Looking back, moving forward

With harvest wrapped up, it’s that season for reflection on an agricultural year. We’re all familiar with it. Ag meetings stretch from now to well into the new year. The topics will be a review of 2025 and a look into 2026. 

For row-crop operations, the look back isn’t the most pleasant of views. Cyclical economic headwinds driven by commodity prices, export challenges and volatile input prices have delivered pressure on balance sheets. Beef producers may view the year with a brighter lens, but as a whole, we’re looking forward to 2026 in hopes it brings better opportunity for agriculture.

At MFA, even in a tough environment, we can look back at successes for the year. West Central AGRIServices locations rejoined MFA’s cooperative structure, restoring member ownership to that part of the state.

We also completed a major upgrade at Macon Agri Services. That facility expanded fertilizer storage and delivery efficiency, much like previous upgrades at Higginsville and Ravenwood. Cooperative capital invested in these types of operations isn’t just addressing efficiency. It’s about building capacity to serve the next generation of MFA members.

Generational thinking for agriculture was on my mind as I met the members of MFA’s Next Up program this fall. This new 10-month leadership academy is designed to prepare a select group of employees to take the next step in their MFA careers.

The inaugural class includes 20 employees. The program is an investment in MFA’s people—the ones we depend on to deliver our mission to you as members. 

During the course of the academy’s programming, employees will learn lessons along a “Seasons of Leadership” framework, moving through phases of planting, growing, harvesting and sustaining. We want them to build self-awareness, strengthen leadership skills and complete a capstone project that applies what they’ve learned. Along the way, they’ll interact with MFA’s executive team, gaining insight into career journeys and the cooperative’s mission, vision and values.

“Cooperative capital invested in these types of operations isn’t just addressing efficiency. It’s about building capacity to serve the next generation of MFA members.”

What I told the group during the first meeting was to never forget that the reason they are participating is someone saw something in them. More than just a part of a team, they are part of a team that can help MFA excel. Some 20 years ago, I was part of a program much like Next Up. I would not be in the role I’m in today if it weren’t for that experience.

The curtain is drawing on 2025. As we look ahead to 2026, MFA will continue to help navigate a challenging time. I brought up strengthening the cooperative business, investing in facilities and developing our people for a reason. These priorities reflect our commitment to members, and from my perspective, the future of agriculture in our region.

On behalf of the board of directors and the entire MFA team, we wish everyone a Merry Christmas.