FFA New Century Farmer Conference paves the way for aspiring producers

Kinlyn Hinson possesses what some might refer to as a growth mind-set. She’s doing her part to help enhance the future of production agriculture as part of the sixth generation of her family’s operation, Hinson Family Farms.

“Farming is all my family’s done for what seems like forever, so it’s all I know and love,” Hinson says. “Throughout the years, we’ve chosen to integrate new things and kept moving on to what’s next. It’s amazing to see how we’ve changed and progressed together.”

Located in Antioch, South Carolina, Hinson Family Farms primarily consists of row crops including corn, cotton, sorghum, soybeans, and sugarcane. Hinson says her family grinds the corn into grits and cornmeal using a stone mill that dates to 1893. They are also currently expanding their operation to include produce and livestock — chickens, horses, goats, pigs, and cattle.

Personal growth through FFA

Hinson joined the local WTC Kershaw County FFA Chapter as a high school sophomore after learning about her family’s participation in the organization and the impact it had on their lives. She held several chapter offices and participated in numerous competitions within her state. At the end of her senior year, she was elected as the 2021-2022 South Carolina state vice president. 

Now a student at Clemson University, Hinson is continuing her FFA involvement through serving as the president of her collegiate FFA chapter. She is also active in several extracurricular activities and is completing an undergraduate research project. When considering her future career, Hinson intentionally chose to pursue a dual-degree program in agricultural education and agribusiness because it combines her upbringing and interests, meaning she can connect what she’s learning back to her farm. 

“I always knew I wanted to come back [to the farm], and this has become more important to me,” Hinson says. “I want to help bridge the gap between agriculture and the general public through showing our family’s traditions and helping others know where their food comes from.”

This July, Hinson was one of 43 FFA alumni selected to attend the New Century Farmer Conference in Des Moines, Iowa. Hosted by the National FFA Organization, this conference facilitates networking opportunities and industry connections, while simultaneously challenging attendees to develop a vision statement for the future of their operations.

“Through visiting with many groups of people and touring different places, I got to see and experience new technology we’ve thought about incorporating ourselves,” Hinson says. “Seeing how far farming has come is amazing, and being able to bring these ideas back to show others — especially my family members — is neat.”

Focused on the future

Equipped with big dreams and goals for both herself and the future of her family’s farm, Hinson says her main source of inspiration is the extensive community she’s found in agriculture.

“We help our fellow farmers, and FFA members visit our farm to learn about what we do,” Hinson says. “Seeing everyone who wants to come and be involved is a push to stay on the farm and make sure FFA is always a part of my life in some way.”

The 2024 New Century Farmer Conference will be held July 21 to 25 in Des Moines. If you know an FFA alumnus between the ages of 18 and 24 with an interest in pursuing a career in production agriculture, encourage them to apply.

For more information, visit ffa.org.