The inaugural University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) Research Day will not only showcase the variety of research conducted within the College, the event will share insights about grants and programs for faculty, staff and students. CAFNR Research Day will be held Friday, May 7, and will be completely virtual. Registration is required for the event.

With the help of tree rings, Michael Stambaugh is on a mission to show the world that not all fires are harmful.

Cancer accounted for nearly 10 million deaths worldwide in 2020, and almost 2 million new cases are expected to be diagnosed this year in the United States alone. Fighting cancer’s many forms is a complex endeavor for doctors and researchers since there is no one-size-fits-all treatment option, but researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a breakthrough that could lead to a new treatment.

The CAFNR International Programs team recently developed an International Engagement Program for graduate students.

Join the MU Office of Research and Economic Development for the Research Development Series: Fundamentals of Being a Principal Investigator

Hosted by the Office of Research and Economic Development, this full-day workshop (9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, May 7) will include sessions guiding you through the research development process from submission to project management. Information presented will feature the pre-award process and fiscal and human resource management will be discussed. Information is appropriate for researchers at all stages of their careers, and attendees will be able to choose which sessions they wish to attend through the Research Gateway.

Nominations are open for the National Academy of Inventors Fellows

Honor a peer’s exceptional contributions in patents and licensing, discovery, technology, and support and enhancement of innovation. Nominations for the 2021 Class of National Academy of Inventors (NAI) Fellows opens May 1 and closes July 31, 2021. Nominees must be named as an inventor on patent(s) issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and affiliated with a university, non-profit research institute or other academic entity.

The Thompson Research Center advisory committee, along with University of Missouri faculty and administrators, recently celebrated the retirement of Jon Schreffler, farm manager and employee of Thompson for 43 years.

The celebration took place during the spring meeting of the advisory committee, held in mid-April. Schreffler joined the Thompson Research Center, located in Spickard, Mo., as a part-time employee in 1978. Five months later, he was offered and accepted a full-time position. Schreffler became the herdsman at the Research Center in 1993 and was officially named the farm manager in 2010.

Long-time Thompson employee Stoney Coffman has succeeded Schreffler as farm manager.

Division of Animal Sciences Receives More Than $1 Million in USDA NIFA Funding

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) awarded nearly $11 million in funding for grants related to enhancing animal reproduction, and improving the welfare and well-being of agriculture animals.

Researchers in the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) Division of Animal Sciences earned three of the 15 grants related to enhancing animal reproduction. MU was awarded just more than $1 million of the $6.72 million total investment in animal reproduction.

CAFNR Leads Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City’s Annual Mizzou Showcase

The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) was able to highlight its programs and initiatives during the virtual Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City’s annual Mizzou Showcase in April. The event is the Council’s opportunity to highlight the University of Missouri and CAFNR.

Kaitlyn Bissonnette Receives Faces of the Future Award from American Phytopathological Society

Kaitlyn Bissonnette, assistant Extension professor, plant sciences, has been awarded the Schroth Faces of the Future award from the American Phytopathological Society for her work in applied nematology and Extension nematology. This award is given to forward-thinking scientists within 10 years of earning their PhD who are perceived to be future leaders in the field.

Two Retired CAFNR Professors Receive 2021 Awards from Missouri Park and Recreation Association

Two retired CAFNR Parks, Recreation and Sport professors recently received awards from the Missouri Park and Recreation Association. Jerry Hitzhusen, associate professor emeritus, was inducted into the Missouri Recreation and Parks Hall of Fame. David Vaught has received the MPRA Retirement Service Award.

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

Alba Argerich, Lakes of Missouri Volunteer Program, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, 4/1/2021-3/31/2022, $209,612

Kaitlyn Bissonnette, A Comparison of Two Seed Treatments for SCN and SDS Efficacy in MU Strip Trials, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, 4/15/2021-4/14/2022, $45,000

Kaitlyn Bissonnette, Foliar Fungicides and Disease Management: A Strip-Trial Study, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, 5/1/2021-4/30/2022, $42,000

Kaitlyn Bissonnette, Understanding the Impacts of Soybean Cyst Nematode Seed Treatments on SCN and Sudden Death Syndrome in Missouri, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, 5/1/2021-4/30/2022, $29,000

Kevin Bradley, Evaluating Electrocution as a Viable Method of Preventing Weed Seed Production in Missouri Soybean Systems, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, 4/1/2021-3/31/2022, $70,000

Kevin Bradley, GF-4556 Herbicide University COI Trials, Corteva Agriscience LLC, 3/15/2021-12/31/2021, $6,000

Heike Buecking, Acquisition of Goods and Services – Administrative/Faculty Support Services, Agricultural Research Service, 4/1/2021-3/31/2022, $25,058

Heike Buecking, Acquisition of Goods and Services – Plant Genetics FY21-22, Agricultural Research Service, 4/1/2021-3/31/2022, $129,527.20

Pengyin Chen, Developing the Perfect Molecular Markers and New Germplasm for Rapid Incorporation of Resistance to Soil Borne Pathogens of Soybean, Ohio State University, 3/1/2021-12/31/2021, $71,920

Felix Fritschi, Characterization of Root Architecture and Function for the AG099 Yield and Yield Stability Trait in Maize, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., 3/23/2021-3/22/2024, $104,453.94

Felix Fritschi, Leveraging Stable Isotope Traits to Improve Soybean Water Use Efficiency and Yield Under Drought, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, 4/1/2021-3/31/2022, $75,000

Ryan Milhollin, Grow Soybean Demand in Missouri, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, 3/30/2021-2/28/2022, $133,942

Rebecca North, Statewide Lakes Assessment Project:, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, 4/1/2021-3/31/2022, $205,495

Andrew Scaboo, SCN Screening for MO Breeding Programs, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, 4/1/2021-3/31/2022, $120,000

Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors recognizes 5 leaders

Missouri Ruralist

Research gives trees an edge in landfill clean-up

Science Codex

Mizzou Economist Provides Update on Booming Corn Exports

AgriMarketing

MU, NCMC Launch New Weather Station

Missouri Ag Connection

The header photo features a recently dedicated bench made for the class of 2020. Built from cedar trees that grew at the Baskett Research Center, the plaque reads: “Dedicated to the class of 2020 for completing their course of study during a turbulent semester amidst the coronavirus pandemic.” Located in the ABNR lobby, the bench represents a joint effort between alumni, faculty, staff and students.