CAFNR

Extension

Q&A

Q&A with Ivan Cuvaca

Ivan is an agronomy specialist serving four counties in Southeast Missouri.

May 24, 2022

Written by Genevieve Howard

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black man wearing a white cap and maroon polo shirt
three people pose for a photo
Ivan met with faculty and staff from Lincoln University at the industrial hemp field day event hosted by Southeast Missouri State University.

What do you do in your current role with the University of Missouri?

I am an agronomy specialist in Southeast Missouri. I work with farmers and other stakeholders (e.g., ag industry retailers and government agencies) to address issues facing crop production in the region.

How long have you worked in this position?

I have worked in this position for a little over a year.

What is your favorite part about the work you do?

two people stand in front of an MU Extension sign
Ivan helps producers evaluate soil fertility and pest management through the MU Certified Strip Trial program.

My favorite part about the work I do is serving farmers. Particularly, I enjoy engaging producers in on-farm research to address issues they are dealing with on their farms.

How are you helping MU A&E Extension reach our #2xAg2030 goal?

I am helping MU A&E Extension reach our #2xAg2030 goal by helping producers identify solutions and adapt to problems facing row crop production in the Southeast. For example, I help growers evaluate soil fertility and pest management options on their farms through the MU Certified Strip Trial program.

What is something your CAFNR and MU Extension teammates may not know about you?

I love cold weather despite being born and raised in the tropics. When September rolls around, I am always looking forward to winter. It is not just a soup season for me but an opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends.

What is your hometown, place of high school graduation and degrees/universities?

I am from Mozambique. After studying agricultural engineering there, I received my master’s degree in environmental and soil science from the University of Tennessee and my Ph.D. in agronomy and weed science from Kansas State University.

The Agriculture and Environment Program is a partnership between MU Extension and the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.