Leyton Morris

Q: Please tell me a little bit about yourself. 

Absolutely, my name is Leyton Morris and I’m currently a Junior at Morgan County High School in Madison, Georgia. Agriculture is one of my biggest passions and I’m very involved in FFA at the chapter and area level as well where I currently serve as the Area II FFA President. I also show various species of livestock through both Morgan County High FFA and Morgan County 4-H. Also, I serve as the 2024-2025 Vice Chairman for the Georgia National Livestock Ambassador.

Q: What is your major or intended major in college? 

After I graduate from high school this coming year, I plan to go to ABAC in Tifton, Georgia where I plan to major in Crop and Soil Science or Crop Production. I have family in the row crop industry and production agriculture has really sparked my interest. I’ve also recently done a tour of the campus to see the amazing opportunities they have to offer, and have always felt very at home in South Georgia.

Q: I’d love to hear more about your journey in agriculture! How did you get started? 

I like to say I was more or less born into agriculture as my roots run deep whether it be dairy or beef, row crops or produce, and even broiler chickens. So, for me, walking outside and seeing a pasture full of cows or a corn field was just a normal occurrence. Showing livestock has also been a big part of my life as it was something both of my parents were involved in growing up, and I ended up getting my first show goat in the 2nd grade. As far as my start in the FFA, both parents were extremely involved from my dad working at the FFA camp in Covington for quite some time and at one point my mom was even the State Vice President. When it came time for me to join in the 6th grade, I was just following in mom and dads footsteps but since then I have branched off turning it to my passion through my involvement and relationships and have written my own FFA story.

Q: What are some things that you are involved in the agriculture industry? 

As far as hands-on industry work, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a variety of farms, including a produce farm in Moultrie, Georgia, a row crop farm in Vidalia, Georgia, a Christmas tree farm in Bishop, and even a Registered Red Angus cattle farm here in Madison. I think this is part of what has developed the great passion for AG that I have as I’ve been able to see first hand the impact and importance that agriculture has on every aspect of life.

Q: Could you please share one common misconception that people tend to have in your field of the agricultural industry and what your take on it is? 

The biggest misconception currently just in agriculture in general is that AG and modern farming are bad for the environment. Whether it be in crop production where soil is being tilled up to start new growth or in the livestock industry where so called climate activists are voicing their opinions over the release of methane gas. Here’s the deal, farming isn’t going away. Agricultural production is crucial to each and every piece of our day to day lives and we simply cannot live without it. Modern agriculture through research and testing is more sustainable than it has ever been, and production rates as well as the environmental footprint of farming continue to see improvements year after year. So, while the agricultural industry is constantly under attack, improvements and innovations are actually constantly being rolled out to lessen the impact on the environment while also providing for an ever increasing population.

Q: To you, what is the importance of agriculture, and how do you see it progressing in the future? 

For starters, as you know agriculture provides for every single thing we use in our day to day lives. Whether it be our food, clothing, or even the fuel in our cars, ag makes it possible. We can not go a single day without feeling the major impact that AG has on our lives. The industry as a whole has diversified and improved so much, especially in recent years as we’re now seeing more and more technology implemented all across the board. We’re currently seeing computers run entire operations and even autonomous tractors coming out on the market. With the population constantly increasing scientists and farmers are going to have to progress and figure out how to sustainably provide for an ever growing number of people. Another major issue right now is urban sprawl and the depletion of rural farmland. Farmers have to find new ways and means of continuing to provide with less land than they’ve ever had before.

Q: How do you plan to contribute and ensure the sustainability of agriculture? 

As I previously mentioned, I plan to attend ABAC after graduation to either major in Crop and Soil Science or Crop Production. Production agriculture is something that I find a great interest in and plan to pursue after the completion of college. Sustainable agriculture is definitely a hot topic right now as farmers are faced with the challenge of providing for more people with less land and little to no government support. As farmers and FFA members we can ensure sustainability in agriculture by advocating and supporting farmers and workers in agriculture. When the youth show interest and concern for an issue I often find that it sparks action and engagement with a wide variety of people, and so the biggest thing we can do is advocate and bring awareness to the pressing issues of agriculture and how they apply to ensuring sustainability of agriculture.

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to younger generations that are interested in pursuing agriculture, what would it be? 

My biggest piece of advice to younger people with agricultural interests is just to take those steps and if it’s something you really are passionate about, pursue it with everything you have. Take advantage of your resources and make connections because oftentimes you’ll find that the relationships and connections you build will take you a lot farther than you first thought. A big thing I always encourage people with agricultural interest and even those just looking for a community to be a part of is to attend an FFA meeting, or take an agricultural class. Personally, the community, lasting relationships, and skills that I’ve developed through my involvement in agricultural education programs is matched by none and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Q: To wrap things up, I’d like to hear your thoughts on how to keep the agriculture industry thriving for years to come. How do we “Keep Ag Alive?” 

I personally feel like this is a big part of what the National FFA Organization does for our nation’s youth in preparing them to be the next producers, and leaders in the agriculture industry. As the largest youth-led organization in the country, a big part of what FFA does is equipping today’s youth with the skills and knowledge they need to take out into the ag industry and be successful. The average age of farm managers in the U.S. is 58 years old. I say this because we have to raise up and prepare the next generations to go out and be the next providers for our great country. Supporting FFA, in my opinion, is the most impactful thing we can do today to ensure a continuously thriving agricultural industry tomorrow.