MU Agribusiness Management

We are proud to see Agribusiness Management alumni like Laura Bolte giving back and making a massive impact on our campus community. Thank you for your dedication to CAFNR!

In our CAFNR Alumni Spotlight, we’re highlighting Laura Bolte, B.S. Agribusiness Management ’07, North American Commercial Business Technology Partner at Bunge, CAFNR Alumni Board Member and MAA Representative for the Executive Board.

Q: What makes you ?
A: CAFNR prioritizes student success and preparing them for the future so well. I'm always impressed with the professionalism and maturity of students I get to engage with.

Q: Why did you want to serve on the CAFNR Alumni Board?
A: I wanted to stay involved in CAFNR and Mizzou on a deeper level than sporting events.

Q: What’s your favorite way to connect with other CAFNR alumni?
A: CAFNR Unlimited is a huge reunion of alumni. It's great to see so many familiar faces supporting future alumni.

Thanks, Laura, for all you do to support CAFNR and our students!

Congratulations to the 2026 Agribusiness Management Graduates! We are so proud of you!

Meet Mariah Buckallew, who recently studied abroad in France. During her time abroad, one of her most memorable experiences was visiting a Charolais cattle farm, where she was able to observe the differences between French and domestic production systems. She especially enjoyed learning about feed rations and the science behind management decisions. Mariah also traveled throughout the Normandy region, including visits to the D-Day battle sites, museums, and cemetery. When the group’s bus broke down in the French countryside, what started as stressful quickly turned into a memorable evening spent together enjoying good food and conversation in a small town.

Congratulations, Amy Moum, for receiving the 2026 Outstanding Staff Award!

Amy is the program/project support coordinator for the Division of Applied Social Sciences. She organizes and plans many events for the agribusiness management program and the other programs in DASS.

“Amy is not afraid to learn new things, accepts challenges and shows up regularly,” said nominator Cindy Greenwood, program/project support coordinator II, School of Natural Resources. “Her success is always shared with others. She is most definitely not an ‘I’ — it’s always we, ours, staff’s.”

Read more: https://cafnr.missouri.edu/stories/amy-moum-receives-2026-outstanding-staff-award/

Meet Aubrey Markt, who recently had the opportunity to study abroad in Japan. During her trip, she learned Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, and especially appreciated the culture’s emphasis on minimalism and the intentional use of empty space within intricate designs. Along with this, she took classes in sushi making and origami. While abroad, Aubrey visited Tokyo, Kamakura, Kyoto, and Osaka. Although she loved exploring each city, she noted that navigating the transportation systems was one of the most challenging parts of the experience.

In Food Retail Systems, Professor Matt Sveum offers students an inside look at the strategy, sourcing, and decision-making processes that shape the food retail industry. Through engaging lectures and conversations with industry professionals, students gain a deeper understanding of how products make their way to store shelves and the challenges retailers face as consumer preferences continue to evolve. Guest speakers and industry insights reinforce that every decision in retail is intentional and data-driven.

Seniors Christian Henke and Dalton Stoecklein highlight the impact of the course on their learning experience. Henke noted that one of his favorite aspects of the class was learning about local businesses and the real challenges they encounter. He also shared that a guest speaker from Crumbl Cookies stood out, offering firsthand insight into opening a franchise and the requirements involved in getting started.

Stoecklein described Food Retail Systems as one of the most enjoyable courses he has taken at Mizzou. He emphasized the value of the small class structure, which fosters a conversational and engaging learning environment with meaningful in-class discussions. He also highlighted the variety of guest speakers and industry tours, including conversations with a vice president from BreakTime and a local Crumbl Cookies franchisee, noting that each provided valuable perspectives on the food and retail industry.

Congratulations to the 2026 CAFNR Outstanding Undergraduate Advisor, Robyn Holliday!

Robyn is an academic advisor for the Personal Financial Planning and Agribusiness Management programs in the Division of Applied Social Sciences. “Robyn is more than an advisor – she is a trusted mentor,” said Katy Parcell, agribusiness management major. “I know her door is always open and that it is a safe place to bring any concern.”

Read more: https://cafnr.missouri.edu/stories/robyn-eschenbrenner-holliday-honored-with-2026-outstanding-undergraduate-advisor-award/

Congratulations to the 2026 CAFNR Outstanding Junior, Katy Parcell!

Katy is a junior majoring in agribusiness management from Columbia, Missouri. “Katy embodies the principles of servant leadership,” said Keri Jacobs, associate professor of agriculture and applied economics and director of GICL. “She is always willing to support her peers, mentor others and contribute to the greater good.”

Read more about Katy and her dedication to the CAFNR community: https://cafnr.missouri.edu/stories/katy-parcell-named-2026-cafnr-outstanding-junior/

Congratulations to the 2026 CAFNR Outstanding Sophomore, Clare Staley!

Clare is a sophomore majoring in agribusiness management from King City, Missouri. “She has said yes to every opportunity we have offered her to develop new skills and accept more responsibility,” said Mallory Rahe, associate extension professor. “These qualities make her not only a strong employee, but also a strong ambassador for the college.”

Read more about Clare and her dedication to CAFNR: https://cafnr.missouri.edu/stories/clare-staley-named-2026-cafnr-outstanding-sophomore/