On what would typically be a quiet Thursday morning during the fall semester on the University of Missouri’s campus, a crowd roared to life on Carnahan Quad instead.
Cheering students holding signs welcomed Tyne Morgan, the host and executive producer of U.S. Farm Report, to the Mizzou campus for the taping of College Roadshow on Oct. 8.
“It is 9 a.m. and look at this crowd,” Morgan said. “This place is electric every single year.”
Morgan is the host of U.S. Farm Report’s College Roadshow, a TV program showcasing the work of land-grant universities and highlighting how it impacts farmers and ranchers across the country.
“It’s to showcase what’s happening here and in our future, and what could be impacting and helping them on their own farm or ranch,” Morgan said. “There’s so much research, so much extension work, so much that happens on the teaching side that our viewers don’t always know about.”
During the taping of the show, Morgan spoke with Mizzou faculty who serve as experts in their fields and leaders in the local agriculture industry. Students attended to serve as a live audience and showcase their school spirit.
Coming full circle: Celebrating the place that started it all
Morgan is a CAFNR alumna who graduated in 2008, which makes this stop on the College Roadshow tour special to her.
“I’m not supposed to play favorites, but I’m telling you, this stop of College Roadshow every single year ends up being my favorite just because of the outpouring of support from students,” she said. “It wouldn’t be possible if Mizzou didn’t have some of the best faculty, some of the best staff and some of the best students.”
Surrounded by students who are in the same shoes that she once was, Morgan reflected on her own CAFNR experience.
“I can say without a doubt that I wouldn’t be where I am without my experience here at the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources,” she said. “It’s because of the experience that I had at the University of Missouri and the hands-on experience that I got here that prepared me to do this job today.”
Her advice to current students is to take risks, even when it seems daunting.
“If there’s something that you think, ‘I’m not qualified for that,’ give it a shot,” Morgan said. “If you’re willing to do bold things, big things, you’ll grow, and I guarantee you that you’ll even surprise yourself.”