Investing in the future of agriculture through our Farm Kids for College Scholarships for over two decades, National Farmers is always spoiled for choice. This year was no exception. Narrowing down the pool, judges selected three seniors – Dayton Hoffman, Cassandra Bohnert and Travis Cox, who are following their passion that began on their farms and pursuing agriculture degrees.
Dayton Hoffman, Archie, Missouri, is the daughter of David and Roseann Hoffman and received the $2,500 scholarship. She is planning to pursue an animal science degree at the University of Missouri, Columbia to further her interest in a career centered around the livestock industry. As a fifth-generation cattle producer, she is passionate about raising good quality cattle. On her family’s operation she is involved in the daily care and management of Angus and Simmental cattle. “We market beef directly to customers striving to raise a high-quality product through improved genetics, proper feeding and best management practices,” Dayton said.
When asked about best marketing strategies, Dayton spoke to the advantages of collaborating with other farmers. “Cooperatives assist farmers to pool their resources and products, leveraging their collective strength. This enables the group to overcome common challenges such as market volatility and high input costs while receiving better market value through negotiations.”
She pointed out when family farmers are willing to work together assuming a share of the risk as well as the profit, they are able to achieve a competitive advantage over marketing independently. She has learned cooperative marketing allows producers greater access to larger markets. “Dayton is a tremendously hardworking and diligent student,” noted Josh BeBout, mathematics chair at Harrisonville High School. BeBout emphasized she is a critical thinker and enjoys sharing her passion for agriculture with others.
She is eager to learn parlor management skills and increase her knowledge of dairy cattle reproduction and the best practices for raising replacement heifers to help ensure success. Eventually she hopes to have the opportunity to return home and work alongside family. Cassandra enjoys showing dairy cattle and is active in the Illinois and American Jersey Cattle Associations. When she is not lending a hand vaccinating cattle, feeding calves or scraping the barn, she pitches in assisting with field and maintenance work.
She has come to understand the necessity of reducing input costs since profit margins can be tight on family farms. “Making smart marketing choices can literally be what keeps a farm in business,” she noted. “Ensuring higher levels of income is possible by reducing marketing costs and the number of middlemen between the farmer and consumer.” Cooperative marketing increases access to larger markets and reduces risk, she said. Cassandra is also aware of risk protection through her family’s utilization of risk management options like Daily Margin Coverage and Dairy Revenue Protection. “Knowing cost of production and setting a floor for the milk price makes good business sense.”
“Cassandra is a hard worker and great communicator,” said Augusta Witt, Vita Plus Corporation dairy specialist. “The family farm has provided Cassie with a perfect environment to develop her character. Farming takes not only hard work but immense dedication. Cassie recognizes success isn’t instant, it is achieved through time with great effort.”
When asked about famers utilizing collaborative marketing strategies, Travis said, “Collaborative marketing efforts can significantly improve prices for grains, dairy and livestock by leveraging economics of scale, enhancing bargaining power and providing access to broader market opportunities.” He continued by adding collaborative efforts also support value-added processing and products. “By groups investing in processing facilities, branding and product differentiation, individual producers can capture more of the value chain and increase their profitability.”
Knowledge sharing and innovation are also fostered by working collaboratively, he said. “This collaborative learning experience – sharing and learning from each other’s experiences and adopting best practices can lead to continuous improvement in production methods, product quality and marketing strategies, ultimately driving competitiveness and profitability.”
“Travis stands out as an exceptional individual, who has a genuine heart and is always willing to lend a hand,” said Matt Salzman, teacher at Richlands High School. “He possesses a strong sense of integrity, a genuine respect for others and a passion for livestock and the agriculture industry.” The National Farmers Organization is proud to support incredible farm kids and their passion for agriculture.
