Marc & Brooke Zell: Building the Future on a Family Legacy
A Multigenerational Legacy
Long before he ever made a management decision of his own, Marc Zell was riding on the fender of his grandpa’s 4020 John Deere tractor, watching and learning. Born and raised in newly Agri-Ready Designated Linn County, he grew up immersed in agriculture, spending time on tractors and combines with his family. In his own words, Marc has “been farming for as long as I can remember,” recalling “countless hours sitting in the window of my grandpa’s tractor, or in the floorboard of a combine observing everything that was going on.”
Marc is a multi-generational Missouri farmer whose family history in agriculture stretches back over fifty years. His grandfather moved the family from Indiana to Linn County in the early 1970s and began farming ground that later passed to Marc’s father and uncle. Today, Marc continues that legacy by farming the same land alongside his uncle.
For Marc and his wife, Brooke, carrying on that legacy is not just about preserving the past. It means building a future for their four sons, who are growing up on the family farm; a future they hope will shape and mold them just as it did generations before.
Rooted in Linn County
Both Marc and Brooke have lived in Linn County their entire lives, and the rural community is central to their identity. Brooke describes Linn County as deeply connected to agriculture and reflective of the lifestyle they value.
“I’ve lived in Linn County my whole life, as has Marc, and we love our rural life,” Brooke says. “I’m not sure it gets a whole lot more rural than Linn County, and I would say it’s one hundred percent ag driven in so many aspects, and that’s also why we love it.”
Brooke also emphasized the importance of community and education in the area. “We love our small schools,” she shares. “It’s the way we were raised, and it’s the way we’ve always wanted to raise our family also.”
The Zell Family Farm
The Zell family operates a diversified farm near Meadville, producing soybeans and corn while also raising a Red Angus cattle herd. Their operation balances row crop production with livestock, allowing them to diversify and adapt to changing conditions.
Marc’s work with soybeans extends beyond the farm. In addition to growing the crop, he serves as one of the thirteen farmer-directors elected to the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, representing farmers across the state and guiding how checkoff dollars are invested in research, education and market development.
Cattle also play an important role in the operation. Brooke shares that the family has had strong success with Red Angus cattle. “I honestly think they are a little more docile, and they’re good mamas,” she said. “That has been a great fit for our farm.”
She added that consistency has been key. “We’ve had really good luck with them. They always fill out, look good and sell good.”
Raising a Family in Agriculture
Marc and Brooke are raising four sons, ranging in age from six to fourteen. They believe agriculture provides an ideal environment for teaching life lessons and building character.
“For us, it’s always been about raising them to be hard workers, to be trustworthy and to be honest,” Brooke says. “We feel like farming encompasses all of those things.”
She also emphasized how agriculture teaches the value of earning a living. “Earning that dollar means a lot, especially in today’s times with farming,” Brooke explains. “You already work hard, and now you have to work smarter too.”
Ultimately, the Zells view farming as more than a profession. “For us, it’s the only way of life,” Brooke says. “We feel like it’s a noble one.”
Advocating for Missouri Agriculture
Beyond their own operation, Marc and Brooke are committed to advocating for agriculture. Both have been involved with Missouri Farm Bureau for more than 15 years. They have also participated in Missouri Young Farmers and Ranchers, and Brooke previously served on Farm Bureau’s Promotion and Education Committee.
Agri-Ready Designated Linn County
Agriculture, including food, feed and forestry, contributes $108.1 million in value-added products, $311.7 million in output, over 2,200 jobs, and adds $130.5 million to household incomes in Linn County according to the 2021 Missouri Economic Contribution of Agriculture and Forestry Study.
Marc’s service on the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council has provided valuable insight into how checkoff dollars support farmers statewide. Brooke said the experience allows you to “really get to see where your checkoff dollars go and how important they actually are.”
Looking Ahead
For Marc and Brooke Zell, farming is deeply connected to family and community. As they continue raising their children on the farm in Linn County, they remain committed to caring for the land, supporting Missouri agriculture and ensuring their family’s farming legacy continues for generations to come.
The Zells are members of Missouri Soybeans, Missouri Corn Growers Association, and Missouri Farm Bureau. These organizations are partners of Missouri Farmers Care.
