Students embark on the Ag Industries Tour
POINT LOOKOUT, MO. – Over spring break, Dr. Brian Wilson and nine College of the Ozarks agriculture students embarked on an immersive, statewide industry tour designed to broaden their understanding of modern agriculture and the diverse careers that support it. The three-day trip took students to fourteen agricultural and ag-adjacent operations across Missouri, offering firsthand exposure to industries ranging from livestock genetics and food processing to transportation and public policy.
By connecting learning in the classroom to real-world practice, the tour reinforced the College’s commitment to the vocational preparation of students for meaningful careers that serve both their communities and the broader agricultural world.
Students began their journey bright and early Monday morning, with the first stop being Show-Me Genetics. Here they learned how advanced reproductive technologies shape the future of cattle production through genetic improvement. From there, they visited Prime Trucking and Springfield Underground, gaining insight into the transportation and cold-storage systems that keep the nation’s food supply moving. At Vital Farms, students observed pasture-raised egg production on a commercial scale, followed by a stop at Convoy of Hope. At Convoy of Hope, former professor and General Farm Manager, Tammy Holder, explained how agriculture plays a vital role in humanitarian outreach. She highlighted the organization’s efforts to support global communities and improve food security through agricultural development and disaster-relief initiatives. The students’ last stop of the night was Joplin Regional Stockyards, giving them a close look into the livestock marketing and economic forces that drive the beef industry.
The students started their next morning at Shatto Milk, a family-owned dairy where they saw firsthand how milk is processed on-site and transformed into a variety of dairy products. Afterward, the group continued to the American Angus Association where they saw how the association supports cattle producers through breed improvement, performance data, and advanced genomic tools that guide herd-development. Their last stop of the day landed them at Trans Ova Genetics. Here, they gained insight into cutting-edge reproductive biotechnology, including embryo transfer and in-vitro fertilization techniques that are shaping the future of livestock production.
On their last day, the students toured America’s Heartland Packing, which offered a deeper look at large-scale meat processing and food safety systems. At the University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine and the Graduate School for Plant and Soil Sciences, students learned about advanced research, graduate education opportunities, and the scientific foundations behind animal health and crop production. The final stops, SelecTurf and the Missouri State Capitol, connected agriculture to land management, environmental stewardship, and the legislative process.
Throughout the trip, students heard directly from industry leaders who shared their career paths, daily responsibilities, and perspectives on the future of agriculture. Many participants noted that their experience broadened their understanding of the field and revealed career options they had never considered. By the time the group returned to campus, they carried with them a deeper appreciation for the complexity of Missouri’s agricultural landscape. The tour served as a powerful extension of the College of the Ozarks’ commitment to vocational education, demonstrating that learning rooted in real-world experience prepares students to serve with knowledge, integrity, and dedication.
