Stories
Jan. 25, 2021
Planting New Seeds
Heike Buecking, professor and head of the Biology and Microbiology Department at South Dakota State University (SDSU) College of Natural Sciences, has been named professor and director of the Division of Plant Sciences at the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR). Buecking’s appointment is effective April 1, 2021. Buecking has held the department head position at SDSU since early 2020; she previously served as associate dean for research and scholarly activity in the College of Natural Sciences at South Dakota State. She has served as a professor in the Biology and Microbiology Department since 2015,…
Jan. 21, 2021
Q&A With Balaji Cherupalla
Why did you decide to come to the University of Missouri and major in biochemistry? What do you enjoy about the program itself? The field of study? As someone who has grown up in Missouri and spent a considerable amount of time in Columbia, Mizzou was my clear choice for college. Coming into my first year at MU, I knew that I wanted to become a physician. I contemplated several majors, but the Department of Biochemistry stood out to me due to the quality of the faculty and how the coursework would prepare me for medical school. The Department of…
Jan. 21, 2021
A Commitment to Social Responsibility and Public Service
For the past five years, Rocío Melissa Rivera has helped students find ways to make a positive impact in the Columbia community through service learning. Rivera, an associate professor in the Division of Animal Sciences, teaches Animal Science 2140: Companion Animals, a course dedicated to teaching students about companion animals such as cats, dogs and horses. The course is one of numerous service learning opportunities across the University of Missouri campus that students can participate in. Students in this specific course pick a local organization that features companion animals, such as the Central Missouri Humane Society or the Cedar Creek…
Jan. 15, 2021
Producer Offers Advice to Beginning Farmers
Missouri’s array of soils and topography allows producers to grow an extensive list of vegetables, from leafy greens to cucurbits. Springfield farmer Curtis Millsap is one of many producers who benefit from the College of Agriculture’s Agriculture and Environment guidance on commercial horticulture. Since 2003 he and his wife, Sarah, have been working with MU Extension, particularly horticulture specialist Patrick Byers. “My MU Extension specialist has been a powerful link to knowledge and expertise that has helped me succeed,” Millsap said. “Before I had the internet, I had Patrick. I’d call Patrick and say, ‘Patrick, what is this thing?’ And…
Jan. 4, 2021
Diving Deeper Into Regenerative Agriculture
The University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) is going to dive deeper into regenerative agriculture by forming a new Center for Regenerative Agriculture. While there is no single definition for regenerative agriculture, some key elements of the practice include increasing soil health and biodiversity, integrating a mix of conservation practices, and contributing to overall sustainability and profitability on working farms and ranches. “We have been fortunate to obtain external funding to support the center, which will foster faculty and student collaboration across the entire college and will support key aspects of our new strategic plan…
Dec. 21, 2020
Q&A With Regan Ragsdale
Why did you decide to come to the University of Missouri and major in agribusiness management? What do you enjoy about the program itself? The field of study? Attending the University of Missouri and studying in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources was always a no-brainer in my eyes. The diverse campus, phenomenal staff and opportunities to grow I saw as a senior in high school have far exceeded my expectations. My corn and cattle roots have left me incredibly passionate about the agriculture industry. Therefore, choosing agribusiness management as a major has been a phenomenal choice. Having…
Dec. 21, 2020
Q&A With Sean Allen
Why did you decide to come to the University of Missouri and major in agricultural systems technology? What do you enjoy about the program itself? The field of study? It was almost destiny for me to attend the University of Missouri. I’m a legacy student, and my mother works in Jesse Hall as a programmer analyst. However, I was not going to come to Mizzou just for those reasons; I needed to fall in love on my own. When I toured Mizzou and met some CAFNR faculty, I realized quickly that it made me feel at home like no other…
Dec. 21, 2020
Q&A With Mason Ward
Why did you decide to come to the University of Missouri and major in agriculture? What do you enjoy about the program itself? The field of study? Initially, agriculture was not my intended major, but I am glad that I ended up here! After touring Mizzou and meeting with the agricultural education faculty, I was sold. The professors genuinely cared about my well-being and career goal as an agriculture teacher. However, life had something else planned for me. Being a highly indecisive person, I decided that agricultural education was not for me and I ended up going through two major…
Dec. 21, 2020
Q&A With Paxton Dahmer
Why did you decide to come to the University of Missouri and major in agricultural education? What do you enjoy about the program itself? The field of study? I came to the University of Missouri to major in Agricultural Education and Leadership because of the professors in the program and my love for agricultural education. Initially, I was preparing for a teaching certificate, but I eventually transferred to the leadership sector. I realized that the leadership degree allows me to have flexibility in my schedule, so I’m learning about a wide variety of agricultural industries. I know that with this…
Dec. 21, 2020
CAFNR Graduate Students Receive Foundation for Soy Innovation Scholarships
Two University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) graduate students recently received 2020 Foundation for Soy Innovation scholarships: Caio Canella Vieira and Haylee Schreier. Both students are working toward degrees in plant, insect and microbial sciences. The Foundation for Soy Innovation offers an annual scholarship program to empower individuals working to further the soybean industry. To read more about the honor, as well as learn more about Canella Vieira and Schreier, visit the Missouri Soybean website.