May 9, 2022
Contact: Deidra Ashley, ashleyde@missouri.edu
Wellington, Missouri, native Elizabeth Fahrmeier has been immersed in agriculture her entire life. Not only does the agribusiness management student come from a long line of Tigers, but she also comes from a long line of Tigers who attended the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR).
“I feel like I practically grew up on this campus,” Fahrmeier said. “My dad came to Mizzou, along with my brother and cousins … all but one of them studied in CAFNR, so it wasn’t scary when I chose to come to MU because it already felt like home to me.”
As a high schooler, Fahrmeier participated in FFA and the Future Business Leaders of America. At Mizzou, she said she wanted to combine her love of those two things with a major that would provide many career paths. “A degree in agriculture business made so much sense to me,” she said. “It was the perfect blend of my favorite clubs and provided a lot of options for me. It also allows me to fulfill my passion for learning, as there are constantly new areas of agriculture to explore.”
On campus, Fahrmeier made the most of her Mizzou experience. She got involved in organizations, studied abroad in Thailand, was a student research assistant — and even got engaged to her fiancé, a CAFNR graduate.
“I’m so proud to be a Tiger,” she said. “Mizzou is a special place for me and my family, and I’m proud to carry on that family tradition.”
Learn more about Fahrmeier’s journey at Mizzou.
Why did you choose Mizzou?
I chose Mizzou because it felt like home. I chose CAFNR specifically because it has such a tight-knit family feel and I knew it would make a big campus feel so much smaller. When I came to campus, I got involved in Sigma Alpha, which is a professional agriculture sorority, and the Agriculture Business Club … there are just so many ways to get involved here.
How did study abroad enhance your college experience?
I spent three weeks in Thailand with CAFNR helping with coral rehabilitation — focusing a lot on conservation. I got to just see a whole new world over there and make so many memories with the people who went on the trip with me; it was incredible. You can learn so much more outside of the classroom than you can in, and Mizzou really has a focus on making sure to get all aspects of learning into your education.
How has Mizzou helped you achieve your goals?
There are so many people who have helped me be successful at Mizzou. My academic advisor helped me get a research job, and I’ve been able to build relationships with my professors that have been life-changing. These people have acted as mentors and coaches — helping me get out of my comfort zone to meet new people and take advantage of opportunities I didn’t know existed. They’ve made my college experience so much better than it already was.
What’s your favorite Mizzou memory?
I have so many, but I’d have to go with the night when I got engaged to my fiancée. Even though we knew each other in high school, we didn’t start dating until we were both agribusiness management majors at MU. We were able to have some experiences in clubs and things together, and it made Mizzou that much more special to us. I’ll never forget getting engaged on campus.
What do you wish you had known sooner about college?
I wish I had known that it’s OK to be more laid back. You obviously want to do well in your classes, but it's the experiences outside of classes that will make you the most memories and add to your overall college experience.
What’s next for you?
After graduation, I will be moving to Omaha, Nebraska, where I will be working as a trade assistant for Gavilon, a grain commodity group. I’ll also be getting married this summer.
