Sydnee Mason is a 2017 Missouri Farm Bureau Ambassador. Missouri Ruralist thought readers might want to know a little more about Mason, so we posed a few questions regarding her ag involvement, what she expects of her year as ambassador, and some of her favorite hobbies and MFB staffers.

Missouri Ruralist: Why did you get involved with MFB?
Mason: Missouri Farm Bureau’s dedication to the Missouri farm family definitely attracted my attention. I’ve always been a big fan of Missouri Farm Bureau, and a major career goal I have is to be a strong advocate for agriculture no matter where the future might take me. The Missouri Farm Bureau Ambassador program seemed like the perfect way to combine my attraction to the Missouri Farm Bureau and my passion for agricultural advocacy.

PROMOTING AGRICULTURE: Sydnee Mason of Marshall is a 2017 Missouri Farm Bureau Ambassador. She plans to use this year to promote agriculture at the local, state and national levels.

What is a characteristic that all MFB ambassadors should have?
The most important characteristic MFB ambassadors should possess is originality. Every individual involved in the industry has a unique story, opinion, and lifestyle. As an MFB Ambassador, I’ve made it a goal to share my own raw, genuine story of agriculture. I know that I will make connections with more people, because I am genuine in my personality and in my story.

What is the one event you are looking forward to attending as an MFB Ambassador?
I am looking forward to spending a few days in Washington D.C., for Missouri Farm Bureau Legislative Week the most. I love being around D.C. and have some interest in public policy for a career path.

What do you hope to gain from serving as an MFB Ambassador?
I hope to expand my agricultural knowledge as a Missouri Farm Bureau Ambassador. Most importantly, though, I’m ecstatic to meet and network with multitudes of agriculturalists, and get to know them and their contributions on Missouri agriculture. 

What do you hope to give back to Missouri's agriculture communities?
It is my sincere hope that through my work as a Missouri Farm Bureau Ambassador, I will be a fresh, motivated face for Missouri agriculture. I’ll utilize my experiences and knowledge of rural life to help consumers develop an understanding and appreciation of agriculture, the way that their food is produced, and the farm families who make it all happen.

What is your favorite fair or exhibition?
This one kind of goes without saying for many Missourians, but the Missouri State Fair is my favorite. I love this fair because it’s the one time of year that so many of my friends are all in one place at the same time, and it’s great to catch up with them before beginning a new school year.

Name three of your hobbies.
Sharing agriculture with children who live in my own community through the Ag Education on the Move program. Traveling around the country to different rodeos with my family. Spending time with my friends.

Best subject in school?
My happy place on the high school campus is most definitely the ag building, but if I had to choose one subject area outside of the agriculture department, I’d say that history is my favorite. I love any kind — American history, world history or even government.

And for a little fun, who, so far, is your favorite MFB staffer?
This one is a little bit tricky because I haven't had the opportunity to meet everyone yet. At this point, I think I have two favorites: Diane Olson and Garrett Hawkins. Diane has been remarkable so far — I’m sure I have been driving her nuts with all of my questions! She’ll be a great reference for me as I continue to act on my passion in agriculture education. Garrett gave a workshop on agricultural advocacy at a program called HYPE [Helping Youth Prepare for Excellence] that I attended last summer through Missouri FFA. I loved his presentation and learned a lot from him. They’re both remarkable role models.