by Emma Alexander

Danyelle Chinn begins and ends each day with livestock chores alongside her husband, Conner, embracing the rhythms of farm life.

But between 8 and 5, she trades her boots for heels as an agricultural and livestock economist, where she transforms agricultural data into narratives that tell the story of agriculture. Working at the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF) based at the University of Missouri, Chinn provides unbiased policy analysis to inform decision-makers on issues affecting farm and rural finances. It’s a place where research meets public policy.

“We present data as a relatable story that can be used by agricultural decision-makers as they design strategies and plans that will support agriculture on the farm, in the Capitol or through organizations,” she says.

The young cattlewoman and economist from Anabel in Agri-Ready-designated Macon County says one of the most challenging parts of the job is to find good news to share in truth.

“It is a service to be truthful, but not fun to report that net farm income was down last year. It is down this year, and it is projected to be down again next year,” she says. “I am fulfilled knowing that when I analyze the bigger picture of agriculture and translate it into a shareable story, that information can help initiate the changes that move the industry forward. I am helping to create the bridge that connects producers, industry and consumers.”

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Giving voice to passion

Growing up on her family’s cow-calf farm near Green City in Agri-Ready-designated Sullivan County, Chinn has been deeply rooted in agriculture from a young age.

Throughout middle and high school, she was certain she’d pursue a degree in agricultural law. But while earning her agribusiness management degree with an emphasis on public policy at the University of Missouri. Chinn discovered her true passion was in shaping and influencing agricultural laws rather than practicing them.

“During a college internship, I became vividly aware that livestock was my passion,” she recalls. “I fell in love with the idea of contributing to change.”

Chinn’s connection to agriculture also deepened her appreciation for the people behind it.

“I wanted to be a voice for producers,” she explains. “The people of agriculture take huge economic risks every day, dealing with the uncertainties of farming. They need someone to speak up for them, to stand up for families like mine who are working and living on farms in rural communities.”

Deep dive on farm data

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The Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center launched in 2022.

Funded by Congress, it develops structural economic models that can estimate the financial implications of weather events, proposed legislation, technological change and other shocks that make a difference in regional financial outcomes. Decision-makers then use the analysis as they form policies meant to support farm and rural economies throughout the U.S.

A typical day for Chinn includes drafting a publication or evaluating a data set from the agriculture industry.

“My goal each day is to think of things that can be shared that can be beneficial for agriculture,” she says. And she puts it into practice. On her journey to a master’s degree in agriculture and applied economics, Chinn is crafting a thesis about feeder steer pricing and conducting research on how producers can creatively ride the turbulent waves of the cattle markets.

IN THE FIELD: Danyelle Chinn, an ag livestock economist for Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF), unrolls a bale of hay for cattle in Macon County. She uses hands-on knowledge to help fellow farmers understand and navigate policies that impact livestock operations and rural economies.

About the next generation

Chinn believes that agricultural education opportunities are the best way to encourage the next generation to join the agricultural workforce.

“It is harder and harder for young people to want to join agriculture’s big battles,” she notes. “Agriculture education through FFA, internships and higher education are great programs that will give young people the time and opportunities to further develop their passion for the industry. If they have the chance to develop a passion, they will be ready to join the battle.”

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Already a part of the agriculture community, her husband works full time on his family’s livestock and row crop farm.

However, the couple continues to chart their own path as they build a farm business on backgrounding feeder cattle, raising replacement heifers, producing hay and growing row crops.

The couple also helps craft rural policy as members of the Missouri Farm Bureau, a partner of Missouri Farmers Care.

No matter what shoes Chinn is wearing, whether at work, on the farm or volunteering at an agricultural organization, she remains passionate about supporting farmers and ranchers — sunup to sundown.

The Agri-Ready County Designation program connects counties with Missouri Farmers Care to promote and protect agriculture.

It is a joint effort by Missouri’s farming and agriculture community.

Agriculture’s impact on Macon County

According to the 2021 Missouri Economic Contribution of Agriculture and Forestry Study, Macon County agriculture:

According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture conducted by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, crops, such as the grains grown and sold by the Chinn family, account for 70% of the county’s agricultural sales.

Alexander writes from Olga.