Rooted in excellence: Cultivating the future of agronomy at the University of Minnesota

BY SIMON YANG, AGRICULTURAL COMMUNICATION & MARKETING, BS '26

Agriculture isn’t just history at the University of Minnesota — it’s a living, breathing launchpad for global change. While you won't find a standalone "Agronomy" major on the registration checklist, today's undergraduate students are doing something even better: pairing a world-class CFANS major with a high-impact agronomy minor. Through immersive labs, greenhouse experiments, and mentorship from leading faculty, CFANS students are customizing their education to tackle global food security, innovate sustainable cropping, and bridge generational gaps.

Here is how four Gophers are turning their passion for plants into a purposeful career.

Breckin Anderson: Bridging the generational divide

“Agronomy excites me because, as someone with a livestock background where it takes longer for something to mature, plants take less time, and that rapid growth is fun to study,” says Breckin Anderson.

Anderson, a rising second-year student studying plant science and minoring in agronomy, credits one of his very first agronomy courses as a memorable experience so far. “One class that will stick with me for the rest of my college career and beyond is AGRO 1103: Crops, Environment and Society, taught by Jake Jungers,” he said. Anderson states that, despite having foundational knowledge, this class was “super informative” and deepened his understanding.

Why the University of Minnesota: The rich history of the University is a key reason Anderson chose to study here: “I chose the University of Minnesota to study agronomy because they have an amazing history, starting with Norman Borlaug; it has continued with amazing professors, facilities, and campus clubs,” he said. Choosing UMN felt like a “no-brainer” for him.

Looking ahead: “My biggest goals are to help bridge the gap and disconnect between generations of farmers and agronomists,” Anderson said. He hopes to use his education to help both sides understand their common, vital goal: finding the best ways to feed the world.

Kristen Raunch: Understanding food from the roots up

For rising third-year food science major Kristen Raunch, adding an agronomy minor was the perfect way to see the bigger picture. “I chose to minor in agronomy because I wanted to know about foods before manufacturing and digestion,” she explained. “I am excited to learn about soil science and wanted to learn more about how soil nutrients affect plants.”

In her time here so far, Raunch has enjoyed lab work: “Even though labs take up lots of time, they have been the most interesting and enjoyable part of some classes.” She states that microbiology has been one of the most interesting topics, “Using a microscope to see how small organisms are, and relating their impacts in agriculture, puts into perspective how much different organisms work together and affect each other.”

Why the University of Minnesota: “After growing up in a small town, I wanted to live in a city,” Raunch said, noting that the St. Paul campus offers the best of both worlds. Cultivating a future in agriculture while enjoying urban campus life made coming to the UMN ideal.

Looking ahead: Upon graduating, Raunch is eager to have a positive impact on future generations: “I would like to leave a good impression and help others.” 

Zoey Foss: Connecting tradition with global systems 

“The most exciting thing about agronomy is taking part in the oldest human traditions; society wouldn’t be where it is without agriculture,” says Zoey Foss, a rising third-year student studying plant science with a minors in agronomy and French. “It’s so cool to study the science and practice behind the food systems we rely on.”

So far, Foss has found her stride in the university's hands-on facilities. “Spending time in the greenhouse and recreating experiments is such a cool experience,” she said, adding that each lab is even more exciting when you get to take plants home after experiments wrap up.

Why the University of Minnesota: “The University of Minnesota has one of the most focused botanical programs I’ve seen; we have so many majors, minors, tracks, and programs dedicated to plants and agriculture,” Foss said, expressing why studying here felt ideal. She also notes that each class and opportunity feels relevant in the preparation of personal career goals, making each experience valuable in growth.

Looking ahead: “I want to help address the global food crisis at its roots by bettering agriculture systems and the crops they nurture,” Foss said when asked about post-graduate plans. “I’d really like to travel around the world to gain knowledge of global agriculture and spread my knowledge.”

Emily Day: Engineering sustainable innovations

“What excited me about studying agronomy is having the knowledge to make positive environmental impacts,” says Emily Day, a senior CFANS student who paired an agronomy minor with her plant science major. 

Some of Day’s most memorable moments during coursework took place in laboratories. “The labs were very immersive and fun; there were challenging exercises that made me question my hypothesis and technique,” she said. “It was also memorable because of my classmates, who made labs filled with joy, laughter, and jokes.”

Why the University of Minnesota: When asked why she chose to attend the University of Minnesota, Day said, “Not only was it close to home, but CFANS offered a program I wanted to focus on.” She also noted that she had made connections with faculty and others here at UMN, which also contributed to her decision.

Looking ahead: After her expected graduation in August, Day plans to be a part of sustainable crop innovations. “I hope to have an impact within the plant breeding community by breeding crops with strong traits to withstand harsh environments,” says Day .

Cultivate your own path

Whether your goal is to engineer climate-resilient crops, explore soil microbiology, or change global food systems, a customizable, hands-on education is waiting for you at the University of Minnesota.

• Ready to join us? Apply to CFANS.
• Add an agronomy minor: CFANS students apply here; other UMN students apply here.