Like a silent saboteur, foodborne pathogens can sneak up and ruin your next meal. One of the biggest culprits is salmonella, a type of bacteria found in many foods that causes more than 1.3 million cases of foodborne illnesses annually according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Despite nationwide efforts, salmonella’s infection rates have remained nearly unchanged for the past 30 years. Now, MU is part of an interdisciplinary effort determined to change that after recently receiving a three-year, $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation’s Convergence Accelerator program.

The 19-member team of investigators — with expertise in engineering, poultry and food science, public health and supply chain management — is developing new technology to rapidly detect and mitigate salmonella and other foodborne pathogens throughout the entire poultry supply chain.

A USDA grant is funding a new water testing facility at MU’s Lee Greenley Jr. Memorial Research Farm.

Ranjita Sinha works in the lab of Ron Mittler, Curators' Distinguished Professor of Plant Science and Technology.

The Mizzou Office of Research is looking for faculty, graduate students and postdocs to volunteer to judge oral and poster presentations during Show-Me Research Week. This year’s event will be April 8-12. If you are interested in judging or would like more information, visit the Show Me Research Week webpage.

NIFA to host virtual grants support technical assistance workshop

Following on the success of the first such workshop in 2023, NIFA is hosting another Grants Support Technical Assistance Workshop to support prospective applicants and other stakeholders interested in grants development and/or grants management.

The 2024 workshop — which will be held March 4-8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — will focus on advancing knowledge shared at the 2023 event by responding to attendee questions and discussing funded projects to explain the breadth and scope of NIFA programs. A detailed agenda will be shared before the meeting.

The focus of each day is as follows:

• March 4: Accessing NIFA Web Resources on Grants Development and Grants Management
• March 5: Overview of Major NIFA Programs
• March 6: Opportunities for Selective NIFA Applicants (Groups)
• March 7: Learning Moments from Grants Management
• March 8: Reporting and Related Topics

Registration is required, and attendees can plan to attend one or more sessions. The event will be recorded and available soon after the event.

CAFNR Grants Office to host NSF workshop in April

Save the date for an NSF workshop from 1-4 p.m. April 3, hosted by the CAFNR Grants Office. NSF is an underutilized federal funding agency in CAFNR in both proposal submissions and funds awarded. This in-person workshop will be limited to 15-20 faculty attendees and aims to assist them in becoming more competitive for NSF funding. Space is limited, so be sure to register promptly once registration opens in the coming weeks.

Covered topics will include navigating NSF funding announcements, required proposal documents, and opportunities to secure additional funding for successful NSF projects. Guest speakers will discuss differences between NSF and USDA funding opportunities, as well as the importance of well-defined broader impacts. There will also be a bonus session on establishing SciENcv accounts for those that need it.

SNR faculty member named Conservation Federation Missouri Forest Conservationist of the Year

Hank Stelzer, associate professor of forestry and natural resources extension education director, was announced as Forest Conservationist of the Year by the Conservation Federation Missouri. The honor is part of the organization’s 2023 Conservation Achievement Awards, which recognize Missourians who better the outdoors through personal efforts.

CAFNR staff member receives MU International Engagement Award

Lindsey Saunders, CAFNR International Programs projects manager, was awarded the 2023 MU International Engagement Award. The award was presented by the University of Missouri Council on International Initiatives and recognizes exemplary staff service advancing MU’s global reach and reputation.

DASS professor recognized by Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors

Dairy Hall of Honors recognized Scott Brown, associate extension professor in the Division of Applied Social Sciences, with the Meritorious Service Award on Jan. 26. This award recognizes and honors those individuals, usually in dairy related fields, who have rendered outstanding support and service to the Missouri dairy industry but who would not qualify for any other Foundation award.

CAFNR faculty members have received the following recent grants (listed by Principal Investigator):

Morgan Davis, Measuring Greenhouse Gas Emissions following Fall and Spring Anhydrous Ammonia Applications with Centuro® Nitrogen Stabilizer – 2024, Koch Agronomic Services, 11/1/23-4/30/25, $51,874

Thomas Bonnot, Phase 2 – Implementation of the Landscape Health Index (LHI) on Priority Geographies, Missouri Department of Conservation, 1/1/24-6/30/24, $34,100

Ben Knapp, Forest management effects on carbon dynamics in the Central Hardwood region, Missouri Forest Products Association, 1/1/24-6/30/24, $99,430

Xi Xiong, A statewide survey assessing sweetpotato safety due to soilborne pathogens, Missouri Department of Agriculture, 11/1/23-10/31/25, $41,767

What makes Super Bowl parties so expensive — and where you can save
The Washington Post

Billions of cicadas will emerge in the Mississippi River basin this spring
Yahoo! News

Show-Me-Plus: A DNA Option for Show-Me-Select
Morning Ag Clips

Smart Agriculture: Farming in the Digital Age
The Peanut Grower

Successful Fish Farming in Missouri
Morning Ag Clips

Novel discovery could fortify Soybean Cyst Nematode resistance
Dispatchist

Latest farm data a ‘wake-up call’ as Midwest farmers face challenges
Maryville Forum

Keep up with the latest in research news from CAFNR by following us on Twitter and LinkedIn!

Twitter: @CAFNRResearch

LinkedIn: Mizzou College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources