Stories

Jan. 27, 2021

Roberts, Spencer Named Society for the Study of Reproduction Distinguished Fellows

Two University of Missouri faculty were among 15 individuals recently named Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR) Distinguished Fellows. R. Michael Roberts, Chancellor’s Professor with appointments in animal sciences and biochemistry, and Thomas Spencer, Curators’ Distinguished Professor of Animal Sciences, were both honored. This is the inaugural year of the program. From the SSR press release about the Distinguished Fellowship honor: The SSR Distinguished Fellowship is one of the highest professional scientific honors awarded for outstanding contributions to the scientific discipline of reproductive biology. The SSR Distinguished Fellowship recognizes the impact of active SSR members and their outstanding contributions…
Nearly 30 years after it was established in 1888, researchers at the University of Missouri began the process of taking and studying soil cores at Sanborn Field. About every 25 years, those cores are taken again to gain an understanding of the changes in the soil over time, given the variety of treatments and rotations that occur each year. It’s been more than 30 years since the soil cores have last been studied. Tim Reinbott, director of Sanborn Field, worked throughout 2020 to secure funding and was able to put together a team of partners who removed the cores in November 2020.

Jan. 27, 2021

‘Just the Tip of the Iceberg’

Nearly 30 years after it was established in 1888, researchers at the University of Missouri began the process of taking and studying soil cores at Sanborn Field. About every 25 years, those cores are taken again to gain an understanding of the changes in the soil over time, given the variety of treatments and rotations that occur each year. It’s been more than 30 years since the soil cores have last been studied. Tim Reinbott, director of Sanborn Field, worked throughout 2020 to secure funding and was able to put together a team of partners who removed the cores in…
John Fisher was honored, and a tad surprised, to learn that he was the out-of-state recipient of the Tiger Pride Award in 2020, given by the University of Missouri Alumni Association. The honor recognizes sustained, outstanding volunteer efforts. Photo courtesy of John Fisher.

Jan. 26, 2021

‘I Bleed Black and Gold’

Each year, the University of Missouri Alumni Association hands out a trio of volunteer leader awards – the Alumni Legacy Award, the Tiger Pride Award and the Mizzou G.O.L.D Award. There are two honorees for each award, one for a Missouri resident and one for a volunteer out of state. John Fisher was honored, and a tad surprised, to learn that he was the out-of-state recipient of the Tiger Pride Award in 2020. That honor recognizes sustained, outstanding volunteer efforts. “Mizzou has such a strong group of alumni who are so involved, so it was incredibly nice to be recognized…
Dr. Heike Bucking

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,…
Balaji

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…
Animal Science 2140: Companion Animals, is 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.

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…
Produce

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…
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. Photo courtesy of Rob Myers.

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…