Stories

field day participant drives a robotic tool in the field

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.”…

Soy at harvest

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…

A group of students pose for a photo.

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.

Black walnuts on a tree limb.

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.

Two fried eggs in a skillet.

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.

Eli Isele smiling.

Feb. 27, 2025

Q&A with Eli Isele

Eli Isele is a horticulture field specialist.

Asia Smith with dog.

Feb. 25, 2025

From study participant to co-author, animal sciences student Asia Smith has explored multiple disciplines on the road to her future

A chance encounter with research has led Smith to paper authorship and cross-disciplinary lessons as she pursues veterinary school.

A student in a Costa Rican rain forest.

Feb. 24, 2025

Environmental sciences major explores new ecosystem through Gilman Scholarship

Lindsey Cunningham, junior environmental sciences major from Springfield, Missouri, studied abroad in Costa Rica over winter break.

Feb. 13, 2025

Discovering a clue to what causes reproductive complications

By studying how female eggs repair — or sometimes fail to repair — DNA damage, CAFNR researchers hope to improve reproductive health.