When the U.S. Farm Report College Roadshow rolled into Columbia this fall, the excitement in Traditions Plaza was hard to miss. Behind the scenes of the national broadcast were two CAFNR students – Katy Parcell and Taylon Morgan – whose hard work and coordination helped make the event one of the largest and most successful Roadshows yet.

Both students work with Ben Brown, senior research associate and extension specialist in agricultural and applied economics for MU Extension, and were key players in bringing together faculty, sponsors and student organizations to make the day run smoothly. The event coordination quickly turned into a hands-on leadership opportunity for the students when the past project manager left the university.

Morgan, a sophomore double majoring in political science and agribusiness management, said she and Parcell split up tasks.

“I helped check students in, contacted commodity groups, and helped advertise the event,” Morgan said.

Parcell’s role focused on outreach and coordination. Working closely with Brown, she managed communication with students, faculty and sponsors, and helped oversee logistics during the week of the event.

“Since attending the event as a freshman, I’ve seen the impact it has,” Parcell, a junior majoring in agribusiness management, said. “I wanted to help make it bigger and was excited to do that.”

The pair worked for months preparing for the Roadshow. Although initial planning began nearly six months in advance with permit approvals and sponsor coordination, most of the detailed work happened in the final weeks leading up to the big day.

“We started about two months before,” Morgan said. “The week before was the biggest milestone – making sure everything was approved by the university and getting the finishing touches done.”

This year’s event featured new elements that helped make it stand out from past Roadshows –including live music by the Mini Mizzou Band to spirited pom-poms donated by Mizzou Athletics and the Alumni Association.

“It looked similar to last year, but with more energy,” Parcell said. “We also added more activities and found new ways to get students involved.”

To boost attendance, the two focused heavily on outreach and incentives – from in-class announcements and flyers to extra credit opportunities, money giveaways and prizes.

“We advertised the money aspect and that students had the chance to win prizes,” Morgan said. “It definitely helped, and we had a much bigger turnout than before.”

Their efforts paid off. Nearly 170 students showed up – going well past their expectations and showing just how passionate Mizzou students are about agriculture and the Roadshow in general.

“Everyone was energetic and excited,” Parcell said. “We were hoping for 150 students, and Ben counted 167. It was great to see so many student organizations come out, with several clubs even walking away with funding.”

Both students agreed that splitting up responsibilities and planning early were crucial lessons learned through the process.

“Splitting up responsibilities is helpful – in the future I’ll make a to-do list and check things off as I go,” Morgan reflected.

“Start further ahead of time than you think,” Parcell added. “It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to permits and permissions.”

Despite the tight timelines and a few unexpected moments – like last-minute supply shortages and juggling a long line of students at check-in – both look back on the event with pride.

“Hanging out with my sister Tyne and helping her was the most fun,” Morgan said, laughing. “Most people don’t realize we’re sisters, so it was special getting to work together. Trying to find 150 pom-poms a week before the event was probably the most stressful.”

“Getting everyone signed in at the same time was chaotic but fun,” Parcell added.

For both, the experience highlighted the value of teamwork, communication and community within CAFNR.

“It got students more involved in issues in agriculture and showed how much Mizzou cares,” Morgan said.

“Seeing CAFNR alumni Tyne Morgan – the first female host of U.S. Farm Report – in action was especially encouraging,” Parcell shared.

As the two look back on their work, it’s clear their dedication helped turn an already well-loved event into an even more memorable celebration of agriculture, collaboration and Mizzou pride.

This story was written by a student in AGSC_COM 2150, which gives students the opportunity to explore public relations and journalistic writing with real-world experience in CAFNR.