Austin Wilson, a University of Missouri junior studying plant sciences with an emphasis in crop management, was elected president of a national student organization during the recent CANVAS conference in Salt Lake City, marking a major achievement for the Mizzou Agronomy Club and the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR).
Wilson will serve as 2026 president of Students of Agronomy, Soils and Environmental Sciences, commonly known as SASES.
The organization provides leadership development, professional development and networking opportunities for students interested in agronomy and related fields.
The election process included submitting a candidate profile before the conference, delivering a two‑minute speech outlining goals for the organization and receiving a one‑minute supporting speech from CAFNR alumnus Bryce Himmelberg.
“I decided to run based on conversations I had with previous officers, where I heard about the numerous benefits and opportunities associated with the position,” Wilson said.
As president, Wilson’s primary goal is to expand SASES outreach to additional universities while increasing involvement among current member institutions. The organization hosts two annual conferences: a fall meeting held in conjunction with the professional CANVAS organization and a spring conference hosted by a member university.
Wilson noted that the fall conference generally draws a much larger crowd than the spring meeting and said he would like to change that. He emphasized that visiting other universities exposes students to new research and program models, which can spark ideas they bring home to strengthen and grow their own clubs.
Wilson also plans to coordinate tours during next fall’s conference in Portland, Oregon, to expose members to different agricultural systems.
“I hope members will gain new opportunities and learn about new facets of agriculture under my leadership,” he said. “The Northwest is unique in the types of commodities and production that take place there, and I think it is important to highlight these differences.”
Wilson credits his leadership development to the encouragement of family, friends and agriculture advisors.
“My family and friends have always pushed me to take the next step, continue to step outside my comfort zone and grow as a leader,” Wilson said. “My agriculture advisors in high school kept me focused on achieving the next goal.”
In addition to Wilson’s election, seven Mizzou Agronomy Club members attended the conference, where they competed in academic contests, presented research and networked with industry professionals. The event is designed to expand students’ technical knowledge and professional connections within the agronomy field.
Wilson said one of SASES’ most overlooked strengths is the access it provides students.
“Many people see that SASES is a college organization, and don’t realize that our members get opportunities to speak with industry leaders and professionals, and see the newest research and technologies in the agronomy industry,” Wilson said. “Members spend time developing connections with certified crop advisors through the annual CANVAS meeting, which coincides with the SASES fall meeting.”
