Gentrie Davis: Growing Leadership Through Family, Agriculture and Entrepreneurship
Agriculture has never simply been an industry for Gentrie Davis. It is a way of life rooted in family, hard work and rural Missouri values. Gentrie grew up in the heart of production agriculture through her family’s farming operation, Legacy Ridge Farms and agribusiness, River Valley Ag Exchange. Her background in farming, grain marketing and entrepreneurship shape her passion for the leading industry in Agri-Ready Designated Saline County near Marshall.
Raised to Think Different. Farm Different
Her family’s row crop and grain elevator businesses serve farmers across the Midwest. The family connects producers directly to specialty grain markets, emphasizing outside the box approaches while meeting farmers where they are at.
“We always like to pride ourselves on ‘think different, farm different,’” Gentrie says while discussing the family business and the mindset that drives their success.
Connecting Farm to Table Locally
Alongside her involvement in the family business, Gentrie has also developed her own entrepreneurial venture through GMae’s Baking and Milling. Her business is focused on baking and grain-based products using grain directly from her family’s farm. She highlights agriculture’s connection to consumers and local food systems. Her passion for sharing agriculture’s story extends beyond the farm, blending communications, marketing and consumer outreach with her agricultural roots.
Leading by Example
Beyond work and academics, Gentrie has remained heavily involved in agriculture leadership and youth development through FFA. In 2024, Gentrie served as a Missouri FFA State Vice President traveling the state of Missouri educating high school students about agriculture and leadership development.
The Woman in the Arena
Horses have played a meaningful role in her life since the age of seven. Gentrie enjoys riding her two horses, Sam and Oakley. She has shown at local saddle clubs, the Missouri 4-H State Horse Show, and as a member of the American Ranch Horse Association. Growing up horses taught Gentrie responsibility, discipline and perseverance while deepening her connections with professionals in the horse industry. Gentrie’s favorite part about showing is doing it alongside her brother, Gage.
“As siblings we are each other’s stiffest competition, but it is something special to root each other on and sharpen our skills together.” Gentrie shares.
Growing Through Involvement
Gentrie is a senior at the University of Missouri studying agricultural education with an emphasis in communications and leadership through the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. She has been very involved across campus since transferring to Mizzou in the fall of 2025. Gentrie currently serves as Vice President of the CAFNR Student Council, Treasurer of Sigma Alpha-Alpha Chi (women’s agricultural sorority), and is a member of the National Agri-Marketing Association.
Even with growing involvement at the collegiate level, Gentrie remains focused on bringing knowledge and experiences back home to Saline County and her family’s business. Through agriculture communications, leadership and advocacy, she hopes to bridge the gap between consumers and producers while supporting the future of family farming in Missouri.
“I want to use the experiences and connections I’m gaining to give back to the community and industry that raised me. Agriculture has given me so many opportunities, and I hope to continue telling the story of family farms while supporting rural Missouri for future generations.” Gentrie says.
As agriculture continues evolving, Gentrie represents the newest generation of leaders grounded in family farm values while embracing innovation, communication and community connection. From the farm to the kitchen and beyond, Gentrie’s story reflects the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit that continue shaping rural Missouri agriculture for the future.
Saline County Economic Impact
“Agriculture, including food, feed and forestry, contributes $500.4 million in value-added products, $1,724.9 million in output, nearly 6,700 jobs, and adds $523.1 million to household incomes in Saline County according to the 2021 Missouri Economic Contribution of Agriculture and Forestry Study.”