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We have kicked off another great year and semester in CAFNR! We are proud to have launched the new CAFNR website last month! Thanks to everyone who worked on this project, including our Redesign Committee who gave great insight and feedback throughout the process, everyone who participated in interviews at the launch of the project, and finally to our amazing CAFNR Marketing and Communications team who worked closely with MU Digital Service to bring the project to fruition. Syncing with the Mizzou look and simplifying the site navigation means a seamless experience for anyone who comes to CAFNR.missouri.edu, propelling us forward! Last week we officially announced the Mizzou Digital Agriculture Research and Extension Center (DAREC). The DAREC will enhance research, education and outreach in emerging digital technologies for farming. This new Center stems from one of our Grand Ideas in our Drive to Distinction Strategic Plan, “Smart Farms, Smart Agriculture: The Digital Age of Farming.” I am thrilled that we, along with our partners, MU Extension and USDA Agricultural Research Service, are leading the way in testing and demonstrating new technologies for Missouri producers to keep them profitable and productive. We also recently announced the selection of Dr. Harvey James as the Director for our Division of Applied Social Sciences! Dr. James had served well as the interim director, and we are thrilled to have him officially join the CAFNR administrative team. Next month we celebrate our alumni and raise funds for students at our (sold out!) CAFNR Unlimited banquet and auctions. Our alumni are truly the “gold standard” for involvement and support across campus, and I enjoy spending time with them every year at our college’s marquee fundraising event! Thanks to everyone who supports this event by attending, helping to plan or participating from afar. Even if you don’t have a ticket to attend the event on Saturday, March 9, you can bid on auction items. Keep an eye on CAFNR’s social media as the event draws closer to learn how to bid online! Since the beginning of the semester, I have: - Met with potential corporate partners, including a recent trip to Chicago
- Met with candidates for both the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center Director and the Vice Chancellor for Extension and Engagement positions
- Attended the Missouri Beef Industry Council’s January meeting
- Participated in Campus Master Plan Working Group meetings
- Attended the CAFNR Budget Meeting with Mizzou leaders and CAFNR faculty and staff
- Participated in the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives and CAFNR’s Graduate Institute of Cooperative Leadership Board of Trustees annual meetings
To finish out the month I will: - Participate in the Northern Missouri Research, Extension and Education Center Advisory Council meeting
- Attend the Missouri Pork Banquet
- Travel to the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities’ Council for Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching (CARET) meetings in Washington, D.C.
- Attend a Meat Science Lab planning meeting
- Participate in a meeting of the Missouri Wine and Grape Board
I hope to see you next Tuesday for the first of our spring faculty and staff meetings! We will meet in 2-6 Agriculture Building at 3:30 p.m., Feb. 20. Rob Kallenbach, associate dean for extension, and Pat Market, director of our School of Natural Resources, will present at the meeting. CAFNR Proud, Christopher R. Daubert, Ph.D.
CAFNR Vice Chancellor & Dean |
