Missouri Agribusiness Academy accepting applications

Dec 11, 2015

Deadline to submit applications is Monday, February 1st, 2016

High school students who are thinking about pursuing a career and/or education in agriculture are encouraged to apply to attend the 2016 Missouri Agribusiness Academy.

The academy gives the attendees opportunities to learn about the many different career avenues agriculture can provide them with. Scheduled to take place between June 6^th and 10^th, 2016, students will learn about the opportunities the Springfield area can provide for them.

“Spending a week surrounded by 29 of your agriculture peers from around the state is an experience our young people will never forget,” said Director of Agriculture Richard Fordyce. “These future leaders walk away with an increased knowledge and passion for agriculture, which is exactly what we need in order to ensure a bright future for our industry.”

According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, a majority of Missouri’s farms, 19,661 to be exact, are operated by people between 55 and 64 years old. Only 326 farms are operated by people 25 years old or younger.

30 students representing 4-H chapters, FFA chapters and farm families will be given the opportunity to attend, but must submit a written application that will require them to answer questions including what the biggest challenge is to Missouri agriculture and the role agriculture plays in society.

The Missouri Agribusiness Academy has provided students with the opportunities to explore agriculture careers and education since 1988, helping more than 800 students along the way. Those chosen to attend will be given a graduation ceremony at the Missouri State Capital in Jefferson City.

Join the discussion and tell us if you’re interested in a career in agriculture. If you are, visit AgCareers.com to find the kinds of career choices that await you!

Video: Sweetener Effects on Gut Health - Dr. Kwangwook Kim

In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Kwangwook Kim, Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, discusses the use of non-nutritive sweeteners in nursery pig diets. He explains how sucralose and neotame influence feed intake, gut health, metabolism, and the frequency of diarrhea compared to antibiotics. The conversation highlights mechanisms beyond palatability, including hormone signaling and nutrient transport. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Receptors responsible for sweet taste are present not only in the mouth but also along the intestinal tract.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Kwangwook Kim / kwangwook-kim is an Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, specializing in swine nutrition and feed additives under disease challenge models. He earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from the University of California, Davis, where he focused on intestinal health and metabolic responses in pigs. His research evaluates alternatives to antibiotics, targeting gut health and performance in nursery pigs.