Mizzou College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

In our CAFNR Alumni Spotlight, we’re highlighting new alumni board member, Breanne Harmon, BS Science and Agricultural Journalism '14, MS Agricultural Leadership, Communication and Education '17, EdSp Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis '21; Business Education Teacher at Brunswick R-II School District.

Q: What makes you ?
A: I am of our CAFNR students. They are pursuing fantastic opportunities related to innovation in research, international travel through study abroad, real-world learning from internships and experiencing leadership opportunities due to involvement in CAFNR organizations. I know that these students will be prepared to meet the demands of the 21st century work force because of their experiences in CAFNR.

Q: Why did you want to serve on the CAFNR Alumni Board?
A: CAFNR gave me so much as a student, and as a CAFNR Alumni Board member I wanted the opportunity to support CAFNR. I am thrilled to work with my fellow board members to bring meaningful experiences and opportunities to CAFNR alumni.

Q: What’s your favorite way to connect with other CAFNR alumni?
A: My favorite way to connect with CAFNR alumni is by attending a Mizzou football game! I enjoy tailgating with fellow alumni and joining in the fall excitement that comes with a football game.

Thank you, Breanne, for your service and support of CAFNR and our students!

Mizzou Agricultural Education and Leadership

Meet CAFNR student Asher Skelton!

Asher is a sophomore majoring in Mizzou Parks, Recreation, Sport & Tourism (PRST) who is spending his summer as an intern in CAFNR’s Office of Academic Programs.

Although he has plans to work in athletics in the future, his goal this summer is to focus on communicating his CAFNR pride.

“I really like working on my communication skills, whether it’s over the phone, through email or just verbally,” Asher said.

Asher helps schedule advising appointments for current and incoming students and is also part of divisional visits when students attend Summer Welcome.

“I’m helping share my experiences as a Mizzou student and what residential life looks like, what being involved on campus looks like,” he said.

Asher believes CAFNR is the perfect fit for him because it combines his career path with his agricultural roots.

“I really liked that PRST was in CAFNR because I was involved in FFA a lot through high school,” he said. “It’s nice to be able to still be in touch with my agriculture side.”

But one of Asher’s biggest goals during his time at Mizzou is to help spread awareness of how varied CAFNR’s programs and opportunities are.

“I think a lot of people believe in this stigma around CAFNR that it’s all agriculture, and I really want to try to break that,” he said.

After summer is over, Asher aims to become more involved in the sport management program while continuing to show the Mizzou community everything CAFNR has to offer.

“I just really want to make an impact,” he said. “It doesn’t have to be huge, but I’d like people to remember me at Mizzou.”

Congratulations to Jenna Fusinatto! Jenna advises students in our Mizzou School of Natural Resources. 🎉

Laura Taddeucci Downs served as the first NSCS Chapter Advisor for the inaugural chapter of The National Society of Collegiate Scholars, founded in 1994 on the campus of The George Washington University.

Nearly 30 years ago, Laura believed in the vision of NSCS and its potential to make a positive difference in the lives of students, even when the organization was still only an idea. With more than 20 years of experience in student affairs and higher education, Laura understands firsthand what it takes to meaningfully impact the student experience. She embodies an enduring student-first philosophy and remains one of the leading advocates for developing and supporting first- and second-year students.

Each academic year, NSCS recognizes one outstanding advisor with the Laura Taddeucci Downs NSCS National Advisor of the Year Award, honoring their contributions as an exceptional leader and champion of The National Society of Collegiate Scholars. This award is made possible each year by Laura, who continues to support NSCS and its mission.

This year, the recipient of the 2025–26 Laura Taddeucci Downs NSCS Advisor of the Year Award is Jenna Fusinatto. Jenna serves as the Senior Student Services Coordinator at the University of Missouri, where she goes above and beyond in her role to support students. She has demonstrated an outstanding record of service to the organization and has supported the NSCS chapter at Mizzou for the past 11 years.

Since beginning her role as an NSCS Chapter Advisor, Jenna has supported the leadership team’s efforts to maintain chapter activity and engagement. She has created meaningful opportunities for students to serve as leaders and has provided valuable support through her expertise in mentorship. She has also played a pivotal role in recognizing and celebrating high-achieving students at through nominations for membership in her chapter.

Please join us in celebrating Jenna and all of her contributions to NSCS!

We were to host the Missouri Agribusiness Academy (MAbA) on the campus last week, where high school students learned about The Michael L. Parson Meat Science Education and Training Laboratory (MSL). They also heard from CAFNR faculty and staff members and state leaders.

Bryon Wiegand, director of Mizzou Animal Sciences, gave MAbA members a presentation on the new meat laboratory, which is projected to open later this year. Located just south of the Trowbridge Livestock Center, the MSL will provide a new vision for meat processing to support teaching, research and Extension activities, ultimately boosting the economic value of raising livestock for producers across Missouri. Dr. Wiegand will serve as its director.

Students heard from Ben Brown, the state row crop economics extension specialist, and saw a presentation about the Grape and Wine Institute lab from Dean Volenberg, the viticulture program leader at Mizzou. They also enjoyed student-made Buck's Ice Cream.

Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn wrapped up their day by announcing next year’s MAbA ambassadors.

High school students across the state earn MAbA memberships through a competitive application and interview process. The 2026 class consists of 30 high-achieving agriculture and FFA students who are rising juniors and two ambassadors who attended the academy prior year.

The group toured agribusinesses, explored educational opportunities and met with agricultural leaders in the St. Louis area earlier in the week before ending their trip on Mizzou’s campus. Our thanks to the Missouri Department of Agriculture for including CAFNR in their tour!

A big round of applause for our 1,200+ CAFNR students who earned a spot on the Spring 2026 Dean’s List! We are of you!🎉

These high-achieving Tigers maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.0 while earning a 3.5 or higher term GPA on 12 graded credit hours last semester.⭐

Congratulations, Torq’N Tigers | Mizzou Quarter Scale Tractor Pulling Team, for placing 5th overall in the 2026 ASABE Quarter Scale Tractor Competition!

Out of 23 teams competing, the Torq’N Tigers A-Team placed first in the Performance, Durability and 1,100-lb Low Hook Pull categories.

Mizzou’s Torq’N Tigers design and build quarter scale pulling tractors. Student members test the team design at contests each year and receive opportunities to develop leadership and management skills. Members also get to connect with industry engineers through the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE).

A-Team:
Jacob Lakenburger – Graduating Senior, Mechanical Engineering
Aidan Engbert – Graduating Senior, Information Technology
Jack Knop – Graduating Senior, Mechanical Engineering
Trevor Blanken- Graduating Senior, Mechanical Engineering
Andrew Kabrick - Graduating Senior, Mechanical Engineering
Evan Masterson - Graduating Senior, Agricultural Systems Technology
Avery Thomas – Senior, Mechanical Engineering
Braden Denning – Senior, Engineering Technology

X-Team:
Olivia Taylor – Junior, Sociology
Garbielle Shern - Junior, Agricultural Systems Technology
Braden Sloan – Senior, Mechanical Engineering
Krista Wojcikiewicz - Junior, Mechanical Engineering
Gage Benskin – Senior, Agricultural Systems Technology

Those contributing to the team not able to attend the competition:
Sierra Beaver – Graduating Senior, Agricultural Education
Gracen Clark – Graduating Senior, Agribusiness Management
Kohl Bush - Senior, Mechanical Engineering
Nick Van Schyndel – Junior, Agriculture