Cathy Baker is the matriarch of Baker Family Farms near Atlanta, Mo. in #Agri-Ready Designated Macon County. Since the unexpected passing of her husband, Bob, in May of 2020, Cathy has been maintaining a herd of more than 100 commercial cattle, managing pastures, and growing hay and row crops that are a testament to the operation she and her husband began building in 1972. The Baker’s farm has been recognized by University Extension, Macon County Farm Bureau and the local Soil & Water District for their conservation practices and volunteer efforts. 

Cathy and Bob helped start the Atlanta FFA Chapter, the Scholarship Banquet of the Macon County Cattlemen’s Association and Missouri’s first County Junior Cattlemen’s Association. Cathy’s volunteer endeavors have been instrumental in building and advancing agricultural opportunities for 4-H and FFA members for decades. She is a long-time volunteer of the Macon County Fair where she has served as Beef Superintendent. 

“Go ahead and mentor the youth,” Cathy urges other volunteers. “The results are not immediate, but it is well worth your time to invest in the youth of agriculture.” Cathy is a project leader and sponsor for the Home Pioneer 4-H Club in Atlanta, which has more than 105 members. In 2020, Cathy was among the first 4-H leaders who innovated to host project meetings through videos posted on the 4-H club Facebook page. When Cathy was a 4-H member herself, she could knit anything, but she currently stays so busy that she says knitting will have to wait.

Cathy’s passion for mentorship is evident at home, too. One of Cathy’s granddaughters was the Missouri FFA Forage Proficiency Award winner in 2023 and another granddaughter is an avid prepared public speaker. “My nine grandchildren, ages 26 to 6, keep me busy,” Cathy said with a smile in her voice. All three of Cathy’s children have college agriculture degrees. Her daughter, Sharon Pennington, works for the Farm Service Agency in Macon County. Her son, Daron, farms full-time with his own operation parallel to Baker Family Farms. Her youngest, Aaron, is the local 4-H club leader and works in public policy.

If Cathy isn’t farming or mentoring local youth in agriculture, she spends time speaking to farm families about preparing for loss. Cathy shared her story of the family’s farm transition in a June 2021 article in the Missouri Soybean Farmer magazine. “In business, you are either growing or you’re not,” said Cathy. “For my entire life, I have always chosen to surround myself by things that are growing. That’s how I am going to continue Bob’s legacy.” 

One of Cathy’s favorite weekly activities is Bible Study with the Wives’ Group at the Crossroads Christian Church. She remains active in the Macon County Cattlemen’s Group. Cathy is a member of Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, Missouri Corn Growers Association, Missouri Soybean Association, and the Missouri Farm Bureau, all partners of Missouri Farmers Care.