What do you do in your current role with the University of Missouri? I am an extension economist in the Division of Applied Social Sciences. My primary responsibilities revolve around crop production economics. I tend to focus on the intersection of production and the environment. So, I have done research and education on manure value, biosecurity, managing under extreme weather…
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Turning a Passion into a Career
CAFNR Celebrates Black History Month: Young alum Kaija Caldwell found a passion for horses while at Mizzou
“Horses are my career.” Kaija Caldwell said the words still feel surreal coming out of her mouth. When Caldwell first arrived at the University of Missouri she wasn’t sure where her interest in animals was going to take her. She certainly wasn’t expecting to fall in love with horses. “I knew that MU had a great animal sciences program, which…
Q and A with Christopher Daubert
Vice Chancellor & Dean Daubert highlights college’s priorities amidst five-year anniversary
As he celebrated his five-year anniversary as dean of the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Christopher Daubert reflected on the college’s biggest accomplishments since 2017 and discusses top priorities moving forward. Q: How does CAFNR research support Missouri’s agriculture industry? A: CAFNR researchers are making discoveries and producing knowledge that help improve the production of Missouri commodities: beef,…
Get to Know TaylorAnn Washburn
Washburn is the program manager for the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF)
What are your job duties/job responsibilities in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources? I am the program manager for the newly formed Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF). In this role, I manage relationships with our collaborators at other land-grant universities, oversee all communications and public relations efforts for the center to gain visibility, and generally…
Catch Up With CAFNR
A gallery of CAFNR happenings
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CAFNR Plant Scientist Named AAAS Fellow
Bing Yang recognized for contributions in plant genomics
In recognition of nearly two decades of work creating rice varieties resistant to certain types of bacteria, Bing Yang, professor of plant sciences, was named as a 2022 American Association for the Advancement of Science fellow. “There is so much diversity within the Society, and it is an honor to be among them,” Yang said. “The recognition of my work…
CAFNR Advisor Spotlight: Laura Hertel
Hertel serves as an academic advisor for the environmental sciences degree program
How rewarding is it to work with students in the environmental sciences degree program? It is the most rewarding job I have ever had. I meet them as unsure teenagers who mature as people and as professionals over the years as they pursue their degrees. I can see the transition when I catch up with some of our graduates at…
Q&A with Nick Wesslak
Nick is a field specialist in agronomy serving the northeast region.
What do you do in your current role with the University of Missouri? I am an agronomy field specialist based in Marion County. I cover the eight northeast counties of Missouri. How long have you worked in this position? I have worked in this position since April 2022. What is your favorite part about the work you do? It is…
An Incredible Experience
Sophie Cunningham Classic offers students a look at organizing a high-profile event
In early December, high school girls basketball teams from three states took part in the inaugural Sophie Cunningham Classic, a three-day shootout in Columbia created by women athletes for young female athletes. The Classic allowed those athletes to take center stage and allowed Cunningham to give back to the community where she dominated opponents on the court as a high…
MU’s Center for Agroforestry to Host Virtual Symposium
Theme: “Demystifying Perennial Crop Improvement and Integration”
The University of Missouri’s Center for Agroforestry is hosting its 14th annual symposium virtually to allow for easy participation. The January 18 event will focus on perennial crop improvement and features an impressive slate of researchers and industry leaders in its speaker lineup. “Perennial crop improvement is often misunderstood and underappreciated,” said Hannah Hemmelgarn, assistant program director for the Center…