Stories

For nearly 150 years, scientists from the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources at the University of Missouri have contributed to advancements around the globe. For example, Aureomycin, one of the world’s first antibiotics and a contemporary of penicillin, was developed from a fungus found in the soil of Plot 23 in Sanborn Field.

Sep. 17, 2024

CAFNR Research Symposium and Aureomycin anniversary: Celebrating decades of discovery

Seventy-five years ago, a life-saving drug made possible by a discovery made on the campus of the University of Missouri in Sanborn Field was created. Since 1949, it has saved countless numbers of human lives and transformed veterinary care for livestock. That discovery was the antibiotic aureomycin, which was produced by a bacterium that lived within the soil of one very specific plot of land in Sanborn. The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) invites the public to join them for a celebration of this monumental discovery. The anniversary commemoration kicks off the 4th annual CAFNR Research Symposium.
Historic columns in sunlight

Sep. 12, 2024

CAFNR welcomes new faculty for Fall 2024

Eighteen new faculty members have recently joined CAFNR.
a large group of women

Sep. 12, 2024

Get to know Amy Marek

Marek is the director of student recruitment for CAFNR.
a group of people wearing black and gold

Sep. 12, 2024

Catch Up With CAFNR – September 2024

Jim Crawford, Graves-Chapple Director, visits with Mandy Bish and Wayne Flanary at the Graves-Chapple EEC field day. New students attended the CAFNR Fall Roundup on Wednesday, September 29, at the Trowbridge Event Center. Over 300 freshmen and transfer students connected with representatives from 40+ CAFNR clubs. They also enjoyed a dinner featuring Tiger Stripe ice cream and received new CAFNR shirts. On Aug. 30, the CAFNR community celebrated College Colors Day, and Black and Gold Friday. Tomato Festival attendees taste-test tomatoes, peppers and more! Local vendors partnered with Extension Master Gardeners, Jefferson Farm and Garden and the Central Missouri Research…
Tom Spencer discusses research with a graduate student

Sep. 11, 2024

Tom Spencer leads by example

Mizzou’s vice chancellor for research has spent decades researching the reproductive system. Now, he’s continuing to lead research into women’s reproductive health with support from a NIH MERIT Award.
rob meyers stands among mature corn.

Sep. 5, 2024

Five ways the Center for Regenerative Agriculture is cultivating growth in Missouri

For Rob Myers, preparing farmers for a productive future is a top priority. With over $40 million in funding, his center is transforming farming techniques in Missouri and beyond.
Soyon Park holds a petri dish with parasitic plants.

Sep. 4, 2024

CAFNR plant scientist’s innovative research could revolutionize genome editing in high-value crops

A CAFNR plant scientist’s research could reimagine possibilities for genome editing in plants — especially for many high-economic-impact plants in Missouri like soybeans and maize. Soyon Park, assistant professor of plant science and technology, is attempting to develop a protocol that would allow scientists to edit plant genomes through parasitic plants.
Wildflower Grove in Kirksville, Mo.

Sep. 4, 2024

Garden ‘n Grow grows business for small town

Casey Jefferson Coy enrolled in the Garden ’n Grow program, which led her to open her own flower shop in Greencastle, Mo.
Vice Chancellor and Dean Daubert smiling

Sep. 3, 2024

Vice chancellor and dean Christopher Daubert takes over as IFT president

Christopher Daubert, vice chancellor and dean, became the 85th president of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), effective Sept. 1, 2024.
Melissa Draves

Sep. 3, 2024

Graduate student spotlight: Q&A with Melissa Draves

Melissa Draves is a third-year Ph. D. student in the Division of Plant Science and Technology with a focus in plant breeding, genetics and genomics.