Twelve new faculty members join the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources this fall.

I was humbled to be part of the ribbon cutting last week for the Eldon Cole MU Livestock Facility at our Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center (REEC). It was a beautiful morning to open the newest building at our Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station and celebrate a “true legend” of southwest Missouri agriculture, the late Eldon Cole. We were delighted to be joined by his family as we honored Eldon for his many years of tireless work for local producers. You can see more photos from the event on CAFNR’s Flickr page.

It was incredible to kick off Mizzou’s Capital Campaign with events last Friday and Saturday! Power the Roar is the University of Missouri’s largest-ever fundraising campaign, and will impact the future of education, research, community engagement and health care at Mizzou. The celebration included Illuminate the Sky, a drone and pyrotechnics show on Carnahan Quadrangle, and a campaign celebration.

As our Field Day season starts to draw to a close at our farms and centers across the state, I hope you might be able to join us for a couple of family-friendly events next month near Columbia. Both are a wonderful way to learn more about the research and teaching happening at the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station and our college!

• CAFNR Showcase at South Farm: Saturday, Oct. 4.
• Missouri Chestnut Roast: Saturday, Oct. 18.

Grant applications for CAFNR 150 funds are due Friday, Sept. 19. The CAFNR Alumni Association offers financial support for student groups attending conferences, hosting events or competing in contests. Faculty and staff can also apply for funding to enhance classroom programs or upgrade equipment. Apply now to receive funding from the CAFNR 150 Grant!

This month I have:

• Attended Division of Animal Sciences faculty meeting
• Attended Division of Food, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences faculty meeting
• Met with President Mun Choi
• Meeting with Provost Matt Martens
• Served on the Provost’s Panel for Promotion and Tenure
• Visited with students at CAFNR APO Open House for Family Weekend

Yet to come this month:

• Attending CAFNR Tiger Classic Golf Tournament
• Meeting with MO Corn Growers Association Executive Director Bradley Schad
• Attending School of Natural Resources faculty meeting
• Meeting with Missouri Pork Association Executive Director Scott Hays
• Meeting with Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn
• Visiting with faculty and staff at Dean’s Traveling Office Hours
• Attending Division of Plant Science and Technology faculty meeting
• Meeting with North Central Region Administrative Heads
• Attending Division of Applied Social Sciences faculty meeting
• Participating in MU Leadership Retreat
• Attending Division of Biochemistry faculty meeting

Let’s make it a great semester!

CAFNR Proud,

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

A photo gallery of CAFNR happenings.

University Software Sales

The University offers many software titles for purchase often at a discount. These purchases do not require compliance approval and can be purchased and installed directly by users without needing to involve CAFNR IT. Recently added software titles include Chat GPT and Grammarly. The full list of university managed software titles for purchase can be found on the Software Sales website.

To purchase or install software titles not found on the Software Sales website, email cafnrit@missouri.edu to get that process started. University policy requires all software, even free software, be approved by compliance review prior to purchase or installation.

Winn is the CAFNR Extension Communication Strategist in CAFNR Marketing & Communications.

Dean’s Traveling Office Hours

The next Dean’s Traveling Office Hours will be Wednesday, Sept. 24, 10:30-11:30 a.m., in 2-43 Ag Building. Bring your tailgate spirit, and kick off the semester with refreshments, cornhole and giveaways! Huddle up for success with the Dean and CAFNR Staff Council.

A special series on generative AI’s role across CAFNR. We dive into the latest AI applications in agriculture, food science, health, and natural resource management.

Part I. Cultivating the future: How generative AI is transforming agriculture.

This month we recognize the following faculty and staff members for their years of service to Mizzou!

• Lesleighan Cravens, assistant teaching professor, Plant Science and Technology, celebrated 10 years of service Aug. 1.
• Marie Dickerson, senior research specialist, Biochemistry, celebrated 10 years of service Aug. 1.
• Stephen Evans, manager, Buck’s Ice Cream, celebrated 15 years of service Aug. 1.
• Mauro Palmero, associate teaching professor, Division of Applied Social Sciences, celebrated 10 years of service Aug. 1.
• Mckayla Burris, research specialist II, Plant Science and Technology, celebrated five years of service Aug. 10.
• Tina Carmack, senior business support specialist, Animal Sciences, celebrated 40 years of service Aug. 12.
• Hong He, professor, School of Natural Resources, celebrated 25 years of service Aug. 16.
• Jinglu Tan, professor and director of strategic initiatives, CAFNR, celebrated 35 years of service Aug. 24.