“I wanted to do something different instead of returning home to the farm. I wanted to become a voice that speaks up on behalf of producers,” said Danyelle Chinn, a young cattlewoman and livestock economist from Anabel in #Agri-Ready Designated Macon County. Danyelle enjoys farm life with her husband, Conner, as she begins and ends each day with livestock chores. Between eight and five, she trades her boots for heels befitting an Agricultural & Livestock Economist at the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF). Danyelle interprets agriculture statistics into a narrative that tells ‘the rest of the story’ about agriculture.

Identifying Her Passion

Danyelle has always been involved in agriculture, growing up on her family’s cow-calf farm near Green City in #Agri-Ready Designated Sullivan County. Through middle and high school, she was convinced that she was going to earn a degree in agricultural law. While Danyelle earned her agribusiness management degree with an emphasis in public policy at the University of Missouri-Columbia, she discovered that she was more passionate about changing and influencing laws rather than practicing them. “During a college internship I became vividly aware that livestock was my passion. I fell in love with the idea of contributing to change. I wanted to become a voice for producers,” Danyelle remembers. “The people of agriculture take great economic risks each day on the uncertainties of agriculture. They need a voice. Someone has to stand up for families like mine that are back at home, working and living on farms and in rural communities.” 

Developing Her Voice

Danyelle gained experience as a legislative director at the Missouri Department of Agriculture, then accepted the professional challenge of becoming an Agricultural & Livestock Economist at RaFF, housed at the University of Missouri-Columbia. “The work of RaFF is a cross section where research meets public policy,” Danyelle described. “We focus on the finances of agriculture. The reports we publish provide facts and information that stakeholders and producers can use to analyze agricultural issues and implement informed policy changes. We present data as a relatable story that can be used by agricultural decision makers as they design strategies and plans that will support agriculture on the farm, in the capitol, or through organizations.”

The Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center was launched in 2022. Funded by Congress, the Center provides unbiased policy analysis to inform decision-makers on issues affecting farm and rural finances. The structural economic models developed by the center can estimate the financial implications of weather events, proposed legislation, technological change and other shocks that make a difference in regional financial outcomes. Decision-makers then use the analysis as they form policies meant to support farm and rural economies throughout the U.S.

A Day as an Economist

A typical day for Danyelle includes drafting a publication or evaluating a data set from the agriculture industry. “My goal each day is to think of things that can be shared that can be beneficial for agriculture,” Danyelle said. Danyelle is earning her master’s degree in agriculture and applied economics, crafting a thesis about feeder steer pricing and conducting research on how producers can creatively ride the turbulent waves of the cattle markets.

The Next-Gen Perspective

“As an economist, one of the most challenging parts of my job is to find “good news” to share with the truth. It is a service to be truthful, but not fun to report that net farm income was down last year, it is down this year, and it is projected to be down again next year,” Danyelle shared. “I am fulfilled knowing that when I analyze the bigger picture of agriculture and translate it into a shareable story, that information can help initiate the changes that move the industry forward. I am helping to create the bridge that connects producers, industry, and consumers.”

Danyelle believes that agricultural education opportunities are the best way to encourage the next generation to join the agricultural workforce. “It is harder and harder for young people to want to join agriculture’s big battles. Agriculture education through FFA, internships, and higher education are great programs that will give young people the time and opportunities to further develop their passion for the industry,” Danyelle said. “If they have the chance to develop a passion, they will be ready to join the battle.”

Danyelle’s husband, Conner, works full-time on his family’s livestock and row crop farm. The couple is growing in agriculture together as they build their own farm business backgrounding feeder cattle, raising replacement heifers, producing hay, and growing row crops. The couple are members of Missouri Farm Bureau, a partner of Missouri Farmers Care.

Agri-Ready Designated Macon County

According to the 2021 Missouri Economic Contribution of Agriculture and Forestry Study, agriculture creates $225.5 million in value-added products, supports nearly 3,500 jobs, and generates $248.5 million in household income to the economy of #Agri-Ready Designated Macon County. According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture conducted by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), crops, such as the grains grown and sold by the Chinn family, account for 70% of the county’s agricultural sales.

Macon County is one of more than 70 Agri-Ready Designated Counties in Missouri, all of which embrace agricultural opportunity, literacy, and economic development. The Agri-Ready County Designation program connects counties with Missouri Farmers Care to promote and protect agriculture and secure it as a thriving component in our state’s economic future. Missouri Farmers Care is a joint effort by Missouri’s farming and agriculture community to stand together for the men and women who provide the food and jobs on which our communities depend.