Scott Hays never imagined a Missouri farm boy would be doing what he’s doing today. When he was told he couldn’t come back to the farm without trying something else first, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. His Army training taught him the value of courage and seeking to better understand other people. This served him well as he moved back home to raise pigs for the next 35 years and eventually rise up to lead the National Pork Producers Council as president in 2023-24. When that role ended, he was hired as the executive director of the Missouri Pork Association. Although he still farms with his family, his role is different today. He’s using his leadership skills in new ways to benefit other farmers in his state. Although Hays would rather spend time talking about pigs and people than himself, it’s easy to see why his friends and family say he is as genuine as it gets.

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