Lafayette County Extension District acquires 30 acres for new facilities

HIGGINSVILLE, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension District in Lafayette County has acquired approximately 30 acres on the south side of Higginsville for the development of a new countywide educational facility.

The property, secured Dec. 31, 2025, through a purchase and donation, will serve as the future home of a multipurpose complex designed to meet the needs of Lafayette County residents for years to come. The site was selected through a process led by All State Consultants that evaluated access to utilities and roadways and overall suitability to meet project goals.

The planned facility will house University of Missouri Extension offices, a meeting hall for county events, space for livestock activities and other potential community uses. District leaders will pursue grants and additional funding to leverage local tax dollars invested in the project. As a first-of-its-kind initiative in Missouri, the project is expected to generate lasting community and economic benefits.

Almost three years ago, Lafayette County voters approved a tax levy of 7 cents per $100 of locally assessed property to expand and enhance extension-related services. Since then, the district has worked to identify a location that would serve as a long-term asset for the county.

Lafayette County’s property tax levy was authorized under Missouri’s Extension District Option, which allows a county extension district to ask voters for a local levy of up to 30 cents per $100 of locally assessed property to support extension facilities, operations and programming.

The district extends its appreciation to past and present council members for their dedication to the project. Thanks also go to the Lafayette County commissioners for their partnership as stewards of Mr. Frank Riekhof’s 2022 land gift, to the City of Higginsville for its timely input on the site, and to Mr. Riekhof for his generous investment in the future of Lafayette County.