By Shelby Shank
Field Editor
Madalynn Kainer’s connection to agriculture runs deep, woven through generations of farming and ranching in South Texas.
Her childhood memories are filled with tractors, livestock and hard work—experiences that instilled in her a deep appreciation for agriculture.
“I was lucky to grow up on the family farm and see first-hand how integral farming and ranching was in our lives,” she said, recalling days spent riding tractors with her father and checking cattle alongside her grandfather.
Kainer was heavily involved in various 4-H activities, opening her eyes to new opportunities within agriculture and shaping her career aspirations.
“After high school, I realized that my love for photography, design, writing and storytelling, combined with my knowledge and experience in production agriculture, could be utilized in many ways,” she said.
She attended Texas A&M University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications and her master’s degree in agricultural leadership, education and communication. Kainer worked in marketing and sponsorship development at the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo in Waco before she became the assistant manager at the Washington County Fair.
During the nine-day event, over 700 youth exhibitors participate in various activities. The sights, sounds and tastes of agriculture are everywhere.
Kainer’s primary responsibilities include managing the livestock shows, auctions and marketing efforts. She coordinates all print and radio advertisements, promotional activities and digital content for the fair.
You’ll see Kainer with her phone in her hand as she captures content for social media to tell the story of the longest-running county stock show.
“I enjoy working in the fair and rodeo event industry because fairs and rodeos can help bridge the growing gap between consumers and agriculture,” she said.
She also plays a crucial role in event planning, volunteer management and sponsorship development. These tasks take place throughout the year leading up to the fair.
In addition, Kainer helps plan several other events, including an annual fundraiser, scholarship banquet and a volunteer appreciation day.
Kainer believes involvement in agricultural events, like the Washington County Fair, helps youth build a strong foundation for success.
“Working with young people in my community is an inspiring and amazing experience,” she said. “Seeing their passions develop—similar to how mine developed through my involvement with 4-H and showing livestock—is heartwarming.”
She wants to see the next generation of agricultural advocates be successful and devotes her time to helping them cultivate their skills and knowledge.
“My primary efforts to promote and impact agriculture occur through my volunteer and mentor efforts,” Kainer said. “I am very thankful for the adults who poured their time and energy into me during my time in 4-H, and I am always willing to return the favor and give my time and expertise to help young people improve skills and learn more about agriculture.”
Outside of the fair, Kainer is also involved in Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) activities and serves on the TFB YF&R Advisory Committee. She won the 2018 TFB YF&R Discussion Meet and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) contest. Kainer participated in AFBF’s Women’s Communications Boot Camp and served as an AFBF representative at the Syngenta Leadership at its Best Program.
She’s using her voice and skills to cultivate a bright future for Texas agriculture.
“I believe that using my voice, platform and network can make an impact on Texas and U.S. agriculture,” she said. “My efforts to promote agriculture, communicate about agriculture with others and work with young people interested in agriculture is important work.”
Excellence in Agriculture Contest
Kainer is a finalist in TFB’s Excellence in Agriculture Contest.
The contest recognizes young men and women ages 18 to 35 who are involved in agriculture but do not earn their primary income from a farm or ranch enterprise.
Information on the contest and TFB’s YF&R program can be found online at texasfarmbureau.org/YFR.
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