Media
‘That’s where I started’
This photo of Joyce Rice, taken by Jack Britton, formerly of The Des Moines Register, was taken prior to her send-off for a national competition. It shows her tossing a baton with her family’s farm silo in the background.
Baton twirler, world-class motivational speaker credits rural upbringing for her success
By Caleb Nelson, Creston News Adveriser
Joyce Rice was named the best baton twirler on the planet at 17, and if you aren’t aware, she’s from rural Greenfield. However, she now calls Las Vegas “home.”
Rice graduated from Greenfield High School in 1959, and at this time 60 years ago, she was wrapping up an eventful prep career as a baton twirler and getting ready to head to Iowa State University to be their featured twirler, where she would graduate with a Home Economics Education degree, thanks to a full-ride scholarship she received.
Rice was in high demand as a baton twirler, because of the prestige that came with being named the best baton twirler in the world, – an honor she received after defeating over 20,000 other young women. Rice then appeared as the national champion on the show “I’ve Got a Secret,” which featured a panel of celebrities who had to figure out what a contestant’s secret was.
For farmers, no sleight of hand
Agriculture magician Joyce Rice educates people about farm life during her magic performance.
Magic act teaches where goods come from
By Barb Amrhein, Amarillo Globe-News
A fair isn’t complete without rides and food. But many folks don’t know where their food comes from.
Joyce Rice, better known as the “Ag Magician,” is at this year’s Tri-State Fair and Rodeo, “dressed pretty as pig,” as she entertains audiences and teaches fair visitors to “Thank a farmer.”
“What’s this?” Rice, a sixth-generation farmer, asked a group of 150 prekindergarten students Monday morning from her small stage in the Rex Baxter Building at the fairgrounds.
“Lipstick!” The children replied.
“Yes, and shiny part of lipstick is glycerin. Which comes from a pig. So go home and tell your mother she’s pretty as a pig,” Rice said.