CAFNR

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.

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.

Aug. 13, 2025
Limberg awarded Millsap Distinguished Professorship
Jacqueline Limberg, associate professor, Division of Food, Nutrition & Exercise Sciences, is one of three faculty from across Mizzou awarded the Millsap Distinguished Professorship.

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…

July 29, 2025
Q&A with Summer Welcome Leader Nigel Turner Jr.
Nigel Turner Jr., a sophomore from Raytown, Missouri, majoring in biochemistry, served as a Summer Welcome Leader.

July 29, 2025
Q&A with Summer Welcome Leader Kiersten Rogers
Kiersten Rogers, a sophomore from Fairview Heights, Illinois, majoring in animal sciences, served as a Summer Welcome Leader.

July 29, 2025
Q&A with Chris Daubert
Chris Daubert is proud to be referred to as “the land-grant dean” in Missouri.

July 28, 2025
From the livestock barn to the pageant stage, the Missouri State Fair offers young agriculturalists unique leadership roles
Student leaders from CAFNR will gather in Sedalia, Missouri, August 7-17, to ensure the state’s largest agricultural expo runs smoothly.

July 24, 2025
Mizzou Student Chapter of the American Institute of Floral Designers Win Awards at AIFD National Symposium
The MU Student American Institute of Floral Designers (SAIFD) Chapter placed 2nd in the nation in the student competition during the American Institute of Floral Designers National Symposium in Palm Springs, July 12-15.

July 23, 2025
2025 C-DRIG recipients announced
The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Office of Research offers the CAFNR Dissertation Research Improvement Grants (C-DRIG) of up to $2,000 to support or partially support dissertation research projects proposed by doctoral students in the College. Eligible students will have completed their coursework and have advanced to candidacy or will advance to candidacy within six months of the C-DRIG awards. Proposals are evaluated by the CAFNR Research Council, an advisory body that advises CAFNR Office of Research and is made up of representatives from each Division in the College. This year, six awardees were granted $2,000 each. The…