By: Ag. Reporter Mollie Goode
One Barren County native has found great success in rooting himself in the growing future of the agriculture industry.
Matthew Estes has not just committed to serving agriculture through organizations like, National FFA Organization, Kentucky Junior Cattlemen’s Association and Kentucky Farm Bureau, but is creating his own path in the industry through the electronic landscape.
Estes explains that he wears many hats in his life, prioritizing his faith as a Christian above all else—following that, is his dedication as an agriculturist, FFA chapter and regional president, and working farmer.
Estes is finding his path in local agriculture this school year with an internship with the Barren County Clerk. This opportunity has allowed for Estes to immerse himself in his agriculture driven community, but also see firsthand how agriculture is changing lives.
When Estes won the KFB 2022 Outstanding Youth contest, he dove head first into Ag. policy, which led him to apply for and be accepted into the Farm Bureaus Institute for Future Agriculture Leaders program.
His experiences with the KFB paved the way for his podcast, “Rooted in Ag.” Estes described the podcast as a stepping stone to understanding agriculture issues on the federal level. With recent guest being Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell, the podcast for young agriculturists tagline rings true.
Estes’ is a fourth-generation farmer whose passion for agriculture originated directly from decades of hard work his family has poured into the industry. The relationship Estes has with production prompted him to peruse his own venture of raising sheep and sweet corn, where he has witnessed the gratitude that comes with feeding consumers.
Throughout Estes life he plans to continue to break through misconceptions that follow rural America and is committed to serving agriculture industries.
