The Conservation Cultivator: Ryan Britt’s Mission to Farm for Tomorrow
By: Bella Baker -
In the rolling hills of #Agri-Ready Designated Randolph County, Ryan Britt is continuing a proud legacy. As a fifth-generation farmer, Ryan knows that working the same land as his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather is both a blessing and a big responsibility. “It is an awesome privilege and responsibility being the 5th generation on our farm. We are very blessed being the stewards of God’s creation and want to continue and improve on all the hard work and love for the land and livestock just like those before us.”
After college, Ryan felt the pull of his roots and the call to keep his family’s tradition alive. His father and grandfather had always believed in one simple but powerful idea: “Grandpa always said, ‘Leave it better than you found it.’”
That idea has guided Ryan every day. At Britt Farms, which includes over 5,000 acres, he and his family have worked hard to care for the land in smarter, more thoughtful ways. They use no-till farming. This helps prevent erosion and keeps moisture in the ground. They also plant cover crops to protect the soil in between seasons and rotate their cattle on different pastures to give the land time to rest.
One of their biggest improvements is a special feeding barn for their cattle. It’s designed to keep animals healthy while also protecting the environment by controlling runoff. And with new tools like grid soil sampling and variable-rate fertilizer, Ryan can give the soil exactly what it needs.
Ryan believes that today’s farmers have a job that’s bigger than just raising crops and livestock. “I believe farmers understand that we have to support the future of agriculture. Most decisions we make are not just on the economics of today but are to build for tomorrow. That may be using conservation practices that require different management than other systems but are building soil health for the future. That may also be training the next generation to evaluate what we are doing today to find solutions for the next challenges coming tomorrow.”
That’s why Ryan is not only a farmer but also a leader in conservation. He has served as the president of the Missouri Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts and now represents the north central region on the National Association of Conservation Districts serving as 2nd Vice President. His work has helped other farmers across the country find new ways to protect their land and improve their operations.
Through it all, Ryan never forgets where he came from or who he’s farming for. He knows that the decisions he makes today will shape the land for years to come. And he’s proud to carry on the legacy started by his family over a century ago. “The future is bright for agriculture if we prepare the hands and minds of that next generation and give them the opportunity to make mistakes and responsibility to make it better.”
Ryan Britt’s story is a reminder to all of us whether we are farming now or teaching the next generation who will, that caring for the land isn’t just a job. It’s a calling, a responsibility, and a great privilege.
