MANRRS: Building lifetime connections, careers in agriculture

Agriculture needs new voices and perspectives, but how do you attract talented individuals who've never considered careers in the field? Ryan Locke, National President of MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences), offers a compelling answer in this eye-opening conversation from this week's Husker Harvest Days in Grand Island, Nebraska.Locke reveals how MANRRS bridges the critical gap between agricultural opportunities and underrepresented groups, going beyond mere awareness to actively create employment pathways. What makes this organization truly unique is its lifetime membership model—starting with high school students and continuing through retirement—creating a self-sustaining community where seasoned professionals mentor newcomers through every career stage.His personal journey from suburban "food ignorant" background to passionate agricultural advocate demonstrates agriculture's welcoming nature. "Everything that I have that I value is because I took a chance on agriculture," Locke shares, explaining how farmers and industry professionals embraced him despite his initial lack of knowledge. This experience now fuels his mission to show others—especially those without traditional agricultural connections—that the industry offers diverse careers spanning technology, finance, environmental science, and sustainability.For what Locke calls the "now generation"—young people eager to address global challenges immediately—agriculture provides a powerful platform to make meaningful impact. By changing the narrative around agricultural careers and demonstrating the sector's technological innovation and global importance, MANRRS is reshaping who enters the field and how they contribute to feeding, clothing, and fueling the world.This episode is sponsored by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting the website at UnitedANH.com