CAFNR
May 8, 2023
CAFNR Senior Spotlight – Kaylee Lewis
Why did you choose to come to the University of Missouri? Why did you choose to pursue a degree in biochemistry? As a young girl who grew up around the agriculture industry, I was exposed to the University of Missouri many times before I was able to call myself a Tiger! Crazily enough, Mizzou was the only college I applied to as it is exactly where I knew I wanted to go. CAFNR combines two of my favorite things: science and agriculture. So biochem was an easy choice for me! Biochem curriculum, faculty, and students have helped me to graduation…
May 8, 2023
CAFNR Senior Spotlight – Joey Naumann
Naumann is a senior graduating in May with a degree in agricultural systems technology.
May 2, 2023
‘Perfect Timing’
Hannah Twenter originally applied to Mizzou as a freshman business major wanting to pursue real estate. However, her dad didn’t want her to leave her home state of Illinois for a business degree as she could earn that nearly anywhere. She was determined to pursue her education out-of-state, so her dad suggested animal sciences instead. Twenter says that was the best recommendation he ever gave her. By the time she stepped on campus in the fall of 2009, her major was declared as animal sciences. During her undergraduate career, Twenter gained valuable hands-on experience through the equine program, and found…
April 28, 2023
Cover crops could reduce PPL acres in wet springs
A topic in farm policy circles is whether conservation practices can reduce PPL risk in extreme weather such as floods. Crop insurance is one of the farm bill’s largest expenditures. 2019 file photo of Holt County, Missouri, by Linda Geist. A newly released study shows that planting cover crops and reduced tillage could substantially lower the number of prevent plant (PPL) acres and subsequent federal crop insurance payments. Cover crops lower the number of PPL acres in wet springs, reducing the loss odds by 24%, according to the six-state study released in March, says Rob Myers, director of the University…
April 20, 2023
The Legacy of Jake Fisher
Jake Fisher greets attendees of the 52nd annual Fisher Delta Field Day in 2013. Fisher retired as superintendent in 2011 but continued to serve the REEC as an advisory board member. The community across the Delta region of the southeast corner of Missouri was struck with a deep loss with the passing of Jake Fisher in March. Fisher was the long-time superintendent and namesake of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources’ T.E. “Jake” Fisher Delta Research, Extension and Education Center (REEC) in Portageville, but to the community there and at the University of Missouri, he was so much…
April 17, 2023
Soil Judging Team Takes Fourth Place at National Competition
The MU Collegiate Soil Judging Team took fourth place in the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Judging Conference 2023 Soils Contest, held April 12-15, in Modesto, California. Two students from the Mizzou team also placed in the top ten: India Williams, freshman in environmental sciences, placed sixth; Kali Dolson, sophomore in environmental sciences, received seventh place. The team was composed of the following students (front row, in the photo): Sophie Teddy, sophomore in environmental sciences; Paige Simpson, sophomore in environmental sciences; Bit Sochacki, sophomore in environmental sciences; Dolson; Rosie Garza, senior in environmental sciences; Williams; Alayna Kruse, junior…
April 17, 2023
CAFNR Junior Named Goldwater Scholar
Kristen Barwick, junior in biochemistry, was one of four University of Missouri students selected as a Goldwater Scholar for 2023. Each year, universities nominate up to four students for this prestigious national scholarship — this year, all four nominees from Mizzou were named to the scholar program. The Goldwater Scholarship is a competitive national scholarship program that recognizes outstanding undergraduate students in the fields of mathematics, natural sciences and engineering. It provides $7,500 for tuition, fees, books, and room and board, and is awarded based on academic merit, research experience and potential for future achievement. This year, 413 scholars were…
April 10, 2023
Livestock Team Named Reserve Team Overall at Blue Dragon Classic
The Mizzou Livestock Judging Team was named Reserve Team Overall at the Blue Dragon Classic in Hutchison, Kansas, held in early April. The team placed third in Reasons, Cattle and Sheep & Goats, and fourth in Swine. Team members who placed include: Allison Eitel, senior in agriculture, 11th Overall; Sam Wheeler, junior in agriculture, 12th Overall; and Addie Thessen, junior in plant sciences, 14th Overall. The team is coached by Tawnie DeJong, instructor of animal sciences. Team members pictured left to right are Brady Schnelten, junior in animal sciences; Shane Vehige, junior in animal sciences; Eitel; Jenna Blessing, senior in agriculture; Thessen;…
April 2, 2023
Sharing Advice
As a child, Steward T.A. Pickett would travel to various Boy Scout camps with his father, who served as a unit leader. While Pickett would participate in a handful of organized activities, he was also free to do his own exploring since he wasn’t part of a troop. It was during those excursions that he found his passion for ecology. Pickett has spent his career as an ecologist and is currently a distinguished senior scientist at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, New York. He recently spent a few days at the University of Missouri as part of…
March 20, 2023
Q&A with Sarah Kenyon
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 management. How long have you worked in this position? I started in November 2009, so I have been in this role for over 13 years. What is your favorite part about the work you do? I enjoy working with farmers…