Across the country, many land-grant HBCUs do not receive the full state match of federal funds they are entitled to. In Missouri, this funding gap directly impacts Lincoln University, leaving small and mid-sized family farms without access to vital agricultural extension programs.

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While predominantly white land-grant institutions such as the University of Missouri often focus their extension services on large, corporate farms, Lincoln University has historically supported small and medium-sized farmers, providing them with resources, training, and community-driven support. Without adequate funding, these farmers are left at a disadvantage.

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I traveled with Antonio Lewis to Lincoln, Missouri, to document his outreach efforts—meeting with rural farmers to explain how the defunding of HBCUs like Lincoln University threatens the sustainability of family farms throughout the state.