CAFNR

The zebra finch is capable of vocal learning, a rare talent in the animal kingdom and the foundation of human speech.

Aug. 30, 2021

Piecing Together the Puzzles of Bird Genomes

In 2003, scientists finished sequencing the entire human genome, paving the way for new discoveries about genetic disorders and the numerous ways that genes influence behavior, health and other traits. But the importance of a complete genome for scientific reference is not limited to humans — researchers are now engaged in an all-out push to assemble the genomes of vertebrates across the animal kingdom, racing to unlock the secrets behind the genetic origins of unusual behaviors and the evolution of devastating diseases. In a flagship paper recently featured on the cover of Nature, more than 100 researchers worldwide contributed groundbreaking research to…

Aug. 30, 2021

Hundley-Whaley Research Center to Showcase Projects During Field Day

The Hundley-Whaley Research Center is set to host an in-person field day on Saturday, Sept. 11. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. Along with traditional field day topics, several other events will be held throughout the day. A Classic Tractor Exhibit will be present, and there will be booths set up in the pavilion with representatives from agricultural companies. Representatives from MFA, NOVUS, BASF, Fiber Hemp Industry and more will be present. “We are super excited to host an in-person field day this year after our virtual event last year,”…

Portrait of Justin Calhoun

Aug. 27, 2021

Soils, Cropping Systems Specialist Joins Delta Research Center

Justin S. Calhoun starts Sept. 1 as a University of Missouri Extension state specialist in soils and cropping systems. He will be based at the Fisher Delta Research Center (FDRC) in southeastern Missouri near Portageville. Calhoun will also be an assistant professor in the MU Division of Plant Science and Technology. “Research at FDRC is key to the success of local producers. Justin brings great experience to the team, working with many different crops and soils,” said Shibu Jose, associate dean for research at the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR).

Aug. 24, 2021

Q&A With Emma Baer

Why did you decide to come to the University of Missouri and major in nutrition and exercise physiology, with a focus in human physiology and translational sciences? What do you enjoy about the program itself? The field of study? Coming to Mizzou as a pre-med student, I knew I wanted a degree program that would provide me the core knowledge I needed to advance throughout my studies, but that would also engage me and my interests in the process. I landed on this particular path because I had a basic understanding of the impact nutrition had on overall health, wanted…

An early passion for broadcast meteorology and a desire to get a degree from a university in the state he grew up in led Matt Beckwith to the University of Missouri. Beckwith thought the atmospheric science emphasis area within the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) environmental sciences degree program would help prepare him for a career as a meteorologist. When Beckwith, who grew up in the Kansas City area, walked onto campus in 2015, he knew right away that he made the correct decision. Photo courtesy of Matt Beckwith.

Aug. 23, 2021

A well-rounded experience

The environmental sciences degree program prepared Matt Beckwith for a career as a broadcast meteorologist.

Jill Kanaley

Aug. 12, 2021

Q&A with Jill Kanaley

Kanaley is the interim program chair of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology.

Jung Ha-Brookshire

Aug. 12, 2021

Q&A with Jung Ha-Brookshire

Ha-Brookshire is the program chair for Personal Financial Planning.

Butterfly on flower.

Aug. 12, 2021

Science Night to Focus on Vegetables, Butterflies and Flowers

Science Night at Jefferson Farm and Garden will continue this month. The event will be held Thursday, Aug. 19, at 5:30 p.m.

July 20, 2021

Q&A with Sam Polly

During the pandemic, Polly made California and national news with his family’s giant produce. Polly says through this process he was able to encourage people in his previous community to start gardening and find a small piece of comfort in an unstable world. What do you do in your current role with the University of Missouri? I work as the Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) Coordinator. This entails working with various Extension Specialists to build the pesticide safety program, along with updating our manuals and resources. I also represent the state of Missouri in the American Association of Pesticide Safety…

June 29, 2021

Q&A with David Hoffman

What do you do in your current role with the University of Missouri?    I consult with livestock producers of all ages and all sizes of operations to provide unbiased, research-based information for their everyday questions or concerns that impact their business. This may be answering a single question, or providing continuous guidance to address a long-term issue.    How long have you worked in this position?    25 years  Livestock specialist David Hoffman viewing cattle during a farm visit (Photo provided by Hoffman). What is your favorite part about the work you do?    My favorite part of the work I…