The future of agriculture is intricately linked to the life sciences industry. It doesn't matter if we think it should be or not. What we as farmers and ranchers must do is position our businesses to take advantage of the opportunities this holistic approach will bring to agriculture. The term "life sciences" defies easy definition, but in general, it covers an effort to bring together academic researchers from plant and animal science, biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, health sciences, veterinary medicine, genomics, and a host of related disciplines.

More and more, the Midwest is capitalizing on this new industry. Specifically, business and academic sectors are actively building a life sciences corridor that stretches from Kansas City on the west, extends through Columbia and expands eastward to St. Louis. The University of Missouri's life science emphasis is beneficial to agriculture. At MFA, we've made no secret of our support of the life sciences industry and have donated to development of the life sciences project at the University of Missouri. What brings this to mind today, however, are recent sizeable donations to the University of Missouri from private individuals engaged in agriculture.

The David W. Gust family, owners of Circle A Ranch based in Iberia, Mo., donated a scientific bonanza to the university. The Gusts donated detailed performance data on approximately 6,000 animals, including DNA samples. Excited University of Missouri scientists claimed the data collection was the only one of its kind on the planet. Those scientists aren't stretching the truth. The collection will allow a search for desirable traits as well as a run down of specific genes responsible for those traits. The gift is valued at $5.6 million.

Also donating a large sum were Al McQuinn, founder of Ag-Chem Equipment Company, and his wife, Mary Agnes. The McQuinns are offering up to $5 million to the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources by matching dollar for dollar donations from individuals and providing one dollar for every two given by corporations and foundations. The couple has also in the past donated $1 million to construction of the university's life sciences center. All of us in agriculture (and in the rest of society as well) owe a huge debt of gratitude to individuals like the Gusts and McQuinns for their generosity. There have been many other generous donors as well, and I apologize for the limited space here that prevents me from listing their contributions.

What's the big deal about life sciences research at the University of Missouri? Why is it drawing not only individual contributions but a huge investment infusion from the federal government as well as private industry? Why should anyone in agriculture care that this university is a large player in the life sciences industry?

To begin with, scientists forecast the benefits of a life sciences approach to include: food products contributing to healthful lifestyles and new treatments for disease; medicines made of healthful plants; advances in understanding the relationship between medicine, plants and human health; acceleration of development of vaccine candidates to protect humans and animals from infectious diseases; agricultural crops that require fewer inputs; plants with improved resistance to drought and other environmental stresses; reduced dependence on foreign-source petroleum through new biobased products; and environmental benefits to solve soil contamination.

More than 2,000 undergraduates participate in much of this research. That's one reason the National Science Foundation recognizes MU as one of 10 institutions in the country that excels in integrating teaching and research. In fact the National Science Foundation lists the University of Missouri as a national leader in plant biology.

In addition, MU is one of the top 15 universities in annual funding in life sciences research from the National Science Foundation. Consider also that MU is No. 5 in plant genomics funding from the National Science Foundation, and Missouri as a state is No. 2. MU is a recognized leader in comparative medicine, and as such was chosen to house major National Institutes of Health research and resource centers for swine, rats and mice. In terms of agronomy, MU is a national leader in mapping row crop genomes. MU is also strong in bovine genetics--and will get stronger considering the expected effects of the Gusts' donation. And last but not least, MU's College of Veterinary Medicine trains the largest number of laboratory animal vets in the nation and leads in developing diagnostic techniques.

All of this is absolutely positive for Midwest agriculture. As if to underscore the point, the University of Missouri has structured its research and resources around the concepts of a research zone, a technology transfer zone and an entrepreneur zone. The university is strategically strengthening this infrastructure in the life sciences, including a life sciences center, swine genetic research and resource center, plant genetic security center, health science research and education, comparative medicine center and a life sciences incubator.

The University of Missouri is positioned to anchor the life sciences efforts and provide strong leadership through its role as a land-grant university that delivers the benefits of research to the citizens of the Midwest. That process will benefit all of us in agriculture.