By Blake Jackson
David Baker, assistant dean emeritus at the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, has been inducted into the 2025 Missouri Agriculture Hall of Fame. Baker is the first MU faculty member or administrator to receive this prestigious honor.
Recognized by the Missouri Department of Agriculture for his “vision for collaboration,” Baker has long focused on forming partnerships to expand resources and increase impact.
Throughout his career, Baker worked closely with county soil and water conservation districts, legislators, and various organizations to strengthen Missouri’s agricultural community.
Baker joined MU in 1975 as an extension safety and occupational health specialist. Baker played a pivotal role in developing one of the nation’s premier agricultural safety programs by working with both small farms and large commercial operations.
His leadership during the 1993 Missouri and Mississippi River floods led to the university’s active involvement in recovery efforts and helped establish the Extension Disaster Education Network-a national initiative that unites educators, emergency responders, agencies, and communities to improve disaster response and preparedness.
In various administrative positions at MU, Baker led investments in initiatives like pasture-based dairies and replacement heifer programs, which contributed significantly to Missouri’s economy. These programs created hundreds of jobs and generated an estimated $120 million in statewide economic impact.
Beyond the university, Baker built strong connections with legislators and agricultural stakeholders across the state and country.
After retiring from MU, he continued to support Missouri agriculture through special projects with the Missouri Department of Agriculture.
Reflecting on his journey, Baker shared that despite doubts from a high school teacher, Baker pursued higher education and became the first in his family to attend college, earning a degree in agricultural education from Illinois State University in 1970. Baker later completed a master’s in occupational safety and health while working as a county extension agent.
“Extension is a great profession,” Baker said. “It’s a challenging one, but it has been a rewarding experience.”
“Dave’s acceptance into the Missouri Agriculture Hall of Fame is a tribute to his dedication to advancing Missouri agriculture,” said Garrett Hawkins, president of Missouri Farm Bureau.
“Dave’s influence has been felt throughout the agriculture community, and the impacts of his work will last a lifetime. Dave has been and continues to be a mentor to many, including me. I am thrilled he was selected for this honor.”
Photo Credit: university-of-missouri
Categories: Missouri, Education