Hunter sharing interest in agriculture through photography, writing

By looking at the “bigger picture,” Cole Hunter has grown his passion for agriculture through photography and various experiences at Northwest Missouri State University.

In fact, Hunter, a senior agricultural science major from Paynesville, Missouri, was tapped last fall to be Missouri Ruralist’s 2025 college farmer columnist, giving him a unique opportunity to share advice from the perspective of a college student, young farmer and entrepreneur.

Throughout his year as a columnist, Hunter wishes to inspire people to try new things, advocate for his family farm and explain how to balance running a business while being a full-time college student.

“My dad’s hard work and dedication towards agriculture fuels my energy,” Hunter said. “I want to live up to my dad’s standards and be half the man that he is.”

His family farm, Cheonda Farms, started in 1865 and produces Angus cattle, corn, soybeans and wheat for human consumption. Hunter also recently purchased his own plot of land to further his family’s legacy and implement the industry’s technological advancements.

But Hunter was skeptical about attending college so far from home. From a persuasive agriculture advisor and Northwest recruiter, his thoughts changed. He decided it would be beneficial for him to learn new skills to bring back to the farm after completing his degree.

Cole Hunter is pictured inside the Agricultural Learning Center at Northwest's R.T. Wright Farm. (Photo by Lilly Cook/Northwest Missouri State University)

Hunter landed at Northwest after seeing its agricultural facilities, modern technology, opportunities at the R.T. Wright Farm and hands-on learning experiences.

“I don’t regret a single move I’ve made,” he said. “It was one of my best decisions to be able to come up (to Northwest). It’s also not a bad idea to get away from your hometown for just a little bit.”

Hunter’s livestock evaluation course at Northwest stands out as it taught him the quality grades of cattle and which animals to keep back for production purposes. The new knowledge made him want to start selling his own processed meat in the future.

From learning how to artificially inseminate animals to seeing a cannulated cow, Hunter believes Northwest stands out among other universities by providing profession-based learning experiences in a student’s first semester on campus.

He said his favorite part about Northwest is the people and the community. Specifically, faculty members see potential in him that he doesn’t always see for himself and they motivate him to strive for success.

“Northwest prepares students by putting them in scenarios where they have to think on their feet,” Hunter said. “It makes you think on the spot in the situation that you’re currently in.”

While at Northwest, Hunter also decided to start his own photography business, C.H. Photography. After joining his high school’s yearbook staff, he fell in love with being behind the camera. He experimented with his mother’s camera, which led him to quickly purchase editing programs and better equipment.

Cole Hunter set his camera to capture this photo of himself as he worked on his family farm. (Photo by Cole Hunter)

An editor from Missouri Ruralist was impressed by his photography skills and wanted to purchase his photos at a county fair. She then asked if he would be interested in writing a column for the year. He accepted the offer to further his passion for agriculture and photography while improving his writing skills.

Additionally at Northwest, Hunter serves as an ambassador for the School of Agricultural Sciences and as the Block and Bridle club’s president. The roles have grown his confidence and taught him the importance of strong communication and leadership skills.

“College isn’t necessarily about learning bookwork,” Hunter said. “I think college puts you in scenarios that make you think on your feet. College is actually making you utilize your classwork and put you in situations that you wouldn’t do in high school.”