Stories

Alejandro Plastina.

June 17, 2024

New director announced for RaFF

The Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF) at the University of Missouri has selected Alejandro Plastina as the center’s new director, starting Sept. 1, 2024. Plastina will join the Division of Applied Social Sciences (DASS) faculty as an associate professor within the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) at the University of Missouri. “I am thrilled and honored to be named the new director for the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF),” Plastina said. “I will focus on expanding and solidifying the good research, extension and education work of the Center. My ultimate goal…

A group of students pose for a photo.

June 7, 2024

Torq’N Tigers Team takes 5th place at ASABE Quarter-Scale Tractor Competition

The University of Missouri Torq'N Tigers team competed in the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) International Quarter-Scale Tractor Student Design Competition this month. The team placed 5th overall and placed 1st in the Overall Performance Event and Durability Competition.

Graphic for MO Cash Rental Rate Survey 2024

June 3, 2024

Landowners and tenants invited to respond to 2024 Missouri Cash Rental Rate Survey

MU Extension researchers invite Missouri landowners, farmers, ranchers and hunters to participate in the 2024 Missouri Cash Rental Rate Survey.

Historic columns in sunlight

May 29, 2024

DASS faculty member honored by Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City

The Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City honored Scott Brown, associate extension professor in the Division of Applied Social Sciences, with the group’s prestigious Jay B. Dillingham Award for Agricultural Leadership and Excellence at a luncheon held May 16 in Kansas City’s historic Union Station. 

May 13, 2024

FAPRI looks back on 40 years

Abner Womack speaks during the the 10th Annual Abner Womack Missouri Agriculture Outlook Conference in Columbia, Mo. In the early 1980s, a small group of mathematicians and agricultural economists saw a need that few others acknowledged — objective analysis of agricultural markets and policies. With perseverance to find funding and an academic home — both of which were challenging — that small group of people brought the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) at the University of Missouri to life in 1984. Today, FAPRI is a valuable resource for a wide range of stakeholders including the U.S. Congress, USDA,…

Students pose with a plaque.

May 13, 2024

Mizzou National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) team places 5th in national competition

The Mizzou NAMA qualified for the final round of the student marketing competition at the 2024 Agri-Marketing Conference held in Kansas City, April 24-26.

Alan Spell smiling.

May 2, 2024

Alan Spell recognized with Provost’s Award for Creative Extension Programming by New Faculty

Alan Spell, assistant extension professor, Division of Applied Social Sciences, has been chosen to receive the Provost’s Award for Creative Extension Programming by New Faculty. Spell specializes in economic and industry research for MU Extension’s Exceed program. Spell’s work includes publishing the monthly Missouri Economy Indicator briefs, conducting broadband studies and industry economic impact analyses, and providing data training. This award recognizes faculty with a current (at least 25 percent) extension assignment who have made exceptional accomplishments in their first four years of service to MU in the field of extension or continuing education.

Corinne Valdivia

May 2, 2024

Corinne Valdivia awarded C. Brice Ratchford Memorial Fellowship

Corinne Valdivia, professor, Division of Applied Social Sciences, and D. Howard Doane Professor, has been awarded the C. Brice Ratchford Memorial Fellowship as part of the 2024 Faculty Excellence Week. The C. Brice Ratchford Memorial Fellowship Award recognizes a University of Missouri System faculty member who demonstrates commitment, dedication and effectiveness in advancing the land-grant mission through extension, international education, and agricultural economics programs. The fellowship is presented to a faculty member who personifies the creativity, vision and leadership exhibited by the late Dr. C. Brice Ratchford.

A student rides a quarter scale tractor.

May 1, 2024

CAFNR Senior Spotlight – Q&A with Ethan Gutz

Gutz is a senior graduating in May with degrees in agricultural systems management and agribusiness management.

Two students stand in front of decorations.

May 1, 2024

CAFNR Senior Spotlight – Q&A with Clark Rohrbach

Rohrbach is a senior graduating in May with a degree in agribusiness management.