Mackenzie Wright's connection to farming isn't just a profession, it's a deeply ingrained part of her identity. Growing up in Wolfe County, she was that eager little girl pestering her daddy to tag along for farm chores, soaking in the lessons of the land. Now, as a mother raising her own boys on a farm, she's passing down that love for agriculture to the next generation.
Her commitment to sharing her passion doesn't stop at home, it extends to her role as an agriculture teacher at Carroll County High School. In her classroom, she not only imparts knowledge but instills a love for the land and a sense of responsibility toward farming.
But Mackenzie's influence stretches even further.
Recently appointed as the Young Farmer Chair for the Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation, she's taking her advocacy to the state and national levels. For her, it's more than just a prestigious title, it's an opportunity to amplify the voices of young farmers and address agricultural issues.
“It’s a very highly sought after spot. It’s quite an honor,” Wright said from her agriculture classroom at CCHS.
“The CCHS community is so proud of Mrs. Wright and the earning of this recognition,” said Principal Amy Sutter. “Our goal as an educational institution is to continue to grow and evolve to better meet the needs of our students. This is an amazing growth opportunity for Mrs. Wright and our school community that I am confident will improve the educational opportunities of our students.”
Mackenzie was nominated to serve three years on the state committee and will serve a one-year term as chairperson. She will travel throughout Kentucky and to Washington, D.C. to address agricultural issues. In addition, Wright is co-chairperson of the education committee, helping to look at how education as a whole is impacted by legislation and sharing her insight and knowledge on this topic.
“This is quite an honor for Mrs. Wright.It clearly is an example of how a teacher is reaching out to help our program and district be recognized as one of the top 10 in the state,” said Carroll County Schools Superintendent Casey Jaynes.
Kentucky Farm Bureau is much more than insurance, Wright explained. “It’s the largest agricultural advocacy group in the state, probably in the nation. We focus on being an advocate at the legislative level and at the community grass roots level,” she said.
KFB was created as a federation to help farmers, but became an insurance company as well because farmers were having difficulty getting insurance.
“Farm Bureau has a lot of pride in that we’re a grass roots operation,” Wright said.
For Mackenzie, this new chapter is about personal growth and creating opportunities for young farmers like herself. Her experience will ultimately trickle down to benefit her two young boys.
Standing in front of a group and speaking comes as second nature to Wright, who has taught agriculture the past seven years at Carroll County High School. But, this new venture led her to facilitate a leadership conference of 400 people and thrust her onto the political stage in Kentucky and nationwide.
Her goal, and the goal of KFB, is to ensure young farmers find a network of people to support them after high school.
“I’ve loved farming from a very young age,” Wright said, noting that “raising something is rewarding and therapeutic.” The teacher said she always knew her career path would center around agriculture.
“Being a young farmer comes with challenges many don’t think about such as land access, capital for land and equipment purchase, but also navigating the available resources for young farmers,” Wright said. She has worked with other local agriculture groups to implement programs such as the YAIP (Young Agriculture Incentive Program) to benefit our high school students.
“Agriculture needs strong advocates and voices and I have the background from my farm and youth, to being a leader here at CCHS. I hope that I can set an example for my students of how being a strong leader is valuable on so many levels,” Wright said.