Director Chris Chinn and Gov. Mike Kehoe speak at the “Drive Your Tractor to Work Day.”
Chris Chinn is returning for her third term as the director of agriculture in Missouri. With more than 20 years of experience in agriculture, Chinn is a passionate advocate, bridging the gap between farmers and consumers. Alongside her husband, Kevin, and their children, Chinn raises hogs, cattle, corn and soybeans. Their family also operates a feed mill on their farm.
As the director of agriculture, Chinn says every day at the department looks different. Her responsibilities include overseeing five different divisions and four boards/commissions. Through her role, she coordinates activities with the Missouri State Capitol, works closely with the governor’s office and advocates for Missouri’s industry of agriculture.
The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) collaborates with the Missouri FFA Association to shape the next generation of agricultural leaders in Missouri. For example, MDA hosts annual events such as Gov. Mike Kehoe’s upcoming “Drive Your Tractor to Work Day,” which will feature an industry panel with agriculture professionals for high school FFA members from across the state. MDA also partners with Missouri Farmers Care and Missouri FFA to host an annual food packing event at the Missouri State Fair, where 700-800 FFA members pack more than 190,000 meals delivered to Missouri food banks.
Director Chris Chinn, Gov. Mike Kehoe and Former Gov. Mike Parson talk to an FFA member at the “Drive Your Tractor to Work Day” event.
MDA also offers a year-long program for 30 FFA sophomores each year called the Missouri Agribusiness Academy (MABA). The program has graduated more than 1,100 members since its founding in 1988. The program features tours of agricultural regions across Missouri, public speaking sessions and a legislative day. The program’s dual goals are to foster leadership in agriculture and raise awareness about diverse career opportunities within the industry, encouraging students to explore careers beyond traditional farming roles. Chinn emphasized the need to encourage students to pursue a career in agricultural education, as this is crucial as the state faces an ongoing shortage of qualified educators.
When asked what her advice would be to FFA members, Chinn shared an important lesson: “You don’t have to have a title to be a leader.” She believes the best agricultural leaders lead with passion, enthusiasm and devotion — not titles. Chinn encourages FFA members not to get discouraged if they don’t get a leadership position right away. Instead, she urges them to keep trying and contribute in any way they can. Leadership, she explains, “is about making a difference regardless of your title.”
In her third term as director of agriculture, Chinn remains committed to fostering leadership in agriculture and helping Missouri’s next generation of leaders find their place in an ever-evolving industry.
