Carson Osteen’s “Ag With Carson” logo that was created for his social media platforms.
Carson Osteen is making significant strides in agricultural advocacy. What began as a simple idea in January 2024 has now blossomed into a multimedia platform called “Ag With Carson.”
Osteen is committed to sharing the value of agriculture with a broad audience, and his journey in agricultural advocacy is grounded in his Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) in agricultural communications and poultry production. Through these projects, he actively contributes to the agriculture community while gaining essential skills that will shape his future as a leader.
From Concept to Platform: The Birth of “Ag With Carson”
“At the time, there were many agricultural advocacy accounts, but I believed I could create my own and make it stand out,” Osteen says. This belief drove him to launch a platform that aims to educate, inspire and connect people with agriculture.
After starting with an Instagram account, Osteen quickly expanded his reach. He now runs a blog, YouTube channel and a podcast called “Empowering the Future of Agriculture.”
Behind the scenes of Osteen’s podcast, “Empowering the Future of Agriculture.”
Through these outlets, Osteen highlights the stories of those in the agriculture industry, discusses challenges and advocates for the importance of farming and food production. His work has captured the attention of his peers in the National FFA Organization.
Agricultural Communications: Sharing the Story of Agriculture
Osteen’s agricultural communications SAE is the first of his two projects and serves as the foundation of his advocacy. In this role, he writes for the National FFA Organization’s FFA in the USA reporters program, helping share impactful stories from the agricultural community.
“I love connecting with others and showing them how important agriculture is,” Osteen said. Whether it’s a social media post or a podcast episode, his passion for storytelling is evident in everything he creates. His engaging narratives resonate with audiences and deepen their understanding of agriculture’s challenges and successes.
Poultry Production: Building Resilience and Adaptability
In addition to his communications work, Osteen’s poultry production SAE gives him hands-on experiences in farming. His operation includes a diverse flock of 15 chickens, two ducks and two turkeys. Managing these animals has taught him valuable lessons in resilience and adaptability. “This SAE has shown me how to take on challenges head-on,” he said.
From ensuring the health of his animals to improving their living conditions, Osteen embraces the responsibilities that come with poultry production. He also advocates for sustainable farming practices, promoting a balance between productivity and environmental stewardship.
Preparing for the Future
Balancing two SAEs is no easy task, but Osteen views it as an opportunity to grow. “It’s tough, at times, to manage both and give my best to each one,” he said. Nevertheless, his commitment remains strong. Osteen credits his experiences for shaping his perspective on agriculture and regularly seeks guidance from mentors within FFA and the broader agriculture industry.
Through “Ag With Carson” and his SAEs, Osteen demonstrates that young voices can make a big impact in agriculture. His journey highlights the power of passion, perseverance and dedication to making a difference. He advocates for both farmers and consumers, stressing the importance of informed food choices and understanding the journey of food from farm to table.
Inspiring the Next Generation
As Osteen continues his advocacy work, he inspires others. Through his storytelling, hands-on farming experience and leadership in FFA, he’s helping to pave the way for a brighter future in agriculture. His goal is to reach out to schools and communities to promote agricultural education, ensuring that the next generation understands and values this essential industry.
A Vision for Sustainable Agriculture
Osteen recognizes that innovation and adaptability are key to ensuring sustainable agriculture in a rapidly-changing world. He’s determined to be part of that transformation, using technology and modern practices to boost productivity while maintaining respect for the environment and rural communities.
With the right tools and awareness, Osteen believes the future of agriculture can thrive when it’s driven by passionate young leaders who are ready to lead.
