Agribusiness Connects Companies and Careers Across Agriculture
Agriculture relies on more than the work happening on a farm. From animal feed and transportation to technology and engineering, agribusiness companies work together to support farmers and keep the industry moving forward.
The Expo Hall at the National FFA Convention and Expo brings together businesses of all sizes, giving FFA members a chance to explore the many parts of agribusiness.
John Deere senior product and system specialist Maddie Zambrano says supporting farmers and developing future agricultural leaders are important goals for the companies participating in the convention. “Ultimately, we want to help support our customers in being successful, good stewards of the land,” Zambrano says. She adds that the company also wants to help, “support and grow the next generation of agriculturalists.”
That support depends on connections across the industry. Patrick Gunn, director of technical innovation with Purina, explains that producing animal feed requires grain suppliers, commodity brokers, transportation companies and logistics partners to work together.
For companies at the Expo, connecting with students is also an investment in agriculture’s future. “Tractor Supply believes that these students that we saw here today are going to be our next generation and our leaders and the ones who are going be feeding our tables for our great grandchildren,” says Tractor Supply Company’s manager of local store community marketing, Lexie gamble, “so we want to make sure that we are with them and supporting them every chance we can.”
Greg Lammert is the marketing communications manager in crop production with Corteva Agriscience. He says introducing students to the industry at an early age can have a lasting impact. “If you can pull one of those kids in,” he says, “it’s remarkable the energy they bring to the environment at an early stage, and you want to keep that around forever.”
The Expo also gives students opportunities to discover interests they may not have expected. Jolie Gentry, a first-time attendee from New Mexico, says she was surprised at the variety of interests represented at the event.
From agricultural products and technology to careers beyond the farm, the Expo Hall shows students how agribusiness connects different industries and creates opportunities for the next generation.
