Cultivating Missouri’s Future: Ashley McCarty on Building the Next Generation of Agricultural Leaders
- December 06, 2024
Missouri’s agricultural sector is a cornerstone of the state’s economy, contributing significantly to its growth and sustainability. As the sector grows, technology evolves, and the next generation moves through school, it’s imperative to attract and educate the next generation of ag leaders. In an interview with Authority Magazine, Ashley McCarty, Executive Director of Missouri Farmers Care, reveals Missouri’s comprehensive approach to supporting the state’s vital agriculture industry.
As a sixth-generation farmer, with farming roots dating back to 1905, McCarty says growing up on the farm was a gift, and attributes much of her professional skills to her classroom education through the Missouri FFA Association. Throughout her career as a farmer, she has also worked on behalf of the farming community, including joining thousands of Missouri farmers in a united effort to establish and support farmer-owned ethanol plants, creating a sustainable business model that offset low corn prices.
As she explains in the article, rural prosperity and food security depend on a thriving agriculture sector, and as the sole member of her generation interested in taking over the family farm, she saw first-hand the challenge of turning the younger generation on to farming careers.
She notes that by presenting agriculture as a dynamic and evolving field, we can appeal to the interests and aspirations of younger generations using the creativity, collaboration, and innovation farmers have leveraged for generations in the field.
Expanding access to agricultural education through schools, community programs, and online platforms makes learning about farming more accessible and provides clear pathways for students to enter the industry.
By collaborating with Missouri Partnership to attract more food and beverage businesses to the state, Missouri Farmer’s Care is investing in the success of farmers and ranchers, helping them find new opportunities to add value to their products and diversify their income streams.
Implementing innovative recruitment strategies, providing robust support systems, and enhancing educational opportunities, supports the continued growth and success of Missouri’s vital agriculture industry. As Ashley McCarty highlights, it’s through these concerted efforts that we can cultivate a thriving agricultural community for years to come.