High school senior talks about mental health

by emma alexander

Behind the trumpet at military ceremonies and funerals, Emma Harvey, a young farmer from Scotland County, turns on the tap.

Military personnel and veterans hold a special status, as her father served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps.

Harvey was born at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, but returned “home” to northeast Missouri at an early age to be raised on his family’s farm. There, she witnessed her father experience the effects of her post-traumatic stress disorder and gained first-hand perspective on her mental health.

“I personally relate to the importance of farmer mental health,” she says. “Farmers are under a lot of stress. Because farming is a male-dominated profession, it is often overlooked because many people don’t realize it or see stress as a weakness. There’s a lack of communication, which causes farmer suicides to go unnoticed. That really hits home for me.”

So Harvey took every opportunity to raise awareness for agriculture’s most vulnerable people and became an advocate for farmers’ mental health.

outside her comfort zone

It’s hard to tell, but Harvey was a shy freshman when he joined Missouri FFA.

“The first summer I attended an FFA camp, and my FFA advisor entered me into a speech contest,” she says. “It was the gateway to everything I’ve accomplished.”

Harvey credits FFA advisor Walteda Blessing with “giving me my foot in the public speaking door.”

“I’m so sociable today that it’s almost embarrassing,” she said with a laugh.

Harvey’s confidence throughout his high school career gave him more opportunities to spread awareness about farmer suicide.

During her reign as the 2023 Missouri Beef Queen, her platform provided her with additional opportunities to advocate for farmer mental health. She shared her own perspective on a podcast with her beef advocate Amanda Radke.

She also spoke to local Lions and Rotary clubs and at the North American South Devon Association banquet. As Miss U.S. Agriculture for #AgriReady Scotland County, Ms. Harvey continues to raise awareness about farmer suicide and mental health.

Political platform: Emma Harvey isn’t shy about sharing her opinions on agriculture and mental health with state leaders like Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe. Her dream is that she one day become a Missouri state senator. (Courtesy of Missouri Farmers Care)

This south Devon and Simmental beef producer also has an affinity for public policy.

As a long-term goal, she wants to advocate for agriculture through politics. She now attends local city hall meetings to see, hear, and learn about local government. Harvey also helped found the local Junior Fairboard Association and serves as its president.

leave her name

Harvey graduated from Scotland County R-1 in May and had a successful high school career.

Below are some highlights.

Harvey plans to attend Northwest Missouri State University in the fall to continue her studies in animal science and agricultural communication. She is completing college courses online so she can graduate early, and she plans to pursue a career as a livestock nutritionist with a focus on beef cattle.

Harvey is a role model to his two younger brothers and sister. She is the daughter of Brandi Harvey and Brian Harvey & Ashley Harvey, and the granddaughter of Don Harvey and Linda Harvey. The Harvey family is a member of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and the Missouri Farm Bureau, and is a partner in Missouri Farmers Care.

Harvey took the time to talk to rural Missourians.

What does Northeast Missouri agriculture mean to you? Northeast Missouri agriculture is known for the incredible livestock and crops we grow and the families we build. Northeast Missouri is made up of family farms that foster traditions and teach children the truth about farming.

What advice would you give to future Missouri Beef Queen candidates? Be yourself! Interact with your consumers and wear your crown with pride. Share your story and talk about farming.

Can you imagine yourself holding political office? In the future, I would like to become a state senator. Advocating for agriculture is my true passion and I dream of changing the way we look at agriculture for the better.

What do you like to do most in your free time? I love helping out and spending time at the Scottish County Fair. Because this is where I was first able to advocate for agriculture. We’re really looking forward to the Scottish County Fair, which will be held from July 9th to 15th.

What is the title of the book your mother might write about you? “Use your inner voice!” I’m a very strong-willed person, so it’s not difficult for me to express my opinion. I have a strong voice, which I inherited from my father, and he always tells me to “voice your inner voice.”

Why should students participate in public speaking? I believe that students should actively engage in public speaking as it is useful in their daily lives. I’ve talked to a lot of people over the last few years. I realized that many kids my age lack simple communication skills. I think it’s important to be able to communicate with others. That’s how you build connections and friendships.

Emma Harvey Overview

Alexander is writing from Olga, Missouri.