Karson Calvin: Cultivating a Future in Agriculture Education and Advocacy

By 0 Comment

Karson Calvin is driven by a passion for educating others about agriculture, a
commitment that he has had from a young age. Born and raised in #AgriReady
Designated Lincoln County, Karson graduated from Troy Buchanan High School in
2023, where he was an active member of the National FFA Organization. His journey
into agriculture has continued at the University of Missouri where he is studying
Agricultural Education and minoring in Agribusiness Management.
This summer, Karson is serving as an intern for Missouri Farmers Care through MFA
Incorporated’s Ag Experience Internship Program. He is enthusiastic about the
opportunity to gain experience from industry professionals and contribute to the success
of both organizations’ roles in serving Missouri agriculture.

Unique History in Agricultural Education

Despite being the third generation removed from his family farm, Karson’s interest in
agriculture blossomed early on in his life. His father, Rob Calvin, is an agriculture
teacher and FFA Advisor at Troy, and played a pivotal role in nurturing Karson’s interest
in agriculture and the vocation of teaching. From tagging along with his dad to FFA
events and agribusiness tours with the chapter, to attending Supervised Agricultural
Experience (SAE) programs across Lincoln County, Karson was exposed to the
abundant opportunities FFA and the agricultural industry offer.

Passion Reinforced by Service

Karson’s passion for FFA was truly ignited during his freshman year while serving as the
2023-2024 Missouri FFA State Secretary. He gained invaluable insights into agriculture
across the Show-Me State. Traveling across the state visiting members, Karson was
struck by the diversity of Missouri’s agricultural landscape from the cotton, rice, and
peanut industry in Southeast Missouri to the vibrant row crop operations in the north.
During his travels, Karson was impressed by the excitement and engagement every
time he walked into an FFA classroom. These experiences reinforced his conviction to
educate and inspire the next generation of agriculturalists.

Growing through Internship

Karson notes that he could not be joining the Missouri Farmers Care team as an
Outreach Specialist without the support of MFA Inc. “I am excited by the opportunity that
MFA Inc. has given me to not only join their team and the go through the Ag Experience
Internship Program, but to join Missouri Farmers Care and have a seat at the table
helping advocate and educate others about Missouri agriculture,” Karson stated.
Upon completing his internship in August, Karson will start his sophomore year at the
University of Missouri, where he is actively involved in the Mizzou Collegiate Farm
Bureau Chapter and the Agricultural Education Society. Karson also serves as an
Ambassador for the University’s Agricultural Education and Leadership Department
helping represent the department and recruit new students to become agricultural
educators.

The MFA Inc. 2024 Class of Ag Experience Interns.

Impacting the Next Generation

Looking ahead, Karson aspires to become an agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor just
like his dad. He hopes to make a difference in the lives of students and the agricultural
industry as he serves the next generation.
Karson is the son of Rob and Jill Calvin. In his local community, he is active in his local
church. His family/parents are members of MVATA and Missouri Farm Bureau partners
of Missouri Farmers Care.


Karson’s journey reflects his passion for education, advocacy, and shaping the future of
the agricultural industry. We cannot wait to see the impact he makes this summer as a
member of the Missouri Farmers Care team.