth-year agricultural and extension education student in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, has been selected as the 2025 American Honey Queen. During the year, she will promote the beekeeping industry and honey consumption nationwide on behalf of the American Beekeeping Federation.
“The position of American Honey Queen will enable me to continue to expand my knowledge of the agricultural industry nationwide,” said Bastian-Brown, of Ralston. “This role also will help me to continue cultivating important skills like communication and building media connections.”
For more than 80 years, the American Beekeeping Federation has advocated for the beekeeping industry in the United States. The organization works in several areas to ensure the future of honey bees and beekeepers, including providing educational resources and advocating for legislation affecting the industry.
The American Honey Queen and Honey Princess programs are aimed at sharing the beekeeping industry with Americans. As this year’s Honey Queen, Bastian-Brown will visit schools, fairs and civic organizations to speak about honey bees and teach consumers about the versatility of the honey industry through interactive demonstrations and engaging presentations.
“I didn’t grow up in agriculture, so I had to write my own story,” Bastian-Brown explained. “I joined the Canton FFA Chapter in high school, which opened a lot of doors for me to learn more about and become an advocate for the agricultural industry.”
Bastian-Brown was the 2018 Troy Fair Queen, and during that experience, she met a past Pennsylvania Honey Queen who introduced her to the beekeeping federation and its American Honey Queen and Honey Princess programs.
“I was hooked,” she said. “I learned about honey bees during FFA, and I eventually wanted to apply to serve on the Pennsylvania State Beekeepers Association.”
After meeting that goal, Bastian-Brown applied for and served as a Pennsylvania Honey Queen. After a year of service, she applied for the 2025 American Honey Queen position. This application included supplemental materials and an interview that showcased her communication skills and beekeeping knowledge.
“I’m so thankful for these opportunities and the path that I have been able to navigate to become the individual I am today,” she said. “I may not have grown up in agriculture, but the people and this industry aided in growing me.”
Bastian-Brown’s choice of a major directly relates to her continued desire to support the agricultural industry. She explained that she came to Penn State as a political science major but changed her mind after serving as the Pennsylvania FFA State Treasurer.
“During my year traveling the commonwealth, I decided that agricultural education was where I could make a lasting impact to cultivate future agriculturalists and better consumers,” she said.
Daniel Foster, associate professor of agricultural and extension education and Bastian-Brown’s adviser, said she embodies the idea that a College of Agricultural Sciences education is more than coursework.
“Cheyenne has intentionally shaped her academic journey, seizing opportunities to enhance her experience,” he said. “Her passion and initiative will undoubtedly serve her well as she continues to educate and advocate for agriculture.”
Some highlights of Bastian-Brown’s college life include serving as a National TeachAg Ambassador for the National Association of Agricultural Educators, traveling as a TeachAg Avenger to inspire future educators, and attending conferences representing Penn State and the agricultural and extension education program. She also has been involved with numerous organizations on campus and served in leadership roles.
“Take every opportunity that is offered,” Bastian-Brown said. “You never know where your major, clubs or professors may lead you, or what kind of growth you may experience. It all starts with saying a simple ‘yes’ to every opportunity and not being afraid of taking chances.”
After graduation, Bastian-Brown said, she is looking forward to becoming a secondary agricultural educator while working to create and implement a curriculum for elementary agricultural education in the commonwealth. Her ultimate career goal is to serve in the public sector with the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the Department of Education.