KAYLYNN & GEOFF LYSINGER: COWS, CONVERSATIONS AND COLLABORATION
KayLynn Lysinger chooses agriculture and advocacy every day. She and her husband, Geoff, live near the Lysinger family farm in Agri-Ready Designated St. Clair County with their children Hadleigh, Jack, and Kenneth. KayLynn and Geoff’s priorities of family, then agriculture, align their focus. As an agriculture and rural community advocate, KayLynn takes a stand with cows, conversations, and collaboration.
If Not Today, Then When?
“Cattle always seemed like a gamble,” KayLynn shares. “After advice from mentors, I finally realized that if we didn’t take the leap, we’d never get anywhere. So Geoff bought a few cows. Here’s to new beginnings, taking chances, and growing together as a family.”
Experiencing Agriculture Conversations
The Missouri Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) program introduced KayLynn to its Discussion Meet competition. Her five years of participation have included research, preparation, and competitions. She learns new things and has meaningful conversations with folks she would have never called, if she didn’t choose to prepare for each event. Her goal is to represent Missouri at an American Farm Bureau Discussion Meet. KayLynn applies her leadership growth from the YF&R program into service on the St. Clair County Farm Bureau board.
If Not Me, Then Who?
KayLynn uses the speaking skills she has honed to serve her rural community with purpose. She is a passionate advocate for justice system reform and local public services.
“I’ve worn the shoes of a victim, and once you understand the impact, you don’t just talk about change—you get to work,” KayLynn says. “I learned that St. Clair County’s Prosecuting Attorney position wasn’t full-time. I had questions, reached out to people to understand what it would take to make a change. I was informed the process required getting it placed on the ballot—either through a petition or by presenting it to the commissioners and having them vote to put it on the ballot. I also heard that it might be an uphill battle.”
KayLynn leaned into collaboration skills she has learned from her agriculture community. In March of 2025, the St. Clair County commissioners agreed to move forward. On April 7th, 2026, St. Clair County voters approved a full-time position for the St. Clair County Prosecuting Attorney. KayLynn also advocated for and witnessed the recent signing of Senate Bill 888 by Governor Mike Kehoe, a justice system reform which calls for greater truth in sentencing.
“As a child who was part of the juvenile justice system, I represent a fraction of youth who ‘made it out’ to become contributing citizens. I believe in and will continue to advocate for true reform rather than catch and release policies. Progress is a real reminder that people want to support victims through meaningful change,” KayLynn reflects.
More About the Lysingers
Geoff, a true steward of the land, shares advice, and talks about tractors for hours. He is employed by St. Clair Ag/Luke Noakes Farms. KayLynn works for Compass as a Dental Patient Care Specialist. The Lysinger kids are members of the Busy Beavers 4-H Club and Clinton Cougars 4-H Club in Henry County. They love taking care of their backyard chickens and 4-H goat projects. The Lysingers are proud to support the Show-Me Romey Foundation which provides resources to autistic children and their families. Geoff and KayLynn are also sports parents: Geoff on the court and field and KayLynn in the bleachers.
Missouri Farm Bureau and University Extension 4-H Programs are partners of Missouri Farmers Care.
Agri-Ready St. Clair County Agriculture, including food, feed and forestry, contributes $52.9 million in value-added products, $123.9 million in output, over 1,100 jobs, and adds $97.4 million to household incomes in St. Clair County according to the 2021 Missouri Economic Contribution of Agriculture and Forestry Study.
What is Agri-Ready County Designation?
Agri-Ready County Designation is a voluntary program that recognizes counties committed to supporting and growing their agricultural industry. To qualify, a county must agree to support agricultural stewardship, growth, and economic interests. The designation helps counties promote themselves as agricultural hubs, attracting and supporting agribusiness. More information can be found at https://mofarmerscare.com/agri-ready/.
What is Missouri Farmers Care?
Missouri Farmers Care unites the state’s agricultural community to support the men and women who provide the food and jobs that sustain Missouri. With the partnership of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and 45 other member organizations, MFC works to ensure all Missourians understand the truth about modern agriculture, food production, and the farm families behind it.