Job cuts part of plan to restructure MU agriculture station
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A plan to consolidate work and save money in the operation of the University of Missouri's Agricultural Experiment Station will come with the elimination of some jobs, according to a report released Wednesday.
A report by a special task force on the restructuring of the station that runs several farms and agricultural centers around the state said staff reductions in administration will create a net savings of $120,000 per year. Another $500,000 will come from eliminating construction and fiscal positions, according to the report.
The university said the total savings expected from the changes will be about $800,000. Fewer than 12 jobs will be lost out of 67 positions, MU spokesman Christian Basi said.
The university in a news release said the changes will make the Agricultural Experiment Station "more efficient, effective and relevant" and better able to meet the strategic priorities of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and MU Extension.
The plan came from a year-long process of review by people inside and outside the university. It was ultimately approved by UM System President Mun Choi.
The first steps in the plan will be to restructure the centers and farms in four research "hubs," create a statewide advisory committee, consolidate jobs and create a communication plan to reach younger farmers and ranchers, MU said in a news release.
