Like the changing seasons, there is a different feeling on campus after the spring commencement. I enjoy seeing our new students and visiting with their parents as Summer Welcome gets underway. I know these students have a great four years ahead of them with many of you contributing to a rich experience as student service providers, advisors, research mentors and teachers.

Thank you to everyone who attended our Town Hall last month to learn about the CAFNR fiscal year 2019 budget. I sent a message just after the event including slides from the presentation. I want everyone to understand our new data-based approach for funding distribution, as it considers key metrics for research and student enrollment. I appreciated all of the questions asked, and the meaningful discussion we had that day. I believe the town hall format is a good one for conversations of this nature, and plan to continue with these types of meetings when needed. It is vital for all of us to understand how and why decisions are made. Our CAFNR leadership is willing to meet with anyone who may have questions concerning our FY19 budget.

I also take a moment to again thank Dean Marc Linit for his nearly 40 years of service to our college. Dr. Linit’s retirement as senior associate dean for research and director of the Agricultural Experiment Station was effective May 31; however, he will stay on part-time until a new hire is in place. The search for this position is underway, and details for that process may be reviewed here.

Our Strategic Planning Process is in the latter stages of Phase II, which includes testing and refining our pending goal statements. Our consultants will soon share findings with CAFNR leadership and the Strategic Planning guiding coalition. On August 14 at a college-wide BBQ, we will share the identified goals and ask you to serve on a workgroup for the goal that best fits your expertise. A lot of work is still remaining, and we need your help to finalize the plan for our college. Though the budget reduction is difficult, it has created urgency around our planning process. The best future for CAFNR requires that we all are invested, working towards a shared vision. By coming together, I am confident our best days are ahead of us.

CAFNR Proud!

Christopher R. Daubert
CAFNR Vice Chancellor & Dean

Jerry Taylor, Chancellor’s Professor of Animal Sciences, was part of a national exhibition June 6 in Washington, D.C., to help demonstrate how multiple types of U.S. Department of Agriculture funding work together to bolster American innovation. His exhibit focused on feed efficiency – specifically, how DNA-based prediction models can be used to breed cattle that more efficiently use feed. Taylor’s exhibit was one of 36 from universities, scientific professional societies, USDA agencies and others. He was the only representative from Mizzou at the event, which was hosted by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), AFRI Coalition, National Coalition for Food and Agricultural Research (NC-FAR), and Supporters of Agricultural Research (SoAR), and helped show members of Congress and their staffs the importance of funding agricultural research.

Don’t Miss
iSPROUT Cafe, 8:30-10 a.m., Wednesday, June 27, 1-29 Ag Building. Join the CAFNR Research Development Services Team – Liz Bent, Sheryl Koenig and Debbie Lingle – for “ideas for Sponsored Project Research and Outreach Teams” (iSPROUT) Cafe. Are you considering applying to the USDA NIFA Foundational and Applied Science Program in the next few months? Do you have questions about the grant proposal process in general, and expectations by NIFA for this program specifically? Drop by the iSPROUT Cafe for coffee, donuts and casual conversation about the grant proposal process. Liz, Sheryl and Debbie will answer questions and help you prepare the best possible application to get research funding. There will be no formal program – bring your questions (suggestions include: “Starters:” Funding Opportunities, Programs Officers, Proposal Prep Timelines, Foundations, Funding Collaborators; “Mains:” Proposal Components, Building Budgets, Evaluations, Internal Processes; and “Desserts:” Sponsor Review, Rejections, Awards).

Dean’s Roaming Office Hours, 3 p.m., Tuesday, July 31, location to be announced.

Did You Know?
Field Day Gift Matching, August 1 through October 31. CAFNR will match donations directed to any of the CAFNR Research Centers up to $500 per donor, during this year’s Field Day season. Donations can be made online by visiting the Mizzou Give Direct site and entering the Research Center of choice in the search tab, or in person during each field day event.

Save the Date
2018 CAFNR Tiger Classic, Friday, September 14, Lake of the Woods Golf Course. This golf tournament, sponsored by the CAFNR Alumni Association, benefits student scholarships in CAFNR. See more information and register online.