By Blake Jackson
A delegation of 20 Ukrainian agricultural educators and business leaders recently completed a two-week educational program in Missouri focused on expanding expertise in precision agriculture, digital agronomy, and agro-scouting techniques.
The visit was organized through the Agricultural Growing Rural Opportunities in Ukraine (AGRO) Activity, an initiative designed to modernize Ukraine’s agricultural sector by strengthening market systems, improving access to financing, and supporting small and medium-sized producers.
The program aims to increase rural incomes while building a more resilient agricultural economy.
The Missouri tour was coordinated by Kerry Clark, associate research professor and director of CAFNR International Programs, along with Rusty Lee, agronomy field specialist, and Meikah Dado, assistant professor of agricultural education.
Participants visited several University of Missouri research and extension facilities, including Bradford Research Farm, Greenley Research Farm, the Plant Diagnostic and Soil and Plant Testing laboratories, the Center for Regenerative Agriculture, the Digital Agriculture Research and Extension Center, and the Fisher Delta Research, Extension and Education Center.
The group also toured agricultural cooperatives, private farms, a cattle auction, wineries, the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture, a farmers market, the St. Louis Science Center, and met with independent crop scouts and aerial application professionals to gain practical insights into U.S. farming systems.
The AGRO initiative also seeks to strengthen business relationships between Ukrainian organizations and American agricultural technology and equipment suppliers while encouraging future collaboration.
“The trip’s aim was to foster bilateral cooperation, support sustainable agricultural development in Ukraine, and promote U.S. agritech expertise and partnerships,” Clark said.
Program leaders believe the exchange will strengthen agronomic advisory services, encourage technology transfer, expand institutional partnerships, and support the adoption of scalable agro-scouting models that can help modernize Ukraine’s agricultural industry and improve long-term competitiveness.
Photo Credit: university-of-missouri
Categories: Missouri, Business, Education, General