CAFNR

Shortfin mako shark

March 13, 2025

Mako shark trekking patterns reveal a hidden impact of changing ocean temperatures

Shortfin mako sharks, an endangered species, are among the fastest and most elusive predators in the ocean, and new research led by Michael Byrne, associate professor of wildlife ecology at the University of Missouri’s School of Natural Resources (SNR) sheds light on the limitations of their habitat availability caused by oceanography. The research tracked mako sharks over vast distances using satellite telemetry. Byrne’s findings reveal a pattern in movements and distribution of the apex predators spanning thousands of miles across the Pacific Ocean, highlighting the sharks’ dependence on one very specific factor — oxygen levels in the water. “I love…
field day participant drives a robotic tool in the field

March 7, 2025

MU Digital Agriculture Research and Extension Center to host second Digital Agriculture Symposium

2024 DAREC Symposium participants discuss a poster presentation. The University of Missouri’s Digital Agriculture Research and Extension Center (DAREC) is hosting its second Digital Agriculture Symposium, “Empowering Agriculture Using AI and Digital Agriculture Technology” in April. “The landscape of agriculture is changing rapidly as digital technology advances,” said Jianfeng Zhou, associate professor of Agricultural Systems Technology in MU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. “We are delighted to be able to share these advances and some of our research in that space and help Missouri’s agricultural producers make informed decisions about incorporating these new technologies into their farming practices.”…
A group of students pose for a photo.

March 5, 2025

CAFNR students earn Mizzou 18 and Mizzou ’39 honors

This week, the Mizzou Alumni Association and Alumni Association Student Board named the 2025 Mizzou 18 Award and Mizzou ’39 Award recipients.
Black walnuts on a tree limb.

March 4, 2025

MU Center for Agroforestry patents first black walnut cultivar, marking a milestone for Missouri’s tree nut industry

After a quarter of a century of development, the University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry made a significant step toward a long-term goal of furthering the black walnut industry in Missouri with a recent patent for its first black walnut cultivar — The UMCA® “Hickman” Walnut.
Asia Smith with dog.

Feb. 25, 2025

From study participant to co-author, animal sciences student Asia Smith has explored multiple disciplines on the road to her future

A chance encounter with research has led Smith to paper authorship and cross-disciplinary lessons as she pursues veterinary school.
A student in a Costa Rican rain forest.

Feb. 24, 2025

Environmental sciences major explores new ecosystem through Gilman Scholarship

Lindsey Cunningham, junior environmental sciences major from Springfield, Missouri, studied abroad in Costa Rica over winter break.

Feb. 13, 2025

Discovering a clue to what causes reproductive complications

By studying how female eggs repair — or sometimes fail to repair — DNA damage, CAFNR researchers hope to improve reproductive health.
A person stands with a tomato plant in a greenouse

Feb. 13, 2025

Boosting a plant’s protective forces

By discovering how plants defend themselves from pests, Mizzou researchers aim to help farmers grow resilient crops.
Super Bowl food lay out.

Feb. 5, 2025

Food safety tips for Super Bowl parties

Keep your Super Bowl spread safe and scrumptious with MU Extension's essential food safety tips.
A group of students pose for a photo.

Feb. 5, 2025

First woman of Mizzou wildlife

Katheryn Paullus, BS ’47, Mizzou’s pioneering female graduate in conservation, transformed the field with bobwhite quail research that inspired generations.