There’s a lot going on in the William H. Darr College of Agriculture these days. Dr. Melissa Bledsoe, dean of the college, has many projects in the works that are moving the college forward.

Ag Forum

Last Thursday, I attended the 2025 Agricultural Forum in the Bond Learning Center at the Darr Agricultural Center. It was an impressive panel that included Chris Chinn, director of  the Missouri Department of Agriculture; Garrett Hawkins, president of the Missouri Farm Bureau; and Will Neal, an industry professional. They discussed topics of importance to our producers, students and the future of the industry.

Director Chinn is a fifth-generation Missouri farmer and was a 2024 inductee into the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame.

Ag Innovation Hub

Did you know in 2022 the Darr College of Agriculture received a $2 million grant to build an Agricultural Innovation Hub focused on current technological innovations in the agricultural industry? We’ll celebrate the opening of the facility with a ribbon cutting this fall.

The hub will allow the college to offer new educational and research opportunities to faculty and students using modern agricultural technology. In addition, agriculture education majors will learn new, advanced technologies and teach them to high school students.

Strategic plan

Dean Bledsoe is also leading the development of the college strategic plan. The steering committee has identified five goals and two integrative approaches:

• Enrollment
• Facilities
• Curriculum
• Student experience
• People and culture

Farm to fork is the first integrative approach where they’ll integrate production ag, food and value-added consumer experiences. The second approach is beef where they’ll enhance educational opportunities to support cattle and related industries.

State Fair

The university will also increase its presence at the Missouri State Fair this summer. The College of Ag has maintained a strong presence over the years, but now we’re expanding that to include a Missouri State Day on Aug. 15, along with expanded recruiting by all our colleges during the Aug. 7 -17 fair schedule. For those who want to join in the fun, there will be more information as we get closer to August.

Agriculture is vital to the state of Missouri. Our governor, Mike Kehoe is a first-generation farmer who recognizes its significance. He has said, “It’s critically important that we bring up a new generation of farmers because the next 20-30 years will present incredible opportunities for young farmers and agriculture leaders.” Gov. Kehoe has personally expressed to me and Dean Bledsoe that he wants us to continue leading in agriculture.

The future looks bright for our agricultural programs and our students in Missouri and beyond.

Thanks for checking in. It’s a great day to be a Bear!

Biff