Missouri Farm Bureau, building futures
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MOFB COMMENTARY – Eric Volmer
More than a century ago, a small group of farmers came together in Slater, Missouri, determined to develop an organization to be a voice for agriculture and rural communities. Since Missouri Farm Bureau’s (MOFB) start in 1915, generations of county leaders brought MOFB to where it is today, serving more than 157,000 members across the state.
As agriculture has changed through the years, so has MOFB. The organization still works for farmers, ranchers and rural communities, but the number of those engaged in farming continues to dwindle. At the same time, urban centers have pulled from rural populations, attracting kids away from the farm and their hometown with the promise of education and job opportunities. That often means they put down roots elsewhere, away from home.
Nearly 40 years ago, MOFB leaders recognized the need for college students to connect with rural Missouri while also planning for the future. That’s how the MOFB collegiate program began and became another avenue for students to build leadership skills and knowledge of farm policy.
In 1986, Missouri became the first state to organize and develop the Collegiate Farm Bureau program at the University of Missouri. Now, 38 years later, the collegiate program is a nationwide branch of the American Farm Bureau, with almost every state having at least one chapter.
MOFB boasts ten chapters, which include eight 4-year universities and two 2-year schools. In September, MOFB hosted an inaugural training conference for collegiate officers. Open to all chapter officers, the program welcomed 20 students representing five schools. They participated in breakout sessions, asked questions of MOFB leadership and left with new ideas for their chapter and an understanding of opportunities available to them, including the Gold Star award and discussion meet contest.
The Collegiate Farm Bureau program has proven to be an excellent opportunity for young people to get engaged and active in the agriculture industry. One of the program’s biggest success stories is none other than current MOFB President Garrett Hawkins, who served as President of the Missouri State Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter.
Local agriculture leaders and Farm Bureau members can encourage current and future college students to get involved. MOFB currently oversees collegiate chapters at the University of Missouri, Missouri State University, Northwest Missouri State University, Southeast Missouri State University, Truman State University, the University of Central Missouri, College of the Ozarks, Lincoln University, Ozark Technical College and State Fair Community College. If you know students who attend one of these colleges, please encourage them to get involved.
Missouri Farm Bureau’s collegiate program is a great avenue to help educate college students about what MOFB offers and will help them build the skills necessary to thrive in their future careers.
Eric Volmer is the MOFB Senior Director of Field Services and the Young Farmer & Rancher Program.
