Future of Farming for YBS Farmers: From Autonomous Planters to Vet Schools

Back to Your Roots

What does the future of farming look in today's world? Who's leading agricultural innovation in the river counties? And how can young people break into an industry where the traditional advice has been "inherit it or marry it"?
Dr. Tony Brannon, former dean of agriculture at Murray State University for 25 years and current leader with the West Kentucky Alliance for a Vibrant Economy (WAVE Ag), joins host Chris Griffin to answer these questions and more. From his childhood on a farm to his decades shaping agricultural education, Dr. Brannon brings wisdom earned from both academic leadership and hands-on farming experience.
The conversation delves into the revolutionary technologies transforming agriculture—autonomous planters operating without drivers and heavy-lift drones capable of spraying 1,000 acres daily. "It's not my granddaddy's agriculture anymore," Brannon explains, describing how modern farmers need technological savvy alongside traditional agricultural knowledge. We also explore the economic importance of the river counties' agricultural production, the progress toward establishing a veterinary school at Murray State to address the shortage of large animal veterinarians, and practical advice for succeeding in today's agricultural landscape.
For aspiring farmers, Brannon emphasizes perseverance, networking, and diversification as key strategies. He explains how the Young and Adult Farmer Program through WAVE Ag provides valuable connections and resources for those entering agriculture, whether they come from farming families or not. As he puts it, farmers must be "eternal optimists" in a profession where success depends on factors beyond their control—from unpredictable weather to volatile markets.
Ready to learn more about the future of farming or connect with agricultural resources in Western Kentucky? Follow Back to Your Roots for more insights into all things farming, financing, and farm life, and visit rivervalleyagcredit.com for additional agricultural resources.

Chapters

1. Future of Farming for YBS Farmers: From Autonomous Planters to Vet Schools (00:00:00)

2. Welcome to Back to Your Roots (00:00:08)

3. Dr. Brannon's Agricultural Journey (00:00:47)

4. WAVE Ag Initiative Explained (00:02:22)

5. Advice for Young Farmers (00:06:19)

6. Agricultural Technology Revolution (00:13:20)

7. Murray State's Veterinary School Efforts (00:19:03)

8. Connecting with Young Farmers Program (00:23:49)

9. Final Thoughts and Appreciation (00:26:43)