By Blake Jackson
Students at Northwest Missouri State University are gaining valuable exposure to the evolving agriculture industry this spring through their involvement in the Show-Me Value-Added Agriculture Institute.
Launched last year by Dr. Rod Barr, dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, the year-long program connects students from colleges and universities across Missouri.
Its goal is to expand understanding of agriculture by focusing on value-added practices that enhance products and open new business opportunities.
“The institute was an idea that came from a study that was done back in 2017 that looked at opportunities for producers in agriculture to add value,” Barr said.
“We have a huge opportunity for that part of agriculture to expand in the state of Missouri and - when trying to figure out what we might be able to do - came up with the idea of this institute that connects students and faculty to people in agriculture who are doing things in the value-added area.”
During the program, participants attend five sessions before the spring semester ends. This year’s cohort has toured a grain barge, a cotton gin, and a rice farm in Cape Girardeau, along with traditional operations involving livestock, soybeans, and corn.
The group met in Springfield this month and will conclude the program in April in Jefferson City, where students will present their ideas to business professionals.
The experience encourages students to explore agriculture beyond production and apply insights to their own goals.
“I've learned a lot about the business side of agriculture,” Breann Poole, a junior animal science student said. “We’ve had a lot of businesspeople there, and some of their biggest advice is to have a business plan to put into action, to choose people around you that are going to make your business succeed and to be serious about your farm as a business. It’s been a bit of a wakeup call, seeing that it's the family farm, but it’s also a business need.”
“The panelists and speakers are all very honest about what it’s like to own a business or be involved in a business,” Chanda Sunderman, a senior animal science major from Clarinda, Iowa, said. “Classes are technical. The panelists give you an idea of what is to be expected realistically.”
“This is a great opportunity, specifically if you are looking to open your own business,” Maria Vedder, a junior agricultural education student said.
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Categories: Missouri, Education