Fifth-generation cattleman plans a career in ag education and cattle production
AVA, MO. – Matthew Lakey, 18, exemplifies dedication and leadership in Missouri’s agricultural community.
Matthew is a fifth-generation cattleman from Ava, Mo. His roots run deep in the Ozark hills, where his family has raised beef cattle for generations.
“I have been involved in production agriculture my entire life, and some of my fondest memories have come from working on our family operation,” Matthew said.
Matthew’s journey into agriculture was heavily influenced by his father, Brent Lakey, who serves as an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Ava High School. Matthew was a familiar face in the Ag Building from a young age, tagging along with chapter officers to attend important events.
“My biggest inspiration has, without a doubt, been my dad,” he said.
Today, Matthew serves as a vice president of Missouri FFA Association.
Matthew’s responsibilities include attending key events such as State FFA Camp, where he conducts workshops, presents speeches, and engages with members. He’s excited to participate in the Missouri State Fair and the National FFA Convention, where he’ll continue to represent Missouri’s FFA members on a larger stage.
Balancing his duties as vice president with his academic and personal life has been challenging, but Matthew has embraced it.
“Serving as a State FFA officer has taught me a lot of things, but the most important thing that it has taught me is how to effectively manage my time,” he explained.
Matthew has achieved numerous milestones throughout his FFA career, but being elected as a Missouri FFA State Officer is his most memorable experience.
“It is an honor to serve the members of this association,” he said.
His time in FFA has also deepened his understanding of the critical role youth play in the future of agriculture. With the average age of a U.S. farmer at 58, Matthew sees the need for strong, young leaders to guide the industry through the challenges that lie ahead.
One of the biggest challenges Matthew identifies for young people in agriculture is the high cost of entry.
“With record-breaking land prices, high input costs, and more and more regulations, it can be very challenging to begin a production ag operation,” he noted. However, he admires the resilience of young farmers who refuse to let these setbacks deter them from pursuing their dreams.
“They are truly the future of this country,” he said.
Matthew believes that the role of youth in agriculture will evolve significantly, especially as technology continues to advance.
“I think that today’s youth in Agriculture will be much more technologically advanced than those of previous generations,” he said. While he sees technology as a tool to make farming more efficient, he also cautions against over-reliance.
Matthew plans to pursue a degree in agriculture education at Missouri State University; he intends to remain in Southwest Missouri and teach high school agriculture. He also looks forward to taking over the family’s beef operation and expanding his herd. His long-term goal is to contribute to the agricultural community by educating the next generation about the diverse opportunities within the industry.
“I believe that creating strong-minded leaders in this industry is critical to its survival,” he said.
As Matthew looks to the future, he hopes to see Missouri FFA continue to promote agriculture education and the importance of Missouri agriculture as a whole. His favorite part of living and working in Missouri’s agricultural community is the strong sense of community that binds everyone together.
Outside of agriculture, Matthew enjoys hobbies such as hunting and fishing, which connect him to the land and environment he cares deeply about.
