Faces of Farming: Mark Scott

Farming amid rapid suburban growth is a reality that Mark Scott, MFA Incorporated District 10 director, navigates every day. As a third-generation farmer in Wentzville—one of Missouri’s fastest-
growing cities—Scott stewards land his family has worked for more than 110 years while adapting to the pressures of development.

Today, he and his wife, Susan, raise corn, soybeans and wheat and run a direct-to-consumer freezer beef business along with a small cow-calf herd.

“Up until the late 1970s, this area was completely rural. You might see a few cars a day. Now there are thousands,” Scott said. “Even with all that development, there’s a block of farmers here who are hanging on. I’ve told my kids that, barring something catastrophic, this land is theirs to farm.”

Those kids are Allen Scott, MFA precision logistics manager; his brother, Aaron, a diesel mechanic at Peterbilt; and their sister, Emily, a second-grade teacher.

On a recent day too wet for fieldwork, Scott took time to share his story with Today’s Farmer:

Your farm’s history goes back long before this area’s growth exploded. How has it evolved over time? 

My grandfather, Allen Edward Scott, bought this farm in 1914. It was around 300 acres at the time, and much of it wasn’t even cleared yet. My grandfather grew 100 acres of corn by himself in the late 1920s using mules. His claim to fame was winning the corn‑shucking contest at the State Fair! Early on, the operation was more livestock‑based, but since the 1980s, it’s transitioned toward grain. We’ve built up the soil through no-till and conservation practices, and I’d put the productivity of our ground up against anybody’s.

How have you made your mark on the operation?
I started farming full time the day after I graduated from high school and worked alongside my dad and uncle until they retired. I’ve been on my own since I was 26 years old. I’ve grown the farm from about 1,000 acres to roughly 2,200 acres today. It’s been a constant challenge, but farming is the only thing I’ve ever done—and honestly, it’s the only thing I’ve ever enjoyed doing.

What challenges does farming in an urbanizing area create? 
Traffic is probably the biggest concern. Crossing Highway 61 with farm equipment used to be no problem. Today, even late at night, there’s barely a break. We’ve adapted by carefully choosing our timing and being extra cautious, but it’s definitely changed the way we operate. And, of course, there’s also the pressure of land development. I’ve lost rented farms to subdivisions and commercial construction. Once farmland is developed, it’s gone forever. I don’t hold any resentment toward people who sell—it’s a personal choice—but it’s not something I plan to do. 

With proximity to St. Louis, you often host trade groups, law-makers and other visitors. Why is such outreach important? 
My theory is somebody has to do it. Farm policy is going to be written whether you’re involved or not. When people see firsthand how we grow and care for crops and animals, it changes perspectives. You don’t have to be a good speaker—you just have explain how what they’re doing affects your farm and future. If we don’t stand up for our own industry, we can’t expect anyone else to do it for us. 

What led you to serve on the MFA Incorporated board?
I grew up doing business with MFA, and I believe in the cooperative model. It works well when everyone pulls together. Being on the board, what’s impressed me most is how member‑focused MFA truly is. Every board discussion centers on how to serve members better while keeping the company strong. I’ll also say this: the lifeblood of MFA Incorporated is its employees. I’ve seen firsthand how dedicated they are at every level. 

What does it mean to you to see this land remain in farming?
I think every farmer hopes that one of their children or heirs will continue on. I’ve been told that by 2050 the world will need to feed about 9 billion people, and that has to be done with less labor, land and water. We need the next generation involved. I never spent a day in college, but my kids all did. I wanted them to have something they could fall back on. All three are involved in the operation in different ways, and they’re committed to taking it over and keeping it going as the fourth generation, even if they only farm part time. 

Photo Caption: Carrying on a family farming legacy in the midst of urban sprawl, Mark Scott of Wentzville, Mo., is committed to keeping his suburban St. Louis land in agriculture and passing it on to the next generation.

***