Stories

Soybeans growing at Bradford Research Center.

Sep. 16, 2025

Mizzou researchers enhancing soybean taste to win over more consumers

Mizzou scientists are developing innovative ways to improve flavor of soy-based foods, deliver more health benefits and appeal to a wider audience.

Sign for Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center

Sep. 15, 2025

Mizzou’s Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center to hold Field Day Sept. 18

The University of Missouri’s Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center (REEC), located near Mt. Vernon, invites area agricultural producers to join in a public Field Day Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Attendees mingle, make appetizer plates and look at research posters.

Sep. 15, 2025

CAFNR Research Symposium 2025 looks to ‘Solve what’s next’

Mizzou's College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources is hosting the 5th Annual CAFNR Research Symposium Wednesday, Oct. 1, at Memorial Union on campus, focused on "Solving What's News: Innovation at the Intersection of Life, Food and Data."

The new building at the SW-REEC under gorgeous sunlight

Sep. 4, 2025

Ribbon cutting held Sept. 3 for Eldon Cole MU Livestock Facility at Mizzou’s Southwest REEC

A ribbon cutting was held Wednesday, Sept. 3, for a Mizzou facility to elevate livestock research and education capabilities in southwestern Missouri, named in honor of a long-time MU Extension livestock specialist.

Cross section of a tree under UV light.

Aug. 20, 2025

Poplar tree discovery could help shape the future of energy and biomaterials

A new study, led by researchers at Mizzou, has uncovered how poplar trees can naturally adjust a key part of their wood chemistry based on changes in their environment. This discovery could help create better biofuels and other sustainable products.

A group of international scholars poses in front of the columns with a Brazilian flag

Aug. 19, 2025

University of Missouri hosts Beef Camp for Brazilian industry leaders

Thiago Martins organized the recent Beef Camp, a two-week immersive workshop focused on developing high-performance professionals for the agricultural sector. The program was specifically designed to expose Brazilian beef industry leaders to the U.S. beef production system, academic excellence and research innovation.

John Driver poses in Bond Life Sciences Center.

Aug. 13, 2025

Flu fighters: Mizzou researchers getting a closer look at immune response to influenza

A team of researchers at Mizzou is on a mission to better understand which immune cells in pigs are most responsive to an influenza infection. Because swine and humans share genetic similarities, their research could lay the groundwork for improved therapies or vaccines against influenza.

A conceptual graphic showing biochar being added to soil.

Aug. 12, 2025

Biochar improves soil health for cotton production, study confirms

A team of researchers led by the University of Missouri is giving new purpose to an established material — biochar, a charcoal-like substance made from leftover plant waste — and showing how it can address challenges facing today’s cotton growers.

Fengkai Tian flies a drone

Aug. 12, 2025

Drones can more efficiently measure the health of corn plants, study finds

Researchers at the University of Missouri have found a mix of drones and AI can help farmers measure the health of their corn more efficiently.

July 30, 2025

Researchers identify key survival strategy for soybeans during heat and drought

María Ángeles Peláez-Vico, Ron Mittler and Ranjita Sinha It’s a hot, dry summer afternoon, and the skies offer no relief for a field of soybeans. But within those green leaves, these plants are quietly fighting back. Researchers at the University of Missouri recently discovered that soybeans have a natural defense strategy — called differential transpiration — that helps protect the plant’s reproductive tissues (flowers and seed pods) during extreme weather conditions. Think of it as nature’s version of targeted air conditioning. Ron Mittler “Soybeans keep their stomata — tiny pores used for plant breathing and cooling by evaporation — open…