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An End in Sight

Climate expert predicts an end to catastrophic drought, increased risk of severe weather this spring

The Spring Equinox will usher in the season of blooms and rebirth in just a couple of weeks, and according to one expert, this year it will bring some much-needed relief to farmers after devastating drought last year. It may, however, also bring with it a dark side — an increased likelihood of severe weather. Tony Lupo, University of Missouri…

Blooms Like it Hot. But, Also, Cold?

CAFNR researcher works with international team to discover prevalence of cold-water algae blooms

Rebecca North, assistant professor of water quality in CAFNR’s School of Natural Resources, learned and lived by a paradigm commonly accepted among limnologists around the world — “blooms like it hot” – meaning that water temperatures must be warm for algae blooms to develop. But, a recently published study co-authored by North could dismantle this long-held belief. “You only take…

Q&A with Sarah Kenyon

Sarah is a field specialist in agronomy serving the southwest region. 

What do you do in your current role with the University of Missouri? I am a field specialist in agronomy serving six counties in the southwest region. Based in West Plains, Missouri, I conduct educational programs for producers in forage production and management. I also participate with local farmer cooperators with on-farm demonstrations concerning grazing management, weed control and fertility…

CAFNR Celebrates Women’s History Month: Q&A with Melissa Joy Dobbins

Dobbins is a CAFNR Column award winner and CAFNR alumna

Melissa Joy Dobbins, MS, RDN, CDCES (MS Nutrition Education and Coordinated Program in Dietetics ’93) is CEO of Sound Bites®, founded in 2011. She is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, podcaster, speaker and spokesperson who helps people make well-informed food decisions based on facts, not fear, so they can enjoy food with health in mind. She is a media…

MU Announces New Institute of Fisheries, Wetlands and Aquatic Systems

Institute made possible through a partnership between public-private entities including MU’s CAFNR, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation

Through a partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation (MCHF), the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources made a joint announcement featuring the launch of its new Institute of Fisheries, Wetlands and Aquatic Systems today. “Clean water and healthy aquatic systems are vital for our global future,” said Mun…

Annie’s Project empowered Marion County farmer Amy Lehenbauer

Lehenbauer became active in the family farm after participating in the program. 

Annie’s Project, a program offered by University of Missouri Extension for two decades, gave Amy Lehenbauer the confidence she needed to become active in the family farm. Lehenbauer is one of more than 19,000 women across the nation who completed the program during the past 20 years, says MU Extension agriculture business specialist Karisha Devlin. The program celebrates two decades…

CAFNR Celebrates Women’s History Month: Q&A with Tahira Hira

Hira is a CAFNR Column award winner and CAFNR alumna

Tahira Hira (MS Agricultural Economics ’73; PhD Family Economics & Financial Management ’76) is an internationally recognized leader in personal finance and consumer economics. She is professor emeritus in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Iowa State University and also served as senior policy advisor to the president of the university, overseeing initiatives around enhancing research, awards/honors and…

From Student to Specialist

Nick Wesslak, who earned two degrees from CAFNR, is putting his agriculture education to use as an agronomy field specialist with MU Extension

As a high school student in Salem, Mo., Nick Wesslak was an active member of his local FFA chapter. That experience not only introduced him to the University of Missouri, it also showed him an interesting career path – one that he is now serving in with MU Extension. Wesslak earned two degrees from Mizzou – a bachelor’s degree in…

CAFNR Celebrates Women’s History Month: Q&A with Stacey Follis

Follis is a CAFNR Column award winner and CAFNR alumna

Stacey L. (Wood) Follis (BS Agriculture – Minor in Animal Sciences ’98; MS Animal Sciences – Reproductive Physiology ’00) has been employed in the animal health industry for more than 22 years. Her focus is in clinical development with a wide spectrum of experience, from bovine to feline to canine to swine, contributing to more than 30 product indications. Follis…

CAFNR Welcomes New Faculty

Ten new faculty members join CAFNR for the spring 2023 semester

With the spring semester underway, we are excited to introduce and welcome the new faculty members in our college. The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources at the University of Missouri is proud to introduce 10 new faculty members this semester who will further elevate our research, teaching and extension mission. They each bring a wealth of knowledge in…