Powering the Future of Agriculture – Judson Mayfield
Judson Mayfield grew up on a small farm in #AgriReady Bollinger County near the small community of Scopus, Missouri. Through high school, Judson always had an FFA beef project, was involved in many public speaking contests and served in chapter and area officer positions. During his senior year, Judson was the Missouri State Beta Club president. Today, he is a junior at Southeast Missouri State where he is double majoring in agribusiness and animal science where he is a member of the Delta Tau Alpha Agriculture Honor Society. Judson focuses on beef production classes and works on the SEMO Barton Farm beef operation as part of his coursework. He is employed at the Brewer Farm as the farm manager where he oversees the cow/calf pair operation and beef feed lot.
Following in the footsteps of his family, Judson became a member of Missouri Farm Bureau, and is serving as the vice-president of the Bollinger County Farm Bureau Board.
“Judson shows initiative and true leadership skills and is always willing to help. He devotes a lot of time to our county board,” said Dustin and Kyla Estes, who serve as board members with Judson.
Judson said that his favorite local Farm Bureau activity has been sharing ice cream and accurate dairy info with visitors at local county fairs. He also participates with the SEMO Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter. Judson enjoyed the recent Fill-A-Ford Food Drive where his collegiate chapter earned first place in a friendly competition to donate the largest amount to local food pantries.
At Missouri Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting this past December, Judson was selected as a 2023 ambassador through the Ambassador Contest. Each year one male and one female are chosen to represent and serve Missouri Farm Bureau. To compete for the honor, and accompanying $2,500 scholarship, Judson completed a state level interview and was chosen as one of three male finalists to participate in a discussion meet as the final round of the competition.
“I am proud to have the opportunity to advocate for agriculture and the rural way of life. I am ready to represent Farm Bureau and the people of agriculture,” Judson said. “I am excited to make trips to Jefferson City, Washington D.C. and attend annual meetings in Farm Bureau District 6 during this year serving as an ambassador.”
Building on his experience in the cattle industry, Judson has become involved in the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association. In January, Judson competed in the Collegiate Cattlemen’s Showdown at the Missouri Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show. Cheered on by the Southeast Missouri State Collegiate Cattlemen’s Association of which he is a member, Judson placed second overall.
Judson hopes to have a local career in agribusiness or finance, but he has a long-term goal of running for public office.
“Agriculture is the backbone of the American economy and should be considered in all policy decisions,” Judson said. “I enjoy leading by serving others.”
Missouri Farm Bureau and Missouri Cattlemen’s Association are partners of Missouri Farmers Care.
