To truly learn how to raise crops or care for livestock, individuals need to get their hands dirty and do the work involved. Thanks to one local resident, students at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) will have the opportunity to do just that.

Linda Wulff-Risner, professor of agriculture at MSU-WP, recently donated her 40-acre farm, Risner Stables, just south of West Plains to the university to support, enhance and grow its agriculture programs. It will be known as the Wulff-Risner Agriculture Science Center in honor of the Wulff and Risner families, university officials said.

“With that ‘teacher-heart’ that’s so evident in all she’s done at Missouri State-West Plains, Linda has done something that only a few of us in education can dream of doing – extend her love for students and her love for agriculture far into the future, if not in perpetuity,” said MSU-WP Chancellor Dennis Lancaster.

“The gift of her farm will ripple out to educate, train and influence thousands of students yet to set foot on campus, even yet to be born. And what this does for agriculture – in our region, in our country and beyond – is inestimable but oh, so exciting and full of hope for the generations to come,” Lancaster added. “From the first time she mentioned to me her desire to gift the farm to the university, Linda’s focus has been on what this will mean for our students. Her vision is now our vision.”

More about the farm

Wulff-Risner’s property includes two large stables, offices, a tack room, hay barn, storage and kennel areas, and a 7,200-square-foot indoor riding arena, which will provide ample space for the university’s current agriculture programs and room to add more.

“Dr. Wulff-Risner’s donation of her farm is a transformative gift for our agriculture programs,” said Dr. Michael Orf, vice chancellor of academic affairs. “The farm will provide far more and greater opportunities for our students and provide many more hands-on opportunities than we are currently able to offer. This will allow us to consolidate all of our applied learning classes in one location, including our animal science and plant science courses, and it will give the university the needed space to develop and house additional agriculture programs in the future.”

Currently, the university offers two associate degrees and seven certificate programs in agriculture-related fields. Orf said other programs are in the planning stages.

The importance of agriculture

Wulff-Risner, who has taught agriculture courses at MSU-WP as a full time and per course instructor for almost 30 years, pointed out agriculture is vital to the economy of not only of this area, but also the nation and the world. Education, she added, is the foundation on which tomorrow’s agriculture leaders will be prepared to move that economy forward.

“Through this gift I hope to expand the ability of MSU-WP to continue educating agriculture students through hands-on learning and ‘sweat equity,’” she said. “It has been my lifelong goal for my work and the property to be a positive part of the community and for agriculture students now and into the future. I hope this will lead to investment by area agri-businesses and individuals to grow the agriculture program at MSU-WP.

“The leadership at MSU-WP is dedicated to growing the agriculture program, and I would like to see them use the facility and the program to collaborate with the community and make the facility into an asset that is beneficial for all,” she added.

University officials said the effects of this gift will be felt for years at MSU-WP. “Through this gift, Dr. Wulff-Risner’s impact on our agriculture programs will continue long after she retires from her active role at MSU-WP,” Orf added.

“From agricultural education to agriculture business, there are examples all over Missouri and Arkansas of Dr. Risner’s impact,” said Rachel Peterson, director of development and annual giving. “This generous gift reflects her love for her students, alumni and the future of the agriculture industry, and we are thankful.”

For more information about the agriculture programs offered at MSU-WP, visit WP.MissouriState.edu/Agriculture.

For more information about giving opportunities at MSU-WP, visit WP.MissouriState.edu/UniversityAdvancement or call 417-255-7240.