Empowering Diversity: A Comprehensvie Approach to Minority Risk Management Education

Federal programs are pivotal to the foundation of the United States agricultural sector. Program payments impact the economic well-being of agricultural producers, yet accessibility, outreach and education disparities remain prevalent among socially disadvantaged producer and agriculturists. From 2020-2024, an average of $21.7 billion dollars in federal agricultural payments have been paid to producers. Although federal funding historically supports commodity crops, livestock producers also depend on a distinct set of federal risk management programs, which are often less visible but pertinent for operational sustainability. There is a growing focus on the need for addressing disparities faced by socially disadvantaged producers and agriculturists. This paper examines three important components: (1) the resource offering of federal payments to livestock producers, (2) knowledge level and gain in risk management practices of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) students at colleges and universities utilizing a simulation, and (3) the value determination of participation with the National MANRRS organization. We find that interactive simulations enhance risk management education, with participants favoring federally subsidized insurance options and improving their understanding of risk mitigation. The leadership evaluation affirms that MANRRS develops critical human and social capital while fostering inclusivity and institutional change. The implications of interactive simulations emphasize that hands-on simulations can effectively bridge knowledge gaps for livestock specific USDA risk tools. The leadership evaluation shows that while MANRRS fosters leadership growth and professional development, organizational pitfalls limit students’ ability to fully leverage their experiences. Collectively, this study’s findings support the expansion of experiential learning and developmental training to increase engagement, inclusivity, and preparedness among underrepresented populations in agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences. Advisor: Elliott Dennis