Rural Voices Matter: Vinnie Clubb – A Life of Faith, Hard Work and Service in Wayne County
By: Bella Baker
In Agri-Ready Designated Wayne County, agriculture is woven into the fabric of everyday life. It is built on generations of hard work, strong values and people who are willing to serve their communities. For Vinnie Clubb, those principles have shaped his life and inspired him to become a voice for agriculture and rural Missouri.
Coming Home to a Calling
Although Vinnie was born and raised in California, his family’s roots run deep in southeast Missouri. When economic challenges hit California in the early 1990s, his parents made the decision to return home. His mother was originally from Carter County, his father from Madison County, and his family’s history traces back to one of the founding families of Wayne County.
Today, Vinnie is grateful to call Wayne County home.
“I am a strong believer in following the path that the Lord lays down before you,” he says. “It requires a lot of faith and a lot of death to self.”
Faith, Family and the Farm
Faith has guided every step of his journey. He and his wife, Rebekah, have been married for more than 21 years and are raising two daughters, Aubrey and Savannah. Family remains at the center of everything he does. Last year, he completed a Doctorate in Biblical Studies.
“I am a strong believer in finishing what you start,” Clubb said.
Agriculture continues to be an important part of their lives. Their farm includes cattle and rabbits, and Vinnie has spent the past 26 years working in agricultural technology. Throughout his career, he has seen how innovation can help producers care for animals, improve efficiency and strengthen the agricultural industry.
Agriculture is something he deeply values and appreciates.
“Rural Missouri is the true lifeblood of our nation,” Vinnie says. “Agriculture is not only Missouri’s number one industry, but it plays such a high importance in feeding our nation and the world.”
He is quick to acknowledge that the opportunities he has been given are blessings he never expected.
“I have been allowed the opportunity to advocate for rural Missouri and agriculture on a stage that I could have never dreamed of,” he says.
Stepping Up to Serve
For nearly 13 years, Vinnie has served on the Wayne County Farm Bureau Board and currently serves as president. Through those experiences, he has developed a greater appreciation for the people who dedicate their time and talents to strengthening agriculture and rural communities.
He believes one of the greatest opportunities facing agriculture today is encouraging more people to get involved.
“We too often neglect the reality that there just aren’t a whole lot of people stepping up to the table to serve,” Vinnie says. “It also provides tremendous opportunities for those of us who are willing to step up to the plate. Just be available and ready.”
That willingness to serve has taught him valuable lessons about leadership, relationships and community. When mentoring others, Vinnie often emphasizes three principles: communication, balance and loyalty.
“There’s such a drought of communication,” he says. “If we would just stop and take more time to relay what we’re saying and confirm what others are saying.”
He also encourages people to listen and learn from others, even when they may not agree.
“You may not agree, but you need to be able to sit down at the table and at least see where others come from,” he says.
Giving Agriculture a Stronger Voice
As technology continues to shape the future of agriculture, Vinnie believes farmers and ranchers have an important responsibility to share their stories and advocate for their industry.
“We need more vocal voices in agriculture on every level,” he says. “From the fields to the halls of Jefferson City and Washington, D.C. From our local 4-H groups to county courthouses. From our homes and farms to the tables and shelves across America.”
Looking back on the opportunities he has been given, Vinnie remains grateful for the organizations and people who have helped him grow as a leader and advocate. He has served in various leadership roles within Missouri Farm Bureau at the state level. He is also involved with the Wayne County MU Extension Council and regional Missouri Cattlemen’s organizations.
Agri-Ready Designated Wayne County
In Agri-Ready Designated Wayne County, agriculture, food and forestry contribute $57.7 million in total value-added products, supports more than 1,423 jobs, and adds $118.6 million annually to household incomes according to the 2021 Missouri Economic Contribution of Agriculture and Forestry Study.
Through each of these roles, Vinnie continues to champion agriculture, support rural communities and encourage others to get involved. His story is a reminder that leadership often begins with a simple willingness to serve, work hard and answer the call when opportunities arise.
In Agri-Ready Wayne County, those values continue to make a difference, one conversation, one act of service and one generation at a time.
What is Missouri Farmers Care?
Missouri Farmers Care is a joint effort by the Missouri agriculture community to stand together for the men and women who provide the food and jobs on which our communities depend. The coalition of more than 40 leading Missouri agricultural groups promotes the growth of Missouri agriculture and rural communities through coordinated communication, education and advocacy. https://mofarmerscare.com/
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/.
As of January 2026, 82 Missouri counties have been designated Agri-Ready.