As the average age of the American farmer increases, it becomes more imperative that young people step up and step into the role of providing food for an ever growing population.

 
In Paulding County, Ryan McClure recognizes that need and has become an integral part of his family’s farming operation as well as an advocate for the industry. His efforts have led him to be named a Beck’s Young Farm Leader – an honor created to showcase young farmers who take the lead in their industry and community.

 
“Beck’s feels it is important to recognize young farmers who are stepping up in the industry. We know they are the future of agriculture and that we need to foster their enthusiasm and encourage their involvement,” said Bruce Kettler, Director of Public Relations at Beck’s Hybrids.

 
McClure Farms was started by Ryan’s grandfather in 1955 and has been a family tradition ever since. Ryan grew up farming alongside his father, Terry McClure, and the thought of making a career doing anything else never crossed his mind.
“It’s the only thing I know, from the time I was young, that was what we did; we farmed. If we weren’t in school or doing chores at home, we were farming,” said Ryan. “It was just part of our blood and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I enjoy being outside and being my own boss. I get to take a seed, plant it in the dirt and watch it grow into something we can use.”

 
Primarily a cash grain operation until 2005, McClure Farms began to diversify and added a contract wean to finish operation that has grown over the years to hold 9,000 head of pigs that they grow for Cooper Farms. This year, they’ve also grown their cattle operation, now called West Branch Cattle, and will finish approximately 180 head of Holstein cattle annually.
In addition to the responsibilities on the farm Ryan and his wife Nikki have three children; 6-year-old Caleb, 3-year-old Drew, and 1-year-old Brianna. They also dedicate a portion of their time to agricultural advocacy, but Ryan admits that time commitment is a challenge a lot of young farmers face when asked to serve within the industry or in a leadership role in their community.

 
“The problem we’re running into is as there are fewer and fewer farmers who are farming more and more acres time really starts to be a factor. Trying to find good people and getting them to devote a fair amount of their time to run these organizations is a challenge,” said Ryan.

 
Ryan currently serves as a director on the Ohio Pork Producers Council and as the Paulding County Farm Bureau President. He and Nikki have been active in the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation for many years and served a two year term on the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmer and Rancher committee. They’re also active members of Middle Creek United Methodist Church.

 
“It’s very beneficial to be a member or be involved with the commodity groups, like the Ohio Soybean Association, to expand demand in foreign and domestic markets and have a voice to help you legislatively move some of our beliefs ahead,” said Ryan. “If you’re not expanding markets and continuing to push demand – if there’s nobody to buy our beans, or to process them or use them, it doesn’t do me any good to grow them.”

 
McClure Farms has adapted over the years to meet the changing demands of the industry and currently fill part of the niche for non-GMO soybeans in foreign markets. After finding a soybean that does very well on their soils they cultivated a relationship with a buyer who has been purchasing most of their crop for the past 15 years. Non-GMO soybeans from the U.S. are primarily exported for food grade use in products such as tofu and soy milk.

 
Looking to the future, Ryan knows that getting more young people involved in the industry is essential. He also understands that things have changed a lot since his grandfather started and to come into the industry as a new farmer involves major challenges with finances and acquiring land.

 
“Farmers are getting older; we need to get entrepreneurs and young farmers, find those people and put them together with older gentlemen who don’t really have a transition plan or know where their farming operation is going to go. The farms where the next generation hasn’t gotten involved, we need to find a way to get them back to the farm, or find someone to take that role,” said Ryan.

 
“Ryan is a great representative of Ohio’s young farmers and we are proud to honor him as a Beck’s Young Farm Leader,” said Tommie Price, OSA Chairman and soybean farmer from Putnam County. “OSA appreciates farmers like Ryan who recognize the importance of continuing to advocate for the industry and work to increase demand for domestic and foreign markets. We also want to continue to showcase young people in Ohio agriculture and encourage other farmers to apply or nominate someone they know for the Beck’s Young Farm Leader program.”