MU Jefferson Farm and Garden opens new learning center

COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri and Boone County leaders celebrated a new chapter for Jefferson Farm and Garden Extension and Education Center with the ribbon cutting of its new learning center, a flexible gathering space designed to expand hands-on education, research demonstrations and community engagement.

The learning center will support programming ranging from Extension Master Gardener trainings and Heroes to Hives workshops to demonstrations of drones and other agricultural technologies. The facility also creates new opportunities for university students, community organizations and other partners to gather, learn and collaborate.

“We’re proud of what this building makes possible,” said Rob Kallenbach, associate dean in the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) and MU Extension senior director of agriculture and environment. “Whether you’re a farmer, gardener, veteran, youth or community partner, this is a place where you can experience the latest research and technology firsthand. We designed it to be flexible, accessible and able to meet the learning needs of Missourians for years to come.”

The new facility was made possible through collaboration among MU Extension, CAFNR, Boone County, local MU Extension council members, donors and community partners.

“This building is a great example of the land-grant mission in action,” said MU Vice Chancellor for Extension and Engagement Chad Higgins. “It’s where research from Mizzou becomes practical education through demonstrations, workshops and hands-on learning. It also represents what can happen when the university and community work together to build something that benefits everyone.”

Jefferson Farm and Garden connects people with agriculture, conservation and natural resources through workshops, demonstrations, field trips and community events. The new learning center also provides a year-round gathering for other community organizations and partners looking for a place to host educational programs, meetings and other activities.

“The Jefferson Farm and Garden learning center will help MU Extension reach more Missourians, create stronger community connections, and contribute to the future of agriculture in our state,” said Matthew Martens, MU provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs. “An investment in this farm is an ongoing commitment to Mizzou’s broader mission of putting knowledge to work for the people we serve.”

The project also reflects a longstanding partnership between MU Extension and Boone County.

“Jefferson Farm and Garden is an asset for Boone County and the entire region,” said Kip Kendrick, Boone County presiding commissioner. “This new facility gives even more people the opportunity to come together, learn and benefit from the resources and expertise available through MU Extension. We’re proud to be a partner in making that possible.”

The learning center will serve as a year-round home for education, collaboration and community engagement, strengthening Jefferson Farm and Garden as a resource that belongs to and serves the broader community.

Photo

Ribbon cutting at Jefferson Farm. From left, Charles Holland, director of MU Jefferson Farm and Garden; Michael Krauch, MU Extension regional director for northeastern Missouri; MU Provost Matt Martens; Rob Kallenbach, associate dean, MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources; and Vice Chancellor for Extension and Engagement Chad Higgins; and representatives of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce.