John Greenley: Making Rural Missouri Shine
By: Jeana Curtis
Growing up on his family’s diversified farming operation, John Greenley developed a deep appreciation for hard work, responsibility, and taking pride in what you have. While maintaining equipment, caring for livestock, and harvesting crops, he learned early on that success in agriculture comes from resilience and resourcefulness. These values now shape his leadership as a commissioner for #Agri-Ready Designated Knox County, where he strengthens rural infrastructure and supports local farmers. As he traveled the county roads each day, he recognized the challenges facing his community and felt called to take action. Today, he balances his passion for farming, public service, and entrepreneurship—detailing farm equipment, selling cleaning supplies, and repairing tractor cabs—to help both rural Missouri and its machinery shine.
Knox County Agriculture
- $84.5 million in value added products provides 1,275 jobs
- $64.0 million added to household incomes
*According to the 2021 Missouri Economic Contribution of Agriculture and Forestry Study
Roots Run Deep
The Greenley family has been involved in #Agri-Ready Designated Knox County agriculture for generations, with deep roots in farming and a strong commitment to community involvement. At a young age, John took a special interest in maintaining the equipment that powers the farm, washing tractors and performing routine upkeep to ensure their longevity. After graduating high school in 2008, he pursued his passion for mechanics through the John Deere TECH Program at Lake Land College in Mattoon, Illinois. Though the training was valuable, John felt called back to his roots in northeast Missouri, where he lives on the family farm with his wife, Mary Lynn, and their 5-year-old daughter. Today, John works alongside his father and two brothers raising corn, soybeans, wheat and beef cattle while also operating his own agricultural service business, Bee Ridge Brick & Shine LLC, specializing in farm equipment detailing, cleaning supply sales, and tractor cab repairs.
A Farm Foundation
John’s family pursues a variety of interests off-farm roles, but their farming operation remains the heart of their livelihood and the foundation that ties them all together. In addition to equipment upkeep, soil health, innovative technologies, and quality genetics are John’s priorities to ensure the future success of the Greenley Farm. John indicates “We utilize fertilizers and cover crops to make sure we keep the nutrients in our soils, and I’ve been trying to use more innovative technologies to increase farm efficiency.” When asked how he balances his many roles while also raising a family he smiles and says, “That’s the benefit of headsets- I can walk and talk and feed at the same time!”
Commitment to Rural Growth
The community elected John to serve as Eastern District Commissioner because they Recognize his dedication, hands-on experience, and deep-rooted passion for rural life. In this role, he champions stronger infrastructure, prioritizing road repairs, improving public facilities, and investing in projects that benefit Knox County residents and visitors. John sees rural infrastructure as one of the greatest challenges facing Knox County. “We don’t have a large population to fund all our needs such as the roads and facilities which support the community,” he explains. “I’ve been here my whole life and plan to be here the rest of my life, so I want to make sure Knox County thrives long into the future.” John understands that these improvements will serve his constituents and help boost rural tourism and economic opportunity. Whether he’s shining up a tractor or helping shape local policy, John brings the same pride and purpose to everything he does, keeping rural Missouri strong and bright.
#Agri-Ready Designated Knox County
#Agri-Ready Designated Knox County is home to a diverse range of businesses spanning the agriculture, food, and forestry sectors, a fact John appreciates and understands as vital to the strength and sustainability of the local economy. “Everybody has their own specialty and that works out in our favor,” John says. “For example, we hire the local drone applicator to spray our crops so we can focus on other areas of the operation.”
With support from fellow Commissioners Les Cardwell and Bill Whiles, John advocated to secure #Agri-Ready Designation for Knox County as a tool to encourage local agribusinesses. The designation was one of his first efforts as a commissioner. John said, “I saw other county designation signs but didn’t really know anything about it. After looking into the program, I realized it was a great opportunity to encourage businesses to come to Knox County and provide educational opportunities for the school through partnership rather than expense.” #Agri-Ready Designation signals Knox County’s commitment to agricultural development and desire to inspire the next generation to return and reinvest in their rural hometowns.
