Hello! My name is Kayla Hart and I live in Mandan, N.D. I am originally from a 5th generation farm in Wells County where my family farms and raises a commercial herd of SimAngus cattle. My brothers also have a custom chopping business, which keeps our family busy. I work in Bismarck for the North Dakota FFA Foundation as the Program Coordinator and Executive Assistant.
In my position, I assist in securing funding for FFA’s activities, contests, and events, and facilitate student programming. I am also the fiscal manager of all the Career and Technical Education Student Organizations which include FFA, DECA, FCCLA, FBLA, SKILLS, and TSA.
When time allows, I am often the “farm taxi” delivering medicine or parts to the farm. When I can help out on the farm, I make it a priority. Alongside my parents, I have also taken a bigger role in marketing and delivering our processed beef across the state.
As the FFA Foundation Program Coordinator, Kayla, on left, is instrumental in preparing young people for their future.
I find myself in a unique role in the ag industry because my position at the FFA Foundation is to better prepare our youth for their future careers. Whether it’s helping students build a foundation for their cattle operation or awarding a scholarship to continue their education, I provide the tools and skills for early success.
The ag industry is rich with heritage and passion. Reviewing my family’s heritage, I realized all the adversities and hardships they went through to make sure the family operation could carry on, and that gives me the drive to continue forward. Each farming family has a similar history; trying to be the best servants and stewards for the next generations.
The Hart family cattle herd.
Agriculture families pass down a high level of dedication, passion and accountability. That’s what’s so vastly different about agriculture families. Our profession has focused on how we can better provide for our families and communities and become more efficient; in essence, how can we better serve. Beautifully, all producers share this mindset and that’s what I love about the ag industry.
Reba the farm dog on a ride along during harvest.
I would encourage consumers to shop locally whenever possible. There are producers in your communities that can fulfill your needs. Would you rather spend more on a product knowing it was benefitting a local family or purchasing that same item at the store for less? Keeping your dollars local will benefit many families and communities.
Kayla is the District 5 representative on the NDFB Young Farmer and Rancher Committee.