College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources // Monticello Society Brunch

Guest Speaker, Amy Dooley, director, Jefferson Farm and Garden.

Even the relentless pouring rain could not deter nearly 100 CAFNR folks from attending the 2017 Monticello Society Brunch Saturday, April 29, at the Courtyard Marriott in Columbia. Though it was a soggy day, which cancelled tours of Jefferson Farm and Garden (JFG), the facility’s director Amy Dooley gave the crowd a wonderful snapshot of just what it is like to visit the 67-acre educational farm.

The Monticello Society is CAFNR’s exceptional group of dedicated alumni and friends who have an impact on the ability of our College to achieve the highest levels of excellence.

JFG was started in 2006 by the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the Thomas Jefferson Agricultural Institute, but the funding model was unsuccessful. Fast forward appropriately 10 years and CAFNR was able to resurrect the venture with plans to build on the farm’s original mission. With some funding from the College, and private support, JFG looks to fill a niche in our community: teaching all ages about food and agriculture.

Dooley was hired as director a year and a half ago. Amy has a B.S. in social science education from the University of Northern Iowa, an M.S. in educational administration from Lindenwood University, and this June, will be completing a doctoral degree in STEM education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Before her appointment with Mizzou, Amy developed and managed a 207-acre educational farm in Springfield, Missouri.

Since her appointment as director, Amy has worked to implement visitor experiences and K-12 curricula for students to learn about Missouri crops, pollinator habitats, flower and vegetable gardens, water and energy conservation initiatives and the importance of livestock. In a very short time she has made JFG a true asset to our community and the state of Missouri.

JFG offers a myriad of fun, hands-on activities and community events. Amy also urges families to utilize JFG for birthday parties, reunions, field trips and the like.

For more information or to schedule a visit to JFG.

To support Jefferson Farm and Garden.