Stories
March 13, 2025
Catch Up with CAFNR – March 2025
Catch Up with CAFNR, February 2025: A photo gallery of CAFNR happenings!
March 13, 2025
Mako shark trekking patterns reveal a hidden impact of changing ocean temperatures
Shortfin mako sharks, an endangered species, are among the fastest and most elusive predators in the ocean, and new research led by Michael Byrne, associate professor of wildlife ecology at the University of Missouri’s School of Natural Resources (SNR) sheds light on the limitations of their habitat availability caused by oceanography. The research tracked mako sharks over vast distances using satellite telemetry. Byrne’s findings reveal a pattern in movements and distribution of the apex predators spanning thousands of miles across the Pacific Ocean, highlighting the sharks’ dependence on one very specific factor — oxygen levels in the water. “I love…
March 7, 2025
MU Digital Agriculture Research and Extension Center to host second Digital Agriculture Symposium
2024 DAREC Symposium participants discuss a poster presentation. The University of Missouri’s Digital Agriculture Research and Extension Center (DAREC) is hosting its second Digital Agriculture Symposium, “Empowering Agriculture Using AI and Digital Agriculture Technology” in April. “The landscape of agriculture is changing rapidly as digital technology advances,” said Jianfeng Zhou, associate professor of Agricultural Systems Technology in MU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. “We are delighted to be able to share these advances and some of our research in that space and help Missouri’s agricultural producers make informed decisions about incorporating these new technologies into their farming practices.”…
March 7, 2025
Strengthening Missouri agriculture through partnership
Soybeans ready for harvest at the Farm for Soy Innovation. The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) at the University of Missouri and the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council (MSMC) share a steadfast commitment to research and innovation that drives the future of soybean farming in Missouri. Their long-standing partnership focuses on sustainability, agronomic advancements, developing the next generation of plant scientists and increasing the efficiency and profitability of soybean production. “Our partnership with CAFNR has been beneficial in driving research, innovation and sustainability efforts that impact Missouri’s soybean growers.” said Missouri Soybean Association CEO and Executive Director…
March 6, 2025
Plant Science & Technology welcomes new faculty
Emily Althoff has joined CAFNR as an assistant extension professor and state extension specialist in urban entomology. Hers is a joint position with Lincoln University in Jefferson City, where Althoff serves as an assistant extension professor. Her extension program focuses on the intersection of insects in our everyday lives (our homes, gardens and trees), and her research is in insect chemical ecology; how insects use their sense of smell to navigate the world around them. Althoff received two graduate fellowships, and has interned at both the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and the Illinois Natural History Survey: Insect…
March 5, 2025
CAFNR students earn Mizzou 18 and Mizzou ’39 honors
This week, the Mizzou Alumni Association and Alumni Association Student Board named the 2025 Mizzou 18 Award and Mizzou ’39 Award recipients.
March 4, 2025
MU Center for Agroforestry patents first black walnut cultivar, marking a milestone for Missouri’s tree nut industry
After a quarter of a century of development, the University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry made a significant step toward a long-term goal of furthering the black walnut industry in Missouri with a recent patent for its first black walnut cultivar — The UMCA® “Hickman” Walnut.
Feb. 27, 2025
Weighing the value of eggs amid high prices
Amid high egg prices and shortages driven by avian influenza, MU Extension experts offer practical tips and creative alternatives to keep your diet balanced and budget-friendly.
Feb. 27, 2025
Q&A with Eli Isele
Eli Isele is a horticulture field specialist.
Feb. 26, 2025
Missouri’s snowy winter: How La Niña and cold temperatures teamed up to bring more snow
According to Zack Leasor, Missouri State Climatologist and associate professor in the University of Missouri’s School of Natural Resources, a weather phenomenon known as La Niña — cooler than average water surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean — is partly to blame.