More with Less
Farm for Life is an editorial series of the Missouri Department of Agriculture
Mark Scott
Wentzville, Missouri
3rd Generation Farmer
During the fall Mark Scott can be found on his farm outside of Wentzville, Missouri harvesting his favorite crop: corn. His farming expertise developed from the many years he spent working his family farm. He’s the third generation to grow crops and raise cattle on his 105-year-old family farm.
“I always wanted to be a farmer,” said Scott. “In 1991, when I was 26, I completely took over the whole operation and I’ve been on my own ever since.”
For Scott, part of what makes growing crops in Missouri so special are the people involved in the state’s agriculture industry. He believes that all of the agriculturalists in the state are really passionate about what they do and are working towards the same goal.
“I’m proud to be a Missouri farmer because in my opinion, we do it right,” said Scott. “We know what needs to be done to be good stewards of the land and to be stewards to the whole farm economy.”
Scott got his start as a young man, and recognizes the importance of other young people returning to the farm.
"The message to the next generation is that we need them,” said Scott. “The next generation of agriculture looks extremely bright in my book.”
Being a good steward of the land is a theme that Scott has incorporated into his farming operation to ensure he was making the best of limited natural resources. Scott utilizes a no-till practice and is very conscientious of the best management practices that build and maintain the quality of his soil.
“I’m growing more while using less,” said Scott. “We use less water. We use less fertilizer and we’re growing more than we ever did before.”
Scott has also been at the forefront of efforts to build a stronger marketplace for Missouri’s grains. He has hosted 25 trade missions at his farm and has gone overseas on trade missions to promote Missouri grain to foreign markets.
During trade mission visits to his farm, Scott is proud to share the soil conservation practices and GPS fertilizer technology that his farm uses to produce a safe, wholesome crop.
“Anytime you have that face-to-face interaction, it’s priceless,” said Scott.
While Scott says that this year’s crop has been some of the best he’s ever harvested, it hasn’t always been like that. Scott echoes a spirit of endurance of Missouri farmers, who he has seen go through droughts, floods and storms, but keep on going.
“In the spring of the year, you plant everything out there and you get no guarantees that you’re going to get anything back,” said Scott.
His message to his fellow farmers is to speak up.
“If we don’t tell our story, who do we expect to tell it? We’re the best messengers for the industry,” said Scott.
Media Resources:
This piece may be used as an editorial or feature story by members of the media. For high-resolution photos to print in your local newspaper or agriculture publication, click here. To view the full length video of Mark Scott, click here.
To nominate a farmer today to be featured as a part of Farm for Life and see the list of upcoming videos, please visit Agriculture.Mo.Gov/farmforlife.