The power of influence
Written by Tatym Green
If you know me, growing up, you know I did everything my older cousin MacKenzie did. So naturally, when she started showing goats, so did I. What began as a small two-goat project for each of my cousins quickly grew into a thriving Boer goat operation of over thirty head with my grandpa, mom, and I. I always like to say he found the grandkid with agricultural roots and ran with it.
Through showing goats, I met friends who encouraged me to join FFA. At first, I wasn’t entirely sure what it was, but since my friends joined, so did I. Little did I know that decision would be a turning point in my journey. My love for agriculture only deepened as I found my place in the industry. I was learning more about leadership, responsibility, and the impact we can have on others.
As I reflect on my path, I realize how much my cousin MacKenzie influenced me—not just in showing goats but in shaping my passion for agriculture and leadership. She showed me the power of mentorship, and now I want to be that light for younger women in agriculture. Agriculture is often seen as a male-dominated field, but I’ve learned that women belong here too, and we have an essential role to play.
Whether it’s encouraging a young girl to join FFA, helping her find confidence in the show ring, or simply sharing my own experiences, I want to inspire the next generation of women in agriculture. My happy place is in the barn, at the fair, or back in my hometown ag classroom—anywhere I can be hands-on with agriculture and make a difference. Just as MacKenzie’s influence shaped me, I hope to pass that same spark along to others, ensuring the future of agriculture is filled with strong, passionate women ready to lead.
Tatym Green
Written by
Purdue Freshman in Ag Communications and Agribusiness with a concentration in Food Marketing