CAFNR Senior Spotlight – Q&A with Anna Buchanan

Buchanan is a senior graduating in December with a degree in agribusiness management.




A student poses for a portrait in front of the Columns.

Q: Why did you choose to come to the University of Missouri?
A:
I chose the University of Missouri because I had always heard great things about CAFNR, especially its hands-on learning experiences and many networking opportunities within agribusiness, which I knew would be valuable in preparing for my future career. Also, being close to home has allowed me to stay connected with family and friends.

Q: Why did you choose to pursue your major?
A:
I chose to pursue agribusiness management because I was interested in the business and financial aspects of the agricultural industry. This major has allowed me to learn more in areas like finance, economics and supply chain management, which are all skills I can use to support the growth and success of agricultural businesses.

Q: Were you involved in any extracurricular activities?
A:
I was involved in Sigma Alpha, a professional agricultural sorority, which gave me the opportunity to connect with others in the agricultural industry. I was able to develop professionally, enhance my leadership skills and build relationships that have helped me grow both personally and in my career.

Q: Did you partake in any research, study abroad or internship opportunities? What did you enjoy about those experiences?
A:
I interned with ProPartners, an organization that closely supports private veterinary practice owners in various aspects of business. This includes helping new veterinarians establish their business, providing financial and insurance services, and offering one-on-one strategic planning. I enjoyed meeting with veterinarians and learning about their practices while assisting them in organizing their finances.
I also completed a study abroad trip to Belize over spring break where we hiked through the jungle and snorkeled in coral reefs while learning about tropical ecosystem management.

Q: What is a favorite memory you have during your time in CAFNR?
A:
One of my favorite memories from my time in CAFNR has been participating in CAFNR Week. It’s always a fun opportunity to see everyone outside of class, and mud volleyball night is always a highlight.

Q: How did your degree program prepare you for the future?
A:
The agribusiness management degree program gave me a solid foundation for understanding market trends and economic principles that apply to my job. Studying agribusiness also aligned with my accounting minor more than I expected, as many of the business topics overlapped and reinforced my understanding of financial and operational aspects in business.

Q: What are your future plans?
A:
After graduation, I will begin working full-time with ProPartners, specifically on the DVM Office team, where I will focus on bookkeeping to provide clients with monthly financial data, enabling them to make informed business decisions. As an account manager, I will work closely with clients to ensure they receive timely, accurate data to support their business operations.