Planting Seeds for the Future: Gilbert Farms Opens Young Minds to Modern Agriculture

By Shelia Mader

For many students, farming means tractors, dirt roads, and long days in the heat. But Dexter Gilbert wants the next generation to see something bigger.

The fourth-generation farmer with Gilbert Farms and G&G Farms recently welcomed students from Crossroads Academy in Quincy to his Jackson County farm for a hands-on look at modern agriculture and the business opportunities behind it. The students, members of Future Business Leaders of America, spent the day learning how farming today goes far beyond the fields.

Gilbert first connected with the students earlier this year after being invited to speak at their school about entrepreneurship in agriculture.

“They wanted different entrepreneurs, and they’d never had anyone from the farming industry come in,” Gilbert said. “I wanted to expose them to agribusiness and let them know there’s a great future for smart young men and women in agriculture.”

The visit gave students a firsthand look at the technology now driving the farming industry, from GPS-guided equipment to machinery that can be monitored directly from a smartphone. Gilbert said agriculture has evolved dramatically since he first climbed onto a tractor more than 45 years ago.

“Farming has changed,” he said. “It’s all technology now, and we’re going to need those young brains with science and innovation to take us to the next level.”

Crossroads Academy FBLA sponsor Qualandria Brookens said exposing students to industries they may not otherwise experience is critical.

“It is literally right in their backyard,” Brookens said. “They can not only change their world, but they can change their family and their lives. You have to show them that.”

Brookens said she wanted students to experience opportunities beyond the traditional classroom setting and discover career paths they may never have considered.

“I think sometimes people discount how much exposure can take their lives to the next level,” she said.

Although Gilbert hopes some students may eventually pursue careers in agriculture, he said understanding farming is important for everyone.

“To survive, we’ve got to eat, so we’ve got to have food,” he said. “Without farmers, no food.”

Students toured farm equipment, learned about planting operations, and participated in educational activities led by Gilbert’s wife, an educator in Chipley, and representatives from the National Black Growers Council.

Gilbert said the goal was simple: help young people understand that agriculture is about much more than getting your hands dirty.

“It’s business, technology, science, and innovation,” he said. “AI and technology are important, but it’s still going to take people to help farming move forward in the future.”

Gilbert encouraged other local business owners to invest time in mentoring young people and opening doors to new experiences.

“Any chance you get, go out to the schools and talk to them,” he said. “Let them see what you’re doing because it helps.”

Gilbert Farms will continue that mission later this year when it opens its gates to the public once again for its annual farm tour in September.