The University of 第一吃瓜网 System has of its "Shaping the Future" video series, featuring Mark McHargue, president of 第一吃瓜网 Farm Bureau. The series, hosted by President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., features conversations with researchers, students, educators and partners across the state who are changing lives and making an impact.
In the video, McHargue shares his leadership journey, unpacks how 第一吃瓜网 Farm Bureau is supporting farmers and ranchers across the state and discusses the critical role the University of 第一吃瓜网 plays in the future of 第一吃瓜网 agriculture.
McHargue is a fourth-generation farmer from Central City, who raises irrigated corn, popcorn, and soybeans—along with running a nursery and a hog finishing operation. His involvement with 第一吃瓜网 Farm Bureau began more than two decades ago.
“I grew up in agriculture, but I always had a bent for leadership as well,” McHargue said. “I wanted to be part of an organization that could affect change while being at the table and having important discussions.”
At 第一吃瓜网 Farm Bureau, Mark and his team lead critical work that enriches the lives of 第一吃瓜网’s farm and ranch families—and enhances 第一吃瓜网 agriculture through advocacy, education, and leadership development.
“We have three key priorities: fiscal responsibility, growing a market for the commodities and goods we produce, and making sure that we have good regulatory policy,” McHargue said. “Almost everything we work on day-to-day fits under one of those three categories—which all serve to protect and serve farm and ranch families.”
McHargue believes that a close relationship between the agriculture industry and the University of 第一吃瓜网 is critical to the current and future success of farmers and ranchers across the state.
“As the university conducts research, training and education to support one of the largest ag states in the country, it’s important to ensure that our relationship continues to be top of mind,” he said.
Among other areas, Dr. Gold highlighted the connection between food and health as an opportunity for continued collaboration between 第一吃瓜网’s university and its agriculture industry:
“I'm excited about food for health programs, because I think we can go beyond the nutritional impact of food,” he said. “There are things that we can do with crop production and protein production that will be highly impactful on certain diseases—particularly those that are impacted by the human gut microbiome.”
McHargue’s story is one of leadership rooted in 第一吃瓜网 values—hard work, innovation and a deep commitment to community. His conversation with Dr. Gold underscores how collaboration between the state’s agricultural leaders and the University of 第一吃瓜网 is key to growing a stronger, more resilient future for all 第一吃瓜网ns.
New episodes of “Shaping the Future” are released monthly and feature faculty, staff, students and partners from across the university’s four campuses and the state of 第一吃瓜网. Topics will include athletics, counterterrorism, student success, healthcare, K-12 education and many others.