The United States Department of Agriculture approached Western Illinois University’s Win Phippen in 2009 with a simple bottle of seeds. The USDA thought those seeds had some big potential. The seeds were field pennycress. Phippen, a professor of plant breeding and genetics, has been studying the crop ever since. WIU created a plant breeding program specifically for pennycress in 2009.…
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Taking in the Scenery
Steve Borgelt has developed a passion for train travel
Steve Borgelt loves to travel. His trips have taken him across the United States and into Canada. Borgelt wants his journeys to be relaxing. Instead of always flying or hopping in his car to drive, Borgelt tours the United States from a train car. “I really like ground travel,” Borgelt said. “I like to see things, and I don’t really…
Developing a Bond
First-ever MU Animal Sciences Youth Leadership Academy brings in 20 high school students
For the past year, David Hoffman, Wendy Flatt and Marcia Carlson Shannon have been preparing for the first-ever University of Missouri Animal Sciences Youth Leadership Academy. The academy is focused on bringing in high school students to learn more about the livestock industry and network with industry leaders. “I’ve had the idea for several years, and I know there are…
A Dream Fulfilled
Fara and Richard Maltsbarger are giving back to the school they love
The University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Executive-in-Residence program was created in 1996 to give students, faculty and staff an opportunity to learn from industry leaders. Richard Maltsbarger was invited back to Mizzou as an Executive-in-Residence in 2012. Maltsbarger earned his bachelor’s in 1997 and his master’s in 1999 – both in agricultural economics. During his…
Showcasing Natural Resource Management
Thompson Research Center timber harvest focuses on good stewardship
The University of Missouri CAFNR Agricultural Experiment Station is focused on showcasing strong natural resource management. At the Thompson Research Center in Spickard, Mo., they are demonstrating that management with a recent timber harvest. “In general, we want to maintain or improve the health of our forests,” said Dusty Walter, AES director of natural resources. “We also want to improve…
Finding Strength
Lauren Jackson's life experiences have allowed her to give back
Lauren Jackson came to the University of Missouri to study journalism in 1997. Jackson lived in Texas before making the trek to Mizzou and had her sights set on becoming a sports broadcaster. She graduated with a degree in advertising in 2001 and developed a love for numbers during those four years. She had a student job in the department…
Graduates in Demand
Opportunities plentiful for graduates with degrees in food, agriculture, natural resources or the environment
Finding employment after college can be a stressful experience for students and their families. For students with degrees in food, agriculture, natural resources or the environment, there will be plenty of opportunities in the coming years. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there will be a high demand for college graduates in the agriculture and food industries during the…
Tackling A Challenge
Jared Decker has received a grant for $3 million to study to cattle genetics
As a beef geneticist and extension specialist, Jared Decker spends a lot of time discussing issues and challenges with Missouri producers, farmers and ranchers. One of those challenges is finding the right cattle for different environments. Cattle that are poorly adapted to their environment don’t perform as well as those that are comfortable with their surroundings. “We’re trying to create…
A Well-Deserved Honor
Junior Maria Kalaitzandonakes is a 2016 Truman Scholar
Maria Kalaitzandonakes had a short meeting scheduled Tuesday morning with Bryan Garton, the associate dean and director of academic programs at the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. She wasn’t sure what the meeting was going to hold – but there was a huge surprise at the end of it. Kalaitzandonakes, a junior at Mizzou, double…
Watching the Water
Collaborations abound through stormwater best management practices
A strong storm leaves behind a good amount of rain. Where does that water go? Can it carry nutrients or pollutants? Does it cause flooding? What can be done to manage the storm water? Those are just a few of the questions that Enos Inniss and Allen Thompson continue to research. Inniss, an assistant teaching professor in civil and environmental…