meet your neighbors
Rooted in the Dairy Industry By Macie Thornhill
Jodi Wright has been a part of the Missouri Holstein Association for 22 years.
Submitted Photo
Jodi Wright’s career has been centered around Holsteins Jodi Wright has been instrumental in influencing agricultural leaders of today and tomorrow. For as long as she can remember, agriculture has been a part of her life. Jodi was born and raised in Colorado, helping her family on their own dairy farm, which produced world milk production Holsteins at one time. After immersing herself in the agriculture industry at a young age – joining 4-H and FFA – she went on to get a degree in agricultural business at Colorado State University. After receiving her master’s, Jodi worked for Harvest States Cooperative in St. Paul, Minn., then went on to work for Holstein Association USA as a field representative, bridging the gap between Holstein breeders and the state association, covering Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Missouri and Illinois. It was around this time Jodi met her husband, Larry “Leroy” Wright, a registered Holstein dairy producer from Clever, Mo. After assisting his family on their dairy farm, Leroy and Jodi purchased their own dairy near Monett, Mo., called Wrightvale
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Holsteins, with 70 head of registered Hol- tors to the Missouri State 4-H Dairy Cow steins. Camp and Dairy Judging Camp, providing Jodi said her family – including her two cattle and instruction.” kids Lora and Blake – have worked hard to Through this, Jodi said a proud accomgrow their production. plishment is to have been a part of coach“We are a true family farm and have nev- ing the Monett FFA Dairy Judging team, er hired much outside labor,” Jodi said. leading them to the state and national “We focus on highly-profitable cow fami- competition, and helping two individuals lies with exceptional type.” place in the international competition in Their farm’s BAA (Breed Age Average) Luxembourg. score for type is 108.6, the second highest Similarly, Jodi helped at the 2012 Nain the state. tional Holstein Convention in SpringAway from the family farm, Jodi is still field, Mo., which hosted more than 1,800 very involved in furthering the agricultural adults and youth from around the world. industry. She is the state executive secre“I have absolutely loved working with tary for the Missouri Holstein Association, the youth and adults of the Missouri dairy which she has been a part of for 22 years. industry,” Jodi said. “They are inspiring, “This position keeps me connected with and innovative and always striving to imbreeders across the state, workprove. Missouri can be proud of their aging on meetings, sales, field riculture history and future.” days, conventions, shows and In 2016, the Missouri Dairy Hall other events,” Jodi said. She also of Fame recognized her with its works as a freelance website deDairy Leadership Award. veloper and agriculture ad designer. If her dedication isn’t evident Monett, Mo. “I have led a 4-H Club for nearenough, Jodi is also a charter ly 10 years, and both my husband member of the Missouri Uniand I have been active contribuversity Extension Women in Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com
Dairy program, which is an educational and social support and outreach group of women in the dairy industry that meets monthly in Southwest Missouri. To encourage women, and anyone else who’s passionate about agriculture, Jodi encourages them to follow their passion with integrity and character. “If you don’t know the answer, then be honest and research it. You will be respected more for your honesty and integrity. Don’t forget to smile and be friendly,” Jodi said. Her dad taught her to “never quite and give up” and “take advantage of every opportunity.” Jodi said you can learn a lot about yourself if you just step outside of your comfort zone. According to Jodi, the agricultural industry means “a sense of family and shared values,” which is something she enjoys most. “Stewardship of the land and exceptional animal care are primary goals of the agricultural community and aspects that I am proud to be an integral part of,” Jodi said. “I have also enjoyed inspiring and fostering a love of agriculture.” JULY 20, 2020
