Today, Manjit Misra is helping to shape the future of feeding America as director of the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), but decades ago, he was first shaped by the seven years he spent at the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources where he received his master’s and doctoral degrees. “I certainly got…
Plant Sciences ⋅ Page 1
CAFNR Students Gain Industry Involvement and Knowledge Through Summer Internships
Students throughout CAFNR participated in internships across the nation and many facets of the agricultural industry to prepare for their future careers.
On October 4, CAFNR students will flood Brewer Fieldhouse to network with businesses looking for summer interns. Internships are a beneficial way to apply what students learn at Mizzou to real-world situations. Many CAFNR students completed internship in the summer of 2023. Learn more about some of their experiences outside of the classroom: Abby Loesing Sophomore, Agricultural Education, Communications, and…
Get to Know Carey Page
Page is the vineyard manager for Mizzou's Grape and Wine Institute
What are your job duties/job responsibilities in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources? I am the vineyard manager for the Grape and Wine Institute. I maintain the research vineyard at the South Farm here in Columbia. How long have you worked in CAFNR? I worked previously in Plant Sciences from 2008 to 2017, and returned in 2021. What…
Sharp Receives UM System’s Jefferson Award
Robert Sharp, Curators’ Distinguished Professor of Plant Science and Technology, recently received the UM System President’s Thomas Jefferson Award for his research. The award recognizes one outstanding faculty member annually who has been nationally or internationally recognized for and demonstrated clear distinction in research, scholarship, teaching and public service. Sharp, also former director of the Interdisciplinary Plant Group (IPG), received…
CAFNR Faculty & Staff Receive Honorary State FFA Degrees
The Missouri FFA Association named a number of CAFNR faculty and staff members Honorary State FFA Degree recipients at the 95th Missouri FFA Convention held April 20-21 in Columbia. This recognition was given for years of support, including service as state superintendents for agriculture, food and natural resources Career Development Events. Those honored include: Matt Arri, Agricultural Sales CDE Andrew…
Soil Judging Team Takes Fourth Place at National Competition
The MU Collegiate Soil Judging Team took fourth place in the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Judging Conference 2023 Soils Contest, held April 12-15, in Modesto, California. Two students from the Mizzou team also placed in the top ten: India Williams, freshman in environmental sciences, placed sixth; Kali Dolson, sophomore in environmental sciences, received seventh place. The team…
From Student to Specialist
Nick Wesslak, who earned two degrees from CAFNR, is putting his education to use as an agronomy field specialist with MU Extension
As a high school student in Salem, Mo., Nick Wesslak was an active member of his local FFA chapter. That experience not only introduced him to the University of Missouri, it also showed him an interesting career path – one that he is now serving in with MU Extension. Wesslak earned two degrees from Mizzou – a bachelor’s degree in…
Enhancing Learning Opportunities
New funding brings state-of-the-art equipment to Henry Kirklin Plant Sciences Learning Laboratory
Two years ago, CAFNR recognized Henry Kirklin, a celebrated Black farmer and educator who lived in and around Columbia from 1858 until his death in 1938, with the naming of the Henry Kirklin Plant Sciences Learning Laboratory (3-35 Agriculture Building). Plant sciences students have been able to benefit from the renovated space through a variety of courses and laboratory work.…
Endless Educational Opportunities
Industry tours allow CAFNR students to connect with professionals
As part of ensuring student success, the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) offers its students numerous opportunities to connect in meaningful ways with industry professionals. Those interactions come through a variety of programs, from CAFNR-sponsored experiences to degree-specific trips. Recently, CAFNR students met with a variety of professionals through the Agribusiness Career Connections Program, Dickinson Scholars…
CAFNR Faculty Selected to Participate in LEAD21 Program
David Braun, director of the Interdisciplinary Plant Group (IPG) and professor, plant science & technology and biological sciences; and Deborah Finke, professor and director of undergraduate studies, plant science and technology; were selected as participants in the 19th class of the LEAD21 program, a leadership program aimed at developing leaders in land-grant institutions and their strategic partners who link research,…