Jennifer DeLashmutt: Turning ‘What If’ Into ‘What’s Next’
“What’s the worst thing that could happen?” queries Jennifer DeLashmutt, as she contemplates any new leadership opportunity with a positive attitude. This farm kid alum, farm mom, community leader, and agriculture advocate calls Agri-Ready Designated Callaway County home. Jennifer and her husband both grew up on family farms, but the timing and conditions weren’t right for them to pursue careers back home on the farm. Nevertheless, their passion for the agriculture keeps them connected to the industry.
“We advocate for agriculture whenever we can,” Jennifer shares. “We want local leaders and policies that steer development projects to consider the future of agriculture.”
Her Biggest ‘What If’
Jennifer threw her hat in the ring for Callaway County commissioner earlier this year because a local road and bridge project affected her address.
“Our family was directly impacted. When I confronted the commission about what we were experiencing first-hand, I wasn’t satisfied with the plan to rectify the secondary effects, so I chose to join the race for commissioner,” Jennifer recalls. “What’s the worst thing that could happen? I lose an election? Campaigning for the office gave me an opportunity to open the eyes of neighbors and the commission. I brought a local issue to the forefront. Helping our county become Agri-Ready was another one of my goals.”
What’s Next for Jennifer
Although she was not elected to become Callaway County’s newest commissioner, Jennifer and her fellow Farm Bureau members continued to speak up in favor of Agri-Ready Designation.
“We were excited to announce our Agri-Ready Designation during our annual Callaway Youth Expo. Those in attendance at this event witnessed our local leaders committing to agriculture, its impact on the future, and our county’s economy today and in the future. The value of the Ag Moves program alone is worth the partnership with Missouri Farmers Care.”
Agri-Ready Designated Callaway CountyAgriculture, including food, feed and forestry, contributes $121.1 million in value added products, $304.4 million in economic output, over 2,700 jobs, and adds $90.2 million to household incomes in Callaway County according to the 2021 Missouri Economic Contribution of Agriculture and Forestry Study.
In reflection Jennifer sums up, “In some ways, I get the opportunity to make a bigger impact as a volunteer than I could of as an elected official.”
Committed to Leadership Growth
As a member of Missouri Farm Bureau’s 2025 IMPACT Advanced Leadership class, Jennifer has developed a deeper understanding of how times have changed for agriculture as an industry.
“Our class got to meet people that pointed us back to resources we can utilize in the future. Our class trip to Washington D.C. was interrupted by the government shut down but that just created opportunities to meet with people we wouldn’t have seen otherwise, like Co-Deputy Director of the FBI, and fellow Missourian, Andrew Bailey,” Jennifer says. “I highly recommend IMPACT to anyone looking for a next step in leadership growth.”
A Spirit of Collaboration
Jennifer turns her involvement in a variety of organizations into opportunities to spur cooperative events and partnerships. She is the leader that draws Farm Bureau and University of Missouri Extension together for events such as Thank-A-Farmer Week. Jennifer builds bridges between the rural and urban communities in her county when she represents the Callaway Youth Expo as a member of the Callaway Chamber of Commerce.
Advice from Jennifer“Surround yourself with people smarter than you and work together.”
Serving the Future
Jennifer serves as the treasurer of the Callaway Youth Expo and the president of the Callaway County Farm Bureau board. She is the chairperson for the Callaway County Extension Council. Jennifer leads the way, inviting younger members to get involved on these boards so the future works of these organizations are supported.
The DeLashmutt family keeps their agricultural roots strong and farm traditions active by raising market goats and sheep, which are managed by Jennifer’s daughter. Jennifer loves to travel to horse shows and 4-H and FFA events with her daughter. Jennifer, her husband, Ryan, and their son work off the farm.
Missouri Farm Bureau and University of Missouri Extension are partners of Missouri Farmers Care.
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What is IMPACT?Missouri Farm Bureau’s IMPACT program is a one-year advanced leadership initiative designed to develop agricultural leaders by providing in-depth knowledge of the organization and policy issues facing agriculture. The program focuses on self-awareness, industry knowledge, and engagement. Learn more about the program here.