From Grit to Growth: Real Talk for Today's Beginning Farmers

Let’s face it — agriculture has never been easy, and 2026 isn’t throwing any softballs. But across the country, young and beginning farmers and ranchers are finding ways to make it work: mixing grit, creativity and smart strategy to build businesses that fit today’s market realities. In this energizing session, you’ll hear directly from young producers and farm business experts about what’s working — from diversifying income streams and tapping overlooked markets to navigating credit, crop insurance and conservation programs. Whether you’re bootstrapping a small operation or scaling up the family farm, this session will give you the tools, inspiration and insider tips to take your next step with confidence.

Speakers:

• Jackie Kennedy, Farmer, Entrepreneur, K2 Farms
• Shelby Myers, Public Affairs Advisor, Farm Credit Mid-America

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Speaker Details

Jackie Kennedy

Jackie Kennedy is a multi-generation farmer in Glenn County, where she and her husband, Adam, raise rice, olives for olive oil, and walnuts while raising their four young children. She manages the business operations of their farming enterprise and is the founder of Knaughty Farms, a California-grown olive oil brand. A committed advocate for agriculture, Jackie serves as a Director on the Glenn County Farm Bureau and is a graduate of the California Farm Bureau Leadership Program, Class of 2024. She also represents growers statewide as a District Grower Representative on the Olive Oil Commission of California, where she will serve as Chair for 2025–2026.

Shelby Myers

Shelby Myers is the Public Affairs Advisor for Farm and Conservation Programs at Farm Credit Mid-America helping team members and customers understand, implement and optimize these programs while advancing Farm Credit Mid-America’s public affairs and sustainability strategies centered on communication, education, and advocacy. With a background in agricultural policy and crop market economics, she previously served as an Economist at the American Farm Bureau Federation and held key roles at Indiana Farm Bureau and Ever.Ag Insights. Shelby was appointed to the USDA Advisory Committee for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers and holds degrees in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University. She and her family raise beef cattle and farm corn, soybeans, and custom sweet corn in West-Central Indiana.