AgAmerican Spotlight: Ashlyn Keene 

For Ashlyn Keene, a Junior Associate on AgAmerica’s Inbound Relations team, agriculture was always part of the landscape. 

Raised in Plant City, Florida, Ashlyn grew up surrounded by the strawberry farms that have long been part of the community, with family ties to both cattle and citrus farming. But it wasn’t until college that she began meeting more of the people behind the businesses and seeing the dedication required to keep them strong.

In her role at AgAmerica, Ashlyn gets to hear those stories every day. She speaks with farmers, ranchers, and rural landowners across the country, learning what they’re working toward and helping them navigate the first steps toward financing. 

Her path to agricultural lending may not have started on a farm, but the more Ashlyn learned about the industry, the more she wanted to support the people who sustain it. Her experiences in the classroom, her growing connection to the agricultural community, and her work at AgAmerica have all shaped the perspective she brings to every borrower conversation. 

In this AgAmerican Spotlight, get to know Ashlyn and the experiences that sparked her passion for agriculture, shaped her approach to relationship-driven lending, and influence how she supports the people behind American agriculture. 

From Farm Tours to a Career in Agricultural Finance 

AgAmerica was Ashlyn’s first job after college, but her interest in agriculture began during her time at Florida Gulf Coast University. 

One of the most impactful courses she took was a farm tours class focused on Southwest Florida agriculture. Throughout the semester, Ashlyn visited eight different farming operations, toured their farms, learned about their businesses, and had the opportunity to speak directly with producers. 

What stood out to her most were the conversations about the challenges farmers face every day. Many of the operations were family-owned and had been passed down through generations. Despite the uncertainty that comes with agriculture, Ashlyn saw how much pride producers took in their work and how deeply they cared about their land, families, and communities. 

“Those experiences gave me a greater appreciation for where our food comes from, and the dedication required to sustain an agricultural operation.” 

After graduation, Ashlyn knew she wanted a career where she could help people like this. AgAmerica’s mission to know the farmer, counsel the farmer, and provide the financial structure that allows farmers to thrive resonated with her because it reflects the importance of supporting the people behind American agriculture. 

Since joining AgAmerica, she has had the opportunity to speak with farmers, ranchers, and rural landowners from across the country. Those conversations have reinforced what she first learned through her farm tours class—agriculture is built on hardworking, resilient people who continue moving forward despite challenges that are often outside of their control. 

“It’s incredibly rewarding to play even a small role in helping the people who put food on our tables every day.” 

Gaining a Deeper Perspective on the Producer’s Experience 

While Ashlyn’s connection to agriculture began in her community and grew through her education, her understanding of production agriculture has continued to deepen through her personal life. 

Her fiancé is a fifth-generation cattle rancher who works on his family’s cow-calf operation. Through his family and the agricultural community around them, Ashlyn has gained a firsthand understanding of the day-to-day realities in agricultural life. 

She has seen how producers navigate factors they cannot control, from weather and markets to input costs and other uncertainties that can affect an operation from one season to the next. 

Over the years, she has also had the opportunity to learn about a wide variety of agricultural operations, including cattle, citrus, strawberries, watermelons, cucumbers, and sugarcane. 

“What stands out to me is that while every operation faces its own unique challenges, they all share a deep sense of pride in what they do and a genuine passion for the industry.” 

Helping Producers Take the Next Step 

That perspective has shaped not only how Ashlyn sees the industry, but also how she approaches her role as one of the first points of contact for AgAmerica borrowers. She understands that behind every financing request is more than a set of financials. There is a family, a business, a piece of land, or a dream that someone is working hard to sustain and grow. 

As a Junior Associate on AgAmerica’s Inbound Relations team, Ashlyn’s role involves listening to prospective borrowers, learning about their experiences, and understanding what they are trying to accomplish before helping identify potential solutions.  

From there, she provides an overview of AgAmerica’s land loan solutions, helps determine whether AgAmerica may be a good fit, and guides borrowers through the application process as they take the next steps toward financing. 

“Every operation is different, and I get to learn about a wide variety of agricultural businesses and the goals behind them. Whether someone is purchasing their first piece of farmland, expanding a family operation, or refinancing to strengthen their business, there is always a unique story behind the financing request.” 

For Ashlyn, even an introductory conversation can make a difference. Taking the time to listen and understand a producer’s goals helps create a stronger foundation for the conversations that follow. 

Seeing the Impact of the Right Financial Structure 

Through her conversations with borrowers, Ashlyn has seen producers at many different stages of their agricultural journey. 

For some, financing can make farmland ownership possible. For others, it provides the flexibility to pursue new opportunities and plan more confidently for the future. 

“I’ve seen how access to financing can provide farmers and ranchers with the flexibility and support they need to pursue opportunities, adapt to changing circumstances, and continue investing in their operations.” 

Looking Ahead to the Next Generation of Agriculture 

What excites Ashlyn most about the future of agriculture? Seeing the next generation step into the industry. 

“Agriculture is constantly evolving, but the passion and dedication of the people involved remain strong. It’s encouraging to see young producers willing to take on the challenges of agriculture and invest in its future.” 

She is encouraged by young producers carrying on family operations while also seeing new farmers pursue their own dreams of starting an operation. 

Through her interactions with borrowers and her own experiences in agriculture, Ashlyn has seen producers find creative ways to connect with consumers through agritourism, educational programs, farmers’ markets, and community outreach. She is inspired by the industry’s commitment to sharing its story and helping consumers better understand where their food comes from, reminding her of her own story and why she chose this career path. 

Supporting the People Behind American Agriculture 

As the industry continues to evolve, Ashlyn believes AgAmerica can play an important role by continuing to support both established and emerging generations of producers with farmer-focused financing that adapts to their changing needs and goals.  

Ashlyn’s journey into agricultural finance is a reminder that a connection to agriculture can take many forms. From growing up in an agricultural community to learning directly from producers in college, each experience has deepened her appreciation for the people who make agriculture possible. 

Her commitment to listening, learning, and understanding the people behind every operation reflects the relationship-driven approach at the heart of AgAmerica. 

Every operation has a story. We’re here to listen, understand, and help you plan for what’s next. 

Connect with the AgAmerica team today to get started.