2026 Missouri Ag Hall of Fame Inductee
On the family farm in Houston, Missouri, Anson Elliott learned the importance of helping others and making an impact on the world from his mother, Ruth. Little did she know that Anson would grow up to be such an influential voice for Missouri agriculture and an icon on the campus of Missouri State University. Dr. Anson Elliott is synonymous with the Darr College of Agriculture at Missouri State University. Under Dr. Elliott’s leadership as Director for 36 years, the school became a college, added the Journagan Ranch, and developed a 90-acre working farm and educational campus in Southwest Springfield. Throughout this time, Elliott became a recognized voice for agriculture on a regional, state, and national level. He taught and mentored thousands of students through his years at Missouri State University.
A graduate of the University of Missouri, with an undergraduate degree in agriculture education and a Master’s in agronomy, Elliott began his career as a high school agriculture teacher before spending five years in Minnesota conducting research on wild rice. His return to Missouri changed the trajectory of his career and agriculture in southwest Missouri.
Dr. Elliott and Betty, married in 1966, have one daughter and four grandchildren, and live in Springfield.
About the Missouri Ag Hall of Fame
The Missouri Agricultural Hall of Fame recognizes farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness leaders who have made outstanding contributions to Missouri agriculture. Inductees are selected by a committee and honored annually.