Stand for Ag | Join the Conversation with Missouri Farmers Care

On her way to the Missouri State Fair, Aly Francis of Paris, Missouri stopped at a local convenience store and overheard a conversation that changed the way she viewed food insecurity. This conversation inspired her to start Aly’s Project, which brings protein to food insecure families in her community each year.

Aly Francis is a sophomore at Oklahoma State University, where she double-majors in Animal Science Livestock Merchandising and Agricultural Communications. She was raised on her family’s diversified livestock operation where they raise Katahdin sheep, commercial cattle and Boer goats. Aly spends her summers showing pigs across Missouri, which helped her develop a deeper love for agriculture. Join us as we discuss the details of Aly’s Project and how to start similar projects in our own communities that can help fight hunger!

Finding a career can seem daunting at times. We get it. Resumes, cover letters, applications, interviews, finding your interests- the list goes on. Our guest this week is a professional at navigating these processes, and we’re excited to share her tips for professional success with you! Join us as we talk skillsets, resumes, and climbing the ladder.

Jessica Kueffer is the Recruitment and Employee Development Manager at MFA Incorporated, headquartered in Columbia, Missouri. She grew up in central Missouri on her family’s farm, where she developed a passion for agriculture. She graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in Agribusiness Management, where she participated in a variety of internship programs. She was named an AgGrad 30 Under 30 in 2019, which celebrates her contributions to agriculture. Jessica is a wealth of knowledge, and we’re excited to bring that knowledge to you!

Interested in a career with MFA Incorporated? Check out this link to find a complete list of job postings.

We’ve all been there- wanting to start sharing our story but having absolutely no clue where to begin. This week, we’ll meet Kylie Epperson of Epperson Family Farms! Kylie, also known as The Grateful Farm Wife, is a proud 20-something Northeast Missouri farmer, raising row crops, pigs and kids (2) with her 4th generation farmer husband, Jordan. Coming from the education field, her role on the farm stretches from raising kids, to parts runner, to office bookkeeper, to financial manager and more. Kylie is the co-host of the Midwest Farm Wives Podcast. Following a fire in their hog barn, Kylie found her voice in agriculture and has been sharing her farm story both on social media and in person on a regular basis.

Be sure to join us as Kylie shares her story of how she got started sharing her passion and how she’s developed a following of 10,000 people! She shares tips and tricks that can help you share your story as well. Kylie talks about content creation, how frequently to post, and much more. We’re so thankful Kylie was able to join our conversation!

Check out Kylie’s podcast, Midwest Farm Wives, her Instagram or her Facebook and follow along as she shares her story!

It’s time! Yes, it’s finally time to tune-in to Stand for Ag with Missouri Farmers Care! If you’re anything like me, you’re asking yourself who is talking! I’m Paxton, a sixth-generation agriculturalist from Nevada, Missouri. Our rural community is located at the intersection of Highway 54 and Interstate 49, and this area is where my story began. My family has lived here, active in agriculture, for nearly a century. I’ve grown up listening to stories in my grandparents’ farmhouse, which happens to be the same home my great-great-grandfather built, and it sits on the same piece of ground that he farmed with a horse and plow. Our family roots run deep, and I’m excited to bring my passion to you. I’m a junior at the University of Missouri, studying Agricultural Education and Leadership. In my spare time you can find me ringside at a pig show, spending time with my family, or sitting at a Mexican restaurant with my friends. Thanks for joining our conversation!

On this podcast, we’ll bring unique perspectives to the forefront of our minds about all things agriculture. Join us for new stories each week where we meet with industry leaders who are truly changing the way we look at agriculture. We’ll look at stories that focus on the intersections of farmer, rancher and consumer interests! Welcome to Stand for Ag!