The University of Missouri – Columbia’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources honored six recipients with the 2024 CAFNR Column Award for Distinguished Alumni. This is the only award specifically for alumni presented by the college – the highest honor bestowed by the college in celebration of outstanding alumni. The awardee class includes one graduate from each of CAFNR’s six divisions, reflecting the six historic columns at the University of Missouri. Honorees included David Larsen, Jonathan Dyer, Blake Hurst, Joel Spencer and Julian Lenis. Not pictured is Kendra Kattelmann. (Photo by Schaefer Photography)

 

Blake Hurst owns Hurst Greenery and farms near Westboro, Missouri.

 

By Michelle Enger

The University of Missouri – Columbia’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) recently honored several alumni whose leadership, tradition and Mizzou spirit abound! The annual CAFNR Column Award for Distinguished Alumni recognize one outstanding graduate from each of the six divisions, inspired by the iconic columns on Mizzou campus. These exceptional alumni embody the school’s core values of respect, responsibility, discovery and excellence. The 2024 award recipients are:

Mizzou School of Natural Resources – David Larsen

Mizzou Plant Science & Technology – Julián Mario Lenis

Division of Food, Nutrition & Exercise Sciences – Kendra Kattelmann

Division of Applied Social Sciences – C. Blake Hurst

Division of Biochemistry – Jonathan Dyer

Division of Animal Sciences – Joel Spencer

Blake Hurst of Tarkio, Missouri, a 1978 MU graduate, has been a servant leader and voice for agriculture throughout his career. Hurst is the owner of Hurst Greenery in rural Westboro, Missouri, and former president of Missouri Farm Bureau. He served as a CAFNR Executive-in-Residence in 2019.

His involvement with the Missouri Farm Bureau (MOFB) began in 1983 when Blake and his wife, Julie, served on the Missouri Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) State Committee, becoming chair in 1984.

In 1994, he joined MOFB’s state board of directors, representing the Northwest District of the state. From there, he became Vice President in 2003 and in December of 2010, Blake was elected to serve as MOFB President. He served as President until his retirement in December of 2020.    

Blake’s service on national boards and advisory councils also includes time on the AFBF Board of Directors and YF&R Committee, representing AFBF on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Agriculture Markets Advisory Council and serving as the Vice Chair of the Federal Trade Commission Task Force for Reviewing the Connectivity and Technology Needs of Precision Agriculture in the United States.    

“In addition to his service to Missouri Farm Bureau, Blake is also a published freelance writer, farmer, floriculturist and family man. When he speaks – or writes – people want to tune in. Blake’s leadership helped set the course for Missouri agriculture for a generation and his impact will be felt for generations to come,” said nominator Garrett Hawkins, President of Missouri Farm Bureau.

Hurst Greenery is a family business, producing bedding plants, perennials, hanging baskets, patio pots and hardy hibiscus for direct delivery or distribution across four Midwestern states, with the help of one of their daughters and two sons-in-law, in addition to Blake and Julie. Blake also raises corn and soybeans on his family farm in Tarkio. Blake’s freelance writing has been published in The Wall Street Journal, The Wilson Quarterly, and The American.