Ty Higgins: Storytelling in Agriculture

The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast

In this enriching episode of the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast, host Mark Jewell engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Ty Higgins from the Ohio Farm Bureau. Higgins shares his seasoned insights on the importance of intentionality, goal-setting, and effective communication within the agricultural realm. The discussion covers his personal journey from a farm broadcasting career to his current role and emphasizes the critical role of storytelling in agriculture.

Throughout the episode, Higgins elaborates on the significance of leveraging social media to foster connections and tell authentic agricultural stories. He underscores that platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are vital tools to communicate with consumers, debunk myths, and promote transparency in the ag industry. Moreover, Higgins highlights the importance of personal branding, not only for individuals but also for companies aiming to attract and retain top talent.

The latter part of the conversation explores leadership and cultural dynamics within organizations. Higgins stresses adaptability, understanding the younger workforce, and nurturing an environment that encourages growth and innovation. Real-life examples, including his notable #TenGallonChallenge initiative, illustrate Higgins' commitment to agricultural advocacy and community support. Additionally, he discusses key leadership traits such as vulnerability and patience, essential for driving meaningful change and fostering a collaborative work culture.

Key Takeaways:

• Setting Goals: Ty Higgins emphasizes the importance of writing down and setting specific goals to maintain intentionality and focus in both personal and professional life.
• Leveraging Social Media: Utilizing platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok is crucial for agriculture professionals to communicate with consumers and promote transparency.
• Personal Branding: Establishing a personal brand can significantly enhance career opportunities and organizational visibility in the ag industry.
• Understanding Culture: Appreciating the values and motivations of the younger workforce is essential for attracting and retaining top talent in today’s agribusiness landscape.
• Vulnerability in Leadership: Being open to new experiences and showing vulnerability are key components for growth and effective leadership.

Notable Quotes:

1. Ty Higgins: "For me, it's setting goals right. Every morning I wake up, I set a goal or goals for that day."
2. Ty Higgins: "I think that if you put yourself out there, no one tells your story like you do."
3. Ty Higgins: "I fully believe that when I was hired to work for Ohio Farm Bureau, my social media presence was a major factor."
4. Mark Jewell: "Intentional leaders attract great talent. What’s the number of people standing in line to come work for you?"
5. Ty Higgins: "Vulnerability is a catalyst for growth. Supporting those who put themselves out there and pushing people out of their comfort zone helps everyone expand their potential."

Tune into the full episode to glean deeper insights into Ty Higgins' expert views on leadership, personal branding, the importance of social media in agriculture, and the evolving dynamics of workplace culture. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast.