Stories

Patrick Market was recently named the director of the School of Natural Resources. Market, who has spent his entire professional career at MU, was hired in 1999 as an assistant professor of atmospheric science. He became an associate professor of atmospheric science in 2005, and moved to a full professor in 2013.

Oct. 22, 2020

Up to the Challenge

For the past 20 years, Patrick Market has been a steady presence in the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) School of Natural Resources (SNR). Market, who has spent his entire professional career at MU, was hired in 1999 as an assistant professor of atmospheric science. He became an associate professor of atmospheric science in 2005, and moved to a full professor in 2013. Since January 2019, Market has also served as the interim director of SNR. Market’s newest role in CAFNR, which is effective Nov. 1, is as the director of…

Oct. 21, 2020

Matthew Lucy Serves as Editor-in-Chief of New Journal

The first issue of JDS Communications, a new journal from the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA), is now available. Matthew Lucy, a professor in the Division of Animal Sciences, serves as the editor-in-chief of the new publication. “JDS Communications will offer a fresh and different publication option for dairy scientists,” Lucy said. “We are interested in high-quality research studies that are focused, hypothesis-driven and designed to answer a specific question on the production or processing of milk or milk products intended for human consumption.” Lucy added that the publication will serve as a home for short communications, technical notes…
Jefferson Farm and Garden will host a drive-through pumpkin pick-up from 3-6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Research Center in Columbia. Individuals can donate to the Mammography Fund, as well as pick up a pumpkin and decoration package to take home. Alisha Moreland will host a virtual event through Facebook for everyone to decorate together if they are interested.

Oct. 15, 2020

Pumpkins With a Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced individuals and groups to find creative solutions to canceled in-person events. For years, the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) has partnered with Alisha Moreland and her Alisha’s Pink Pumpkin Painting Party. Through those parties, Moreland raises funds and brings awareness to breast cancer. The funds go to the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center Mammography Fund. Moreland has scheduled parties at either the Bradford Research Center or the South Farm Research Center, both in Columbia, since 2014. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced Moreland to cancel her in-person parties;…
Barry Eschenbrenner and Sarah Lovell, co-superintendents of the Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Center, virtually welcome guests to their Virtual Chestnut Roast event.

Oct. 8, 2020

Staying Connected

From August to October, the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) Agricultural Research Centers showcase research projects and share demonstrations during its field day season. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the Research Centers to reevaluate how they would proceed with their in-person field day events. After discussions with advisory boards and health officials, the decision was made to host the field days virtually. “Our field days bring research-based information to our stakeholders, which is a major part of our mission. The face-to-face interaction is a key focus and everyone enjoys the social atmosphere,…
Horticulture Specialist Juan Cabrera-Garcia

Oct. 2, 2020

Cultivating Inclusivity

By population, the United States is the second-largest Spanish-speaking country in the world, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Counting both bilingual and native speakers of Spanish, the U.S. has more people who can speak Spanish than Spain itself. How do MU Extension specialists make sure they serve Missourians who speak Spanish? “I first started doing a home gardening webinar series at the beginning of the year because of COVID-19 and potential food supply shortages,” said Juan Cabrera-Garcia, an MU Agriculture and Environment Extension horticulture specialist in southeastern Missouri. Amaya Carrasco, a St. Louis resident with…
Ben Luebbering

Oct. 1, 2020

Q&A With Ben Luebbering

What are opportunities in CAFNR for students interested in the swine industry? The best opportunity for students in CAFNR who are interested in pigs is the MU Swine Club. The Swine Club allows students who are interested in the swine industry to connect with other students that have similar interests. It also serves as a great way to meet industry leaders and learn about hot topics involving pigs, not to mention that the club makes time to take field trips to various businesses that involve pigs. What was it like being the 2019 Pig Farmer of Tomorrow?…
Dr. Bill Danforth

Sep. 25, 2020

Remembering the Legacy of Dr. William Danforth

The passing of William H. “Bill” Danforth, M.D., last week at age 94 brought to the spotlight his work in academic administration, medicine and science, and outreach in the St. Louis area. His contributions also can be felt here at the University of Missouri. Dr. Danforth, chancellor emeritus of Washington University, was the founding chairman of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center (DDPSC). Mizzou, including the Division of Plant Sciences in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR), and the Interdisciplinary Plant Group (IPG), has had a long partnership with the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center.

Sep. 11, 2020

Q&A With Alex Munoz

What are your job duties/job responsibilities in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources? I’m the student support specialist for the Division of Plant Sciences where I am the main point of contact for prospective students who are interested in our programs. I work to help with Division of Plant Sciences’ recruitment and outreach efforts as well as help with general recruitment for CAFNR. During normal times, I would be on the road visiting schools, college fairs and hosting visitors to campus. On top of this, I run the division’s social media accounts and help out faculty…
A person stands in a greenhouse wearing a lab coat and looking at the camera

Sep. 9, 2020

Henry Nguyen Named Editor of The Plant Genome

The Crop Science Society of America (CSSA) and the American Society of Agronomy (ASA) recently announced three appointments/reappointments of journal editors. Henry Nguyen, professor in the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) Division of Plant Sciences, was named the editor of The Plant Genome. “I am honored and inspired to take on a new role as editor of The Plant Genome,” Nguyen said in the announcement. “I was involved in the development of this journal as former chair of the C-7 Division (Genomics, Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology) and have served on the editorial board for…

Aug. 31, 2020

Creating Inclusive Programming

On Friday mornings at the Clark Produce Auction, University of Missouri Agriculture and Environment Extension agronomist Dhruba Dhakal sets up a table, plant posters and an MU Extension sign. MU Extension’s objective is to serve all Missourians with resources and research needed to improve lives, communities and the economy. When Dhakal noticed Amish producers in Clark could benefit from a plant diagnostic clinic, he knew there was only one thing to do. “While attending one of the sales, I spoke with some of the leaders in the Amish community and learned they were struggling with different horticultural…