Lincoln University Represented at National Conference in Washington

Representatives from Lincoln University of Missouri (LU) joined agricultural leaders from across the country at the 2026 CARET/BAA Washington Conference, held Feb. 22-25 in Washington, D.C.

Hosted by two national land-grant agriculture organizations - the Council on Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching (CARET) and the Board on Agriculture Assembly (BAA) - the event brought together delegates, university leaders and invited guests to strengthen advocacy efforts, share expertise and build collaborative networks. Members of the Administrative Heads Section, which includes leaders from colleges of agriculture, also attended.

Participants engaged in sessions centered on federal funding priorities and the evolving needs of the agricultural and food systems sectors, while also conducting organizational business and strategizing for the year ahead.

Discussions underscored the importance of sustaining increased federal investment in 1890 Extension Services and Evans-Allen Research programs, both of which are critical to supporting historically Black land-grant institutions and the communities they serve.

Anitha Chitturi, assistant professor and state extension specialist in integrated pest management (IPM), attended as an LU delegate. She highlighted the university's IPM model, which reduces input costs, strengthens biodiversity and improves farm resilience through on-farm demonstrations across Missouri.

"This was a proud personal milestone," Chitturi said. "As a state Extension specialist in IPM, my work is rooted in directly helping farmers and growers in their fields. Being in Washington and walking the halls of Congress for the Hill visits to represent our work was meaningful."

She noted strong engagement from legislative staff during meetings, emphasizing how rewarding the genuine interest in IPM and LU shown by legislative aides made the experience.

Chitturi said her time in Washington deepened her understanding of federal decision-making and the importance of institutional advocacy.

"I came away with a much better understanding of how federal funding decisions are made and why it matters for Lincoln University to be part of those conversations, especially around fiscal year 2027 appropriations and the Farm Bill," she said.

She added the conference reinforced the broader impact of Extension - this work matters and telling our stories at the federal level is just as important as doing the work itself.

Chitturi emphasized the ongoing nature of advocacy efforts.

"Advocacy is not a one-time effort; it requires consistent presence, relationships and a clear voice at the federal level," she said.

Marquan Martin (Lincoln University Construction Manager), Webster Davis (Lincoln CARET Delegate) and Anitha Chitturi, Ph. D. (State Extension Specialist - IPM) representing the Lincoln University delegation at the CARET/BAA Washington Conference in Washington, D.C.

Marquan Martin, special assistant of operations to the dean in the College of Agriculture, Environmental and Human Sciences at LU, also attended. For both Martin and Chitturi, it was their first CARET/BAA experience.

Martin said the event highlighted the critical role of capacity funding in sustaining university programs.

"I learned capacity funding isn't just 'stable money'- it's the foundation letting us leverage every other dollar, attract industry partners and keep our faculty and graduate students in place," Martin said. "I also picked up very practical advocacy tips: keep stories simple, make the ask early, and always tie everything back to local economic impact and workforce development."

He added that participating in congressional visits reinforced the importance of representation at the national level.

"As an 1890 land-grant representative from Lincoln University, it reminded me: our voice matters at the national table," he said. "Walking the halls and having staffers from multiple congressional offices listen to our funding needs made me feel like the work we do for small farmers and rural Missouri communities is seen and valued."

Reflecting on the experience, Martin said one key takeaway will stay with him: "Capacity funding is the quiet foundation making every other success possible."

In addition to policy discussions and advocacy training, this event provided opportunities for networking and recognized outstanding contributions through CARET awards.

Organizers said the annual gathering continues to play a vital role in fostering collaboration, strengthening leadership and advancing the shared mission of land-grant institutions nationwide.

Lincoln University's presence at the 2026 CARET/BAA Washington Conference underscored LU's vital role in advancing the mission of 1890 land-grant institutions - championing research, outreach and education to directly support farmers, rural communities and the next generation of agricultural leaders. Through active advocacy and collaboration, Lincoln continues to elevate its impact across Missouri and beyond while ensuring its work remains seen, supported and sustained.