Cultivating the Future: Why Hancock Seed Invests in Tomorrow’s Agricultural Leaders

At Hancock Seed, agriculture is more than our business; it is our way of life. Every year, we have the distinct honor of watching the next generation of farmers and ranchers take steps toward leadership. Our involvement in local county and state fairs is a cornerstone of who we are, allowing us to support students who will one day lead this industry.

Supporting Student Success through Mentorship and Investment

Each year, Hancock Seed Company participates in student projects by acting as a donor or buyer at the fair's livestock and plant auctions. These students spend an entire school year preparing for these moments, training, record keeping, and caring for their animals or plants with a level of dedication that is truly inspiring.

Jackson Hancock

Whether a student is raising swine, steers, heifers, bulls, rabbits, lambs, or even growing plants, the responsibility is immense. We receive countless letters from students each year asking to meet with us and share their progress. We take great pride in building these relationships and supporting their hard work through donations or by purchasing their projects at the final auction.

The reach of these programs is significant. The 2026 Pasco County Fair included 448 student exhibitors and generated more than $1.24 million in total sales across livestock and plant projects. Hancock Seed is proud to be part of an event that supports both student development and the future of agriculture at this level.

The Business of the Fair: Developing Real-World Skills

The fair experience goes far beyond the show ring and the sale. The auction process is designed to teach exhibitors the essential sides of the agricultural business. To be successful, students must master several key professional skills:

• Self-Marketing: Students learn how to present themselves and their projects to potential buyers and community members. 

• Financial Literacy: Through detailed record-keeping, exhibitors track expenses, feed costs, and labor to understand profit and loss.

• Professional Communication: Engaging with buyers and judges helps students develop public speaking skills and confidence they will use throughout their careers.
  

These projects provide a hands-on education in business management that translates directly to the professional world, regardless of the career path these students choose.

A Full-Circle Moment: The Fifth Generation Steps Into the Ring

This year held a very special meaning for our family business. Jackson Hancock participated as an exhibitor, representing the fifth generation of Hancock farmers and cattle ranchers.

Growing up within Hancock Seed and Hancock Cattle, Jackson has been surrounded by the industry since birth. This year, he put those lessons into practice, demonstrating strong animal husbandry and diligent record-keeping throughout his project.

Agriculture, especially within the cattle industry, often carries a rich heritage passed down from generation to generation. Jackson is proud to continue that tradition by exhibiting a steer at the Pasco County Fair.

Jackson Hancock & Jesse Pinkston showcasing a Brangus cow with its calf

Jackson’s grandmother, Francine Hancock, spent many years in the cow barns at the Pasco County fairgrounds herself. During her time showing steers, she earned the distinct honor of being named Grand Champion Steer three years in a row. She raised Pasco County–grown steers, continuing a tradition rooted in the same county where Hancock Seed Company was founded. It is safe to say Jackson has some big shoes to fill.

For Jackson, stepping into the same barns his grandmother once walked is more than tradition; it is a reminder of where he comes from and the lessons she passed down about hard work, consistency, and pride in livestock and agriculture.

Strengthening the Industry through 4-H and FFA

Many of the exhibitors we support are active members of 4-H and FFA. These organizations are vital to the health of the American agricultural industry. They provide the framework for students to develop leadership, animal science knowledge, and the civic-mindedness necessary to strengthen our communities.

When we invest in these students, we strengthen the long-term stability and innovation of our industry. We are proud to stand behind young agricultural leaders as they build skills that will serve them far beyond the fairgrounds.

Our Ongoing Commitment to the Next Generation

At Hancock Seed, supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders is a core part of who we are. Through every project, student, and fair, we remain committed to building a stronger future for our industry.

The Hancock family with a Red Cross steer