Harger’s love for pageantry leads to Junior Miss Nebraska AgHERculture title
By Becky Uehling
GRANT TRIBUNE CORRESPONDENT
Eleven-year-old Tinley Harger of Madrid has dreamt of competing in pageants for many, many years. In 2025, that dream became a reality for Tinley, and with much hard work and determination, Harger has earned the title of Junior Miss Nebraska AgHERculture.
“I look up to Shyne Hickey (who has been involved with pageants), and I always wanted to be like her and do pageants,” Harger said. “I asked my parents if I could start pageants and they told me it was a big time commitment and I needed to focus on it.”
And focus she did. With the help of her parents, Jennifer and Trent Harger, Tinley dove into the world of pageantry, taking part in as many appearances as possible, and seeking out sponsorships to offset the costs associated with costumes, entry fees, and travel.
Her hard work paid off earlier this year when Tinley was crowned Junior Miss Nebraska AgHERculture where she promotes the platform of agriculture, specifically through 4-H. She will compete in the national AgHERculture pageant in January 2026 in Dallas.
“My family is a big 4-H family and I love 4-H so it comes to no shock that my platform is to get more kids into 4-H,” she said. “I think everyone should be involved. It is a great family thing and you can learn so many life skills to last you a lifetime. From baking to sewing, to rockets to woodworking, and basic crafting. All the way to vet sciences and the showing of animals. There is so much you can do to get involved. I encourage as many children as possible to go to a club meeting and learn what is available to do.”
Tinley said the reason she loves pageantry so much is because she likes meeting new people and going to queen appearances. “I also love sharing my love for 4-H,” she said.
“It has been a lot of fun,” Jennifer said. “We have enjoy lining appearances up for her and helping her practice.”
Jennifer said Tinley still has a long ways to go to be ready for nationals, but they believe she can do it.
“She has been working hard with her coach and she practices often at home,” Jennifer said. “It has become another sport in our house where you have to show up and practice like you are ready for game day.”
Jennifer said Tinley would like to get more pageant experience under her belt and has been invited to several where she will practice her skills. “We are excited to see where she goes with this,” Jennifer said.
“This has been a fun adventure,” Tinely said. “I am so glad I did it and I love practicing with my coach and sharing my passions with people. I am shy, so I am trying to come out of my shell more.”
Tinley has sponsorship opportunities available and hopes to get some craft workshops together for current and future 4-H’ers.
Those wanting to follow Tinley’s pageant adventures can do so on her Facebook page called “Tinley Harger-Junior Miss Nebraska Agherculture” where she will be sharing all her appearances and will share as much as time allows during pageants.
Jennifer thanks everyone who has shown love and support to them as they continue this journey. “Her first fundraiser was a success and we look forward to what is ahead,” Jennifer said.
The Hargers would also like to give a shout out to Tinley’s Platinum Sponsor, Chris Loeffler with Chris Loeffler Photography, for taking Tinley’s pictures that will be used for social media, sponsor flyer, and headshots to turn into pageants and the photogenic category.
The Miss agHERculture mission is to provide a platform for girls and women to openly discuss, educate, advocate, and cultivate conversations regarding American agriculture. The organization’s vision is for women and girls to utilize a crown and sash as an avenue to educate the American consumer about the truth and power of the agriculture industry. For more information visit https://www.agherculture.com/.