Every July is spent preparing for field days to showcase CAFNR research across the state, and this year is no exception. I appreciated the learning opportunities at our Bradford Research Center on July 8 for the Pest Management Field Day, and I know Science Night at Jefferson Farm and Garden is also sharing wonderful educational programming this summer. Our research centers are tremendous assets for CAFNR research, student education and public outreach and demonstrations. I am pleased that we have forward-thinking plans to keep our centers strong, long into the future.

With input from internal and external audiences and other reports, the Moving AES Forward taskforce (Marshall Stewart, MU Extension, and Leslie Holloway, Missouri Farm Bureau) presented recommendations to President Choi for a restructuring of the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station (MOAES) research centers. Last week Mizzou announced the plans for the restructuring; you can see more details about the plan on CAFNR’s website. I am confident this is the right plan to best serve Missouri agriculture and natural resources. These changes will help create a more robust, nimble, and stakeholder-relevant AES. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about the plan.

A few of my meetings this month have included time spent with Columbia-bound Swift Prepared Foods and the CAFNR Foundation, and at the Institute of Food Technologists Board of Directors meeting.

I am thrilled to welcome our new colleagues in Personal Financial Planning, and Nutrition and Exercise Physiology in my first newsletter since they officially joined our college on July 1! We are glad you are here and are happy to help you in any way.

We know the Missouri State Fair is approaching and that always quickly leads to the beginning of a new school year. I intend to enjoy some time with family in the weeks ahead, and hope you all can find time to do the same.

CAFNR Proud,

Christopher R. Daubert, Ph.D.
CAFNR Vice Chancellor & Dean

Congratulations to the CAFNR faculty members who received 2021 Provost’s and Chancellor’s Awards:

• Alba Argerich, assistant professor in the School of Natural Resources, received the 2021 Provost’s Outstanding Junior Faculty Teaching Award. This award recognizes junior faculty for superior teaching and advising on the MU campus.
• Felix Fritschi, C. Alice Donaldson Professor in Bioenergy Crop Physiology and Genetics in the Division of Plant Sciences, received the 2021 Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Research and Creative Activity. This award gives special recognition to MU faculty members who are still in the developmental phases of their careers, have made outstanding contributions in research and/or creative activity and have great promise for achieving wider recognition.
• Leon Schumacher, professor and agricultural systems technology program coordinator, received the 2021 Provost’s Award for Leadership in International Education. This award recognizes MU faculty who have provided outstanding leadership in strengthening MU’s international dimension.

Join Us! CAFNR Staff Advisory Council is looking for council members:

• Two-year volunteer term
• Monthly meetings
• Be a liaison between staff and administrators!

Interested? Contact Jenna Fusinatto at fusinattoj@missouri.edu.

Mizzou Operations shares that parking rates will increase this fall. This is the first increase in 14 years, and funds will be used for deferred maintenance of parking structures and parking lots. The increase was approved by the Parking and Transportation Services committee, whose membership includes faculty, staff and students. View your new parking rate.