Ron Rainey - Growing Farm Profits Through Innovative Programs

Agriculture reigns as one of the most sustainable industries with constant innovations despite the ever-changing environment of macroeconomic trends, climate variability, disrupted supply chains, and more. For U.S. Department of Agriculture Equity Commission Member Ron Rainey who was raised on his father's small cattle farm and timber business, his interest in the economics of agriculture has increasingly grown with the changing tides of the sector.

“A lot of people see agriculture as cows and plows, but with the new technology and modernizations of today, food production can be anything you want it to be,” Rainey said. “You can get your hands in the soil, which is something that I love and try to do, or you can work in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields that support the full life cycle of farm to table. We must ensure these opportunities are made accessible for anyone who has an interest. At the same time, we must continue to engage younger people in agriculture, cultivate them, and educate them so they will be interested in the industry.”

Inspired by his upbringing, Rainey developed a particular interest in marketing strategies and the business of farming where he continued to become an agricultural extension economist, working within Arkansas’ land grant system. From being engaged directly with technical assistance outreach to learning the ins and outs of the best organizational management practices, Rainey has set out to improve the financial outcomes for farmers and ranchers. His work has focused on enhancing farm and ranch value-added entrepreneurship, risk management, and marketing, and he brings this expertise to the Equity Commission.

“It’s important to examine the Research and Extension programs and consider how USDA can conduct outreach so that all communities can benefit from public investments,” Rainey says. For example, the Partnerships for Risk Management Education program, authorized by USDA, provides grants for risk mitigation education to agricultural producers. Opportunities such as this, made possible through extension programs, can improve outcomes for farmers by providing, resources and instruction where there is none. “Our [Equity Commission] recommendations related to research and extension programs can impact the next generation of diverse agricultural constituencies by ensuring access to such programs are shared equitably. This means widespread success for future customers of USDA.”

Source: usda.gov

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