Who are you?
Allison Jenkins, creative content manager at MFA Incorporated and editor of Today’s Farmer magazine. I have bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Mass Communications from Middle Tennessee State University. I am a Tennessee native but now live in central Missouri with my husband, Jason, crops editor for DTN/Progressive Farmer, and our children, Aiden, Carly and Ashlyn.
How long have you worked with cooperatives?
It’ll be 30 years in June! I started right out of college with Tennessee Farmers Cooperative. I spent 20-plus years there, editing TFC’s Cooperator magazine and managing the Communications Department, before moving to Missouri and into my role with MFA Incorporated. My entire professional career has been with farm supply cooperatives.
Describe your role.
I am the creative content manager and editor of Today’s Farmer magazine for MFA Incorporated, which I joined in 2017. I oversee all print and digital content, plan the magazine’s editorial direction, write and edit articles, produce photography and video, supervise the staff’s content creator and digital editor, and contribute to marketing and public relations efforts. I am also an FAA-certified drone pilot.
What do you enjoy about working with cooperatives?
The people. I love the opportunity to work alongside farmers and help share their stories, their challenges and their successes. No two operations—or seasons—are the same, and that keeps this work interesting and meaningful every step of the way. Also, the cooperative culture is a welcoming, encouraging environment and great place to cultivate a long-term, meaningful career.
When did you join CCA? Why?
I joined CCA immediately after joining Tennessee Farmers Cooperative in 1996 as a fresh-from-college 20-year-old. I was encouraged by my boss and editor, Jerry Kirk, who was a longtime member and staunch supporter of CCA. Our staff was always heavily involved in CCA activities, from serving on the board to chairing committees, planning Institutes and helping with the contest. Here at MFA, members of our staff are also active in CCA.
How has CCA supported you in your career?
So many ways: building leadership skills by serving on the board, gaining experience in meeting planning by helping with the Institute, and learning from educational opportunities that have been invaluable at all stages of my career.
But most of all, the biggest benefit of CCA has been the connections with other cooperative communicators from all over the country and in all walks of life. My fellow CCA members are not just professional colleagues; they’re friends and family. In fact, I can thank those connections for helping me land at my current position at MFA. When I started planning my move to Missouri, the first thing I did was get in touch with people I knew through CCA who were in MFA’s Communications Department, asking about job opportunities. Just so happened, the timing was perfect, and the Today’s Farmer editor position was opening just as I moved. Those connections were so important then and continue to be today — as are the many other friendships I have made throughout my years with CCA.
On a personal note, I met my husband, Jason, through CCA! He was a member when he worked for Missouri Electric Cooperatives.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Right now, my husband and I have three teenagers, all of whom are involved in extracurricular activities — sports, band, scouts — so I don’t have time for hobbies! We spend most of our time attending their events or making sure they get there. It’s a chaotic time, but I know I will miss it when they go to college in just a few short years.
Tell us something about yourself that is surprising or most people don’t know.
I have always had an interest in collecting antique books, mainly young adult series books such as Nancy Drew and Judy Bolton. My house is filled with them, and I’ve read them all. Some of them twice.
What advice would you give to professional communicators just starting their careers?
Use all the technology at your fingertips, but don’t forget the basics of good writing, photography and design. Even in social and digital platforms, grammar, spelling and proper style matter! And in this day of hybrid workplaces and remote offices, be sure you build connections with real people who can be sounding boards and creative collaborators. Those people might just be here in CCA.
Email Allison Here
