Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin and Dean Tom Payne chatted with students and alumni during social hour at Ag Unlimited

The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and the MU Ag Alumni Association Board held the 19th Ag Unlimited Banquet and Fundraising Auction Feb. 15 at the Holiday Inn Select Expo Center in Columbia, Mo. The night included a social hour, silent and live auctions, dinner and an after-party. Approximately 800 guests attended. The theme for this year’s event was “Mizzou Dynasty.”

The night began with a social hour and silent auction. Guests caught up with old friends, observed items up for bid, and bought raffle tickets from “Duck Commanders” roaming around. Dinner was served, followed by the live auction.

“This is my first Ag Unlimited as an alumnus of the College,” said Kyle Harvey, B.S. agriculture. “I didn’t realize how many people I no longer get to see all the time would be here. Not only is this event a great way to support CAFNR, it is a great way to catch up and see the people you have not seen in a while.”

The Expo Center was filled with items to be auctioned off, Duck Dynasty décor, beautiful banquet tables, 25 CAFNR scholarship recipients and hundreds of alumni decked out in their best black and gold. Entertainment included a live band and a photo booth.

“This is my last time at Ag Unlimited as a student,” said Ben Werr, senior in agricultural economics. “I should be sad, but if anything, I am excited to come back, catch up with old friends and professors, and show my support and passion for this great College that has given me so much.”

The proceeds from the banquet support student scholarships, activities and educational enhancements in CAFNR. The CAFNR Ag Unlimited Banquet committee hopes to surpass last year’s banquet and auctions income totals by grossing more than $81,000.

Several raffle drawings were held throughout the night, including chances for $1,000 gift cards to Bass Pro and Sam’s Club. Jeff Buckman of Mexico, Mo., was the big winner of the evening when his name was drawn for the Case IH Scout XL UTV donated by Case IH and affiliated Missouri dealers.

“This event is an opportunity for not only alumni to catch up, but also for current students to make connections,” said Bryan Garton, Associate Dean and Director, Academic Programs. “The time people volunteer for this event reflects the passion alumni and current students hold for the College.”

See more images from the event on CAFNR’s Flickr page.

Dean Payne uses an “Alice cutout” in his wife’s absence for the event