Chris Chinn’s YF&R Roots: From Committee Leadership to Leading the Missouri Department of Ag

Editor's note: This article was written by Katie Wiese, a member of AFBF's YF&R Committee.

Chris Chinn of Missouri exemplifies what it means to turn involvement into impact. Currently serving as Missouri's director of agriculture, Chris is a proud alumna of the American Farm Bureau Federation's Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee, serving on the committee from 2006-2008, including a term as the second female chair.

Chris and her husband, Kevin, farm in Northeast Missouri, where their diversified farming operation includes farrow-to-finish hogs, a feed mill, hay, cattle and row crops, including corn and soybeans.

Chris and Kevin were content focusing on farming - until they found themselves in a difficult situation. Up against a proposed county health ordinance that would require a permit to raise livestock, Chris and Kevin realized how important it was to get involved in Farm Bureau and advocate on policies that affect their farm. Chris has been a part of many aspects of Farm Bureau beyond the AFBF YF&R Committee, including her state YF&R Committee, the Partners in Advocacy Leadership (PAL) Program and the Missouri Farm Bureau board of directors.

While serving on the AFBF YF&R Committee, Chris remembers the leaders around her telling her to never give up. They reminded her that if you have something you want to accomplish, do not stop until you get it, and look for opportunities to take steps in accomplishing your goals.

When taking on the role of AFBF YF&R chair she knew it would be an adjustment for her family. With passion, time management, courage and thinking outside of the box, she was able to accomplish her goals as chair.

As a leader and advocate, Chris stresses the importance of confidence, especially for women in agriculture. Gender should never determine opportunity, and negative assumptions can be transformed into positive motivation.

Today, Chris is living the next step of her leadership journey as Missouri's director of agriculture. She was appointed by the governor to lead Missouri's Department of Agriculture in 2017. Chris' passion for agriculture and advocacy remains strong, and she continues to make a difference through her leadership. She encourages those serving on YF&R committees to make the most of their time and learn from fellow members, leaders and experiences along the way.

Katie Wiese serves on AFBF's YF&R Committee, along with her husband, Dustin. Together they raise beef cattle in Minnesota. Katie also works off the farm for an oil and gas company out of North Dakota.