Beyond the Farm: Uncovering the Endless Opportunities in American Agriculture

By: Kellie Bray

Conversations about American agriculture can often center around opportunities or careers. While this is positive, the perception that most, if not all, of those jobs are on the farm is misleading and misses the many options that may be open to those passionate about pursuing a career within the agriculture community. I feel fortunate to have witnessed firsthand the variety of careers and opportunities that agriculture offers. I truly believe there is something for everyone!

I grew up in a farm family in Cameron, Missouri. Both of my parents were raised on multi-generational crop and livestock farms in the state. It's exciting to me that our original five family members – my dad Ken, mom Margie, brother Brad, twin sister Kristie, and I - have had careers connected to agriculture, each suited to our own strengths and interests.

My dad began his career working with farmers on loan programs through the Farmers Home Administration and later became a rural real estate appraiser focusing primarily on farms and farmland. During this time, he also returned to the family farm full-time. After my mom obtained her master’s degree in public health from the University of Oklahoma, she became a dietitian at hospitals and nursing homes in northwest Missouri where she focused on providing healthy meals to patients, making sure their nutritional needs were met.

My sister, brother, and I became involved in the high school agriculture program along with the National FFA Organization our freshman year of high school. I had no idea at that time that the classes I took and my involvement in FFA would be the foundation of my college and professional career.

After completing a degree in general agriculture and political science at the University of Missouri (or Mizzou to my fellow alumni), I made the move to Washington, D.C., and am proud to have worked in government affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents, and, most recently, spent 16 years at CropLife America in government affairs and as chief of staff.

As I was moving to Washington, D.C., Kristie found her path in the Midwest utilizing her degree in agriculture education from Mizzou with organizations including the National Pork Producers Association, Heritage Trading Company, and the American Royal.

My brother Brad studied agriculture economics at the University of Central Missouri and returned home to lead our livestock and crop operation with my dad, uncle, and other family members. He is the sixth generation of Brays to farm and the fourth generation where our farm is currently located. In addition to numerous volunteer roles, Brad currently serves as a member of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee where he shares a farmer perspective with EPA staff and other stakeholders.

People often talk about agriculture and food being emotional issues, and I couldn’t agree more! It can be frustrating to hear misinformation about food production because I know how thoughtful my dad and brother are when they make choices on how to grow crops and raise livestock. I know they have integrity, care about their family and their community, and are focused daily on how they can make the world a better place by helping ensure people have food. When I hear inaccurate comments about the nutrition of some foods, I think of my mom who worked tirelessly to create menus for patients full of protein, fruits, and vegetables to make sure they received the types and amount of food that would help them feel their very best.

Kristie and I both encountered different perspectives of agriculture from the broader public as she worked in producer education with the National Pork Producers Association, seeing firsthand the continual improvement of practices on-farm. Following that, she got another view of agriculture education, leading efforts at the American Royal where she often worked with many school-aged students who had never been on a farm or seen livestock before.

Working in government affairs in the agriculture sector is also its own form of agriculture education - it just happens to take place in Washington, D.C., and state capitals around the country! Misconceptions are prevalent, but so is curiosity, and I’m so proud to offer a perspective as someone who knows firsthand the struggles farmers face because of weather, volatile markets, and availability of technology.

When I think about the future of agriculture, I see so many opportunities for people to find a rewarding career. My family’s story paints a picture of five very different paths, and there are many, many more! Production agriculture, technology, finance, education, nutrition, advocacy, analytics, communication, and the list goes on and on. There really is something for everyone!