Meet Cheston Stacy MFA Conservation Grazing Specialist
Raised on a farm near Stockton, Mo., Cheston Stacy grew up surrounded by cattle and horses. But like most livestock farmers, his family really produced two crops: animals and the forage to feed them.
This realization ultimately shaped Stacy’s career in agronomy and led to his new role as MFA Incorporated’s conservation grazing specialist.
“Whether it’s forages, turf or row crops, agronomy is all tied together,” Stacy said. “It all starts with the plant. When I got the mindset that we were actually grass farmers and not just cattle farmers, it gave me the drive toward agronomy.”
His path started in FFA at Stockton High School and continued to Crowder College, where he earned an associate degree in agronomy, then to Missouri State University, where he received an environmental plant science degree and certificate in soil science.
Drawing on his education and experience, Stacy now serves as a resource for MFA’s livestock customers in all aspects of conservation grazing. He and his wife, Bridget, still live in Stockton, but Stacy covers MFA’s entire territory in this role.
After a presentation on native grasses at MFA’s recent Training Camp field day, Today’s Farmer caught up with Stacy to learn more about his background and vision for the position.
You grew up with livestock. What inspired an agronomy career?
Agriculture was always part of my life, but I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go professionally until high school. I had a great FFA teacher who encouraged me to get involved in agronomy competitions, and our team really excelled. We went to three national contests over five years. That experience really sparked my interest in pursuing agronomy in college and as a career. I interned for USDA my senior year and worked there briefly as a soil conservationist. I did a few other jobs before I joined MFA nearly four years ago as crop consultant and local agronomist in southwest Missouri. In that position, I worked with both row-crop and livestock producers across a large territory and really enjoyed the chance to help make a difference on their farms.
What attracted you to this conservation grazing specialist role?
I’ve always had a fascination with outdoors and hunting, and along with that, how to balance agriculture and wildlife. A lot of grazing operations have opportunities to improve forage production while also benefiting wildlife habitat and soil health. Conservation is really about making sure future generations have the same opportunities and experiences we’ve had. Some people just aren’t aware of the options out there or potential damage they could be causing with their management practices. I want to be an advocate for conservation and build relationships as a trusted resource for producers.
What does a conservation grazing specialist do?
A large part of my job is providing technical assistance and knowledge to livestock producers in a hands-on, field-oriented way. That might involve helping them improve forage production, evaluate grazing systems, diversify their operations or identify management practices that can improve efficiency. Another important piece is helping producers learn about conservation and cost-share opportunities available through various partner organizations and agencies.
What are some of the biggest opportunities for producers in conservation grazing?
When most people hear “conservation,” they think row crops. But there are just as many conservation opportunities with forage-based operations. Every farm is different, and the right recommendation depends on what the producer is trying to accomplish. If we don’t start with goals and objectives, we’re just spinning our wheels. Rotational grazing and nutrient management are areas with a lot of potential. Native warm-season grasses can also offer benefits for many operations, adding diversity and resilience to grazing systems. And precision agriculture tools aren’t just for row crops. Forage producers can use grid soil sampling and variable-rate fertilizer to make better use of their inputs and improve production.
What are you most excited about in your new position?
I’m really looking forward to starting from the beginning with a producer, getting them signed up on the right conservation program, seeing them put the work in, helping with that work, and then witnessing the end result. Grazing improvements don’t happen overnight. They’re often multi-year projects. But seeing that process and watching producers benefit from the changes they make is something I’m really looking forward to.
TOP PHOTO CAPTION - After nearly four years as a crop consultant and local agronomist for MFA’s southwest region, Cheston Stacy took on a new role in April as conservation grazing specialist, serving the cooperative’s entire territory.