Austin Vincent

I’ve always been passionate about agriculture. I grew up on my family’s fifth-generation ranch, where I learned the value of a handshake and satisfaction of a job well done. But it wasn’t until my senior year of college that I realized I wanted to dedicate my career to the industry. A policy internship with the National Sorghum Producers solidified my interest in contributing to the agriculture industry on a professional level.

Today, I’m a staff attorney at the Kansas Department of Agriculture. In my role, I provide legal counsel (a fancy word for “advice”) to several programs within the Department. My responsibilities include advising these programs on changes to laws, ensuring they follow regulations and assisting with enforcement actions. I also represent these programs in administrative hearings and offer legal expertise to support the department.

The first step in landing this role was earning my law degree, but the most valuable preparation came from my hands-on experience in agriculture and related legal fields. Growing up on my family ranch gave me a deep understanding and appreciation for the challenges of ranching. My experiences through numerous internships shaped my perspective and provided a solid foundation for tackling the legal needs of folks in the agricultural community.

In high school, classes like English were especially helpful. English enhanced my ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both in writing and verbally, which is crucial as an attorney. FFA was also instrumental in developing my public speaking and critical thinking skills.

Being at the forefront of shaping laws and regulations that directly impact the agricultural industry is the best part of my job. This role allows me to deeply explore a wide range of agriculture-related issues, from conservation to water rights, while engaging with farmers, ranchers and industry leaders. Collaborating with them to understand their challenges and develop practical solutions is incredibly fulfilling. I’m looking forward to continuing to use my legal expertise to support and advocate for farmers and ranchers in every way possible.

For young people interested in a career in this field, my advice is to embrace networking. The relationships you build with peers, professors, professionals and mentors early on can become a crucial foundation for your career. Take every opportunity to connect with others in the field and remain open to learning from their experiences. You never know where these connections might lead!