Stories

Pennycress

July 14, 2025

CAFNR researchers engineer plants for optimal biofuel production

Arabidopsis may seem like a simple plant, but at the University of Missouri, plant biochemist Jay Thelen is using it as a powerful model to explore ways to boost oil production — an important step toward creating more sustainable, plant-based energy sources.

July 11, 2025

T.E. “Jake” Fisher Delta Research, Extension and Education Center to host third annual Ag Research Expo

University of Missouri’s T.E. “Jake” Fisher Delta Research, Extension and Education Center (FD-REEC) invites the public to its third annual Ag Research Expo Wednesday, Aug. 6, in Portageville, Mo.

Agriculture Building

July 9, 2025

2025 CAFNR Dissertation Research Improvement Grants (C-DRIG) winners announced

The CAFNR Dissertation Research Improvement Grants (C-DRIG) are offered through the CAFNR Office of Research. The C-DRIG grant supports up to $2,000 or partially support dissertation research projects proposed by doctoral students in the College.

swimming shark

June 17, 2025

From fear to fascination: Mizzou wildlife ecologist challenges misconceptions about sharks

Growing up outside New York City, Michael Byrne was hooked on sharks from the start. As a child, he’d press play repeatedly on the same worn-out VHS tape, completely transfixed by a PBS documentary on the sleek, powerful predators.

Agricultural drone demonstration

June 17, 2025

Northern Missouri Research, Extension and Education Center hosts 2025 field day

The event will take place at the Lee Greenley Jr. Memorial Research Farm just outside of Novelty, Missouri, and participants will learn about the latest in agricultural research with real-world applications.

a professor works with graduate students in a lab

June 11, 2025

Mizzou scientists create a novel genetically engineered pig model for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease

In a groundbreaking step toward understanding — and ultimately — preventing Alzheimer’s disease, CAFNR researchers created a novel genetically engineered pig model that mirrors a key genetic mutation found in humans with early-onset Alzheimer’s.

several individuals sit on risers pulled behind a tractor in a soybean field as a man explains information on a poster beneath a Mizzou branded tent

June 10, 2025

Mizzou field days set for sites across state

Ag centers to host producers, share innovations and practices.

A river in Paraguay

June 5, 2025

SNR researcher dives into Paraguayan fish conservation with Fulbright Award

Allison Pease, assistant professor in the School of Natural Resources at Mizzou’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, has received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award to support an ambitious six-month research project in Paraguay focused on conserving the country’s diverse river fish populations.

cattle grazing

May 30, 2025

Hot genes: CAFNR scientist earns Fulbright to study heat-resistant cattle in India

Behura will travel to Odisha, India, in two separate four-month visits to partner with researchers at Utkal University. There, he will study how native cattle breeds are genetically and epigenetically adapting to increasingly intense and prolonged heat conditions.

May 28, 2025

Jeff Wood recognized by agInnovation North Central

Jeff Wood, assistant professor in the School of Natural Resources, was recognized by agInnovation North Central as the recipient of the 2025 agInnovation Early Career Excellence in Agricultural Innovation Award. Jeff Wood “Dr. Wood’s impactful research on the ‘breathing of the biosphere,’ provides critical insight into stress resilience of forests and other agroecosystems caused by extreme weather events,” said Hector Santiago, agInnovation North Central chairman. “Moreover, the scientific community greatly respects him as a scientist, as evidenced by his role as a journal editor, expert reviewer on federal agency proposals, awards received, and invitations to speak at professional society…