Plant Science and Technology

Feb. 3, 2026

Heather Bowden honored as CAFNR Driver to Distinction

Bowden is an office support assistant IV in the Division of Plant Science and Technology.
A cow in the background as a producer uses a rotational grazing app on his phone.

Feb. 3, 2026

No fences needed: GPS collars show ‘virtual fencing’ is next frontier of livestock grazing

Cattle wearing virtual fencing collars at Mizzou’s Beef Research and Teaching Farm. For generations, farmers have spent backbreaking hours tearing down and rebuilding fences just to move livestock to fresh grazing fields. Now, thanks to a groundbreaking project at the University of Missouri’s Center for Regenerative Agriculture, that chore is becoming a thing of the past. With a $900,000 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, five Missouri producers are beta testing a high-tech virtual fencing solution that uses GPS-enabled collars and a simple mobile app to guide animals with sound and mild shock cues. No posts, no wires,…
A collage of portraits of Wes Warren and David Braun

Feb. 3, 2026

Warren and Braun recognized for outstanding achievements by the Academy of Science of St. Louis

Academy honors genomics research and science leadership.
Austin Wilson speaks to the audience.

Jan. 26, 2026

CAFNR student Austin Wilson elected national SASES president

Austin Wilson is a junior studying plant sciences.
Group examines plants on devices in greenhouse.

Jan. 12, 2026

CAFNR greenhouse goes high-tech

A major technological upgrade to the University of Missouri’s East Campus Plant Growth Facility is transforming how researchers study plant responses to environmental stress — particularly drought.
Jagdeep Sidhu

Jan. 7, 2026

Jagdeep Singh Sidhu

Sidhu grew up on a small farm in Punjab, India, an experience that continues to shape his approach to agricultural research. Motivated by practical challenges faced by farmers, his work integrates fundamental plant biology with applied breeding to improve crop resilience. His training spans crop breeding and genetics, root biology, and in silico modelling. Educational Background Ph.D. Pennsylvania State University…
NAI fellows portraits.

Jan. 7, 2026

CAFNR’s Henry Nguyen named 2025 NAI Fellow

Henry Nguyen is one of two Mizzou professors receiving the prestigious honor from the National Academy of Inventors this year.
Marcelo Barbosa

Dec. 19, 2025

Marcelo Barbosa

Marcelo Barbosa’s faculty appointment includes research (60%) and Extension (40%). His program focuses on integrating cutting-edge technologies to advance and support modern agricultural production systems. His work centers on the use of remote sensing, unmanned aerial systems (UAS/drones), robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence to enhance data collection and improve the speed, sustainability, and precision of on-farm decision-making. More specifically, his research includes the development of predictive and forecasting models for crop yield, quality, and plant health; autonomous and semi-autonomous crop management solutions; and decision-support systems that translate complex data into actionable recommendations for growers. He is particularly interested in bridging…
Man asks question from audience.

Dec. 17, 2025

CAFNR students showcase small businesses, compete for funding

Last month, three CAFNR students participated in Mizzou's Entrepreneur Quest Student Accelerator Finale, with two placing high enough to receive funding for their business ideas – and all three receiving valuable experience.
Michael poses with colleagues.

Dec. 12, 2025

CAFNR Honors Michael Dennigmann as Driver to Distinction

Dennigmann is a senior research specialist.