CAFNR Programs of Distinction

MU Center for Agroforestry

The center hosted three events this summer aimed at helping the production of elderberry, nut trees, and practicing agroforestry. The Northern Nut Growers Association’s annual conference took place the last week of July and was a joint meeting with the Chestnut Growers of America and the Walnut Council. The first day of the conference consisted of an allday field tour of the MU Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Farm.

Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute

FAPRI seeks to provide objective analysis of issues related to agricultural markets and policies. FAPRI was established in 1984.

Interdisciplinary Plant Group

IPG is a cross-discipline program to foster excellence in plant biology research and education at MU.

Interdisciplinary Reproduction and Health Group

IRHG was organized and established via a faculty-driven, grassroots effort in 2016 to develop a multidisciplinary program to foster distinction in reproduction, health research, and education at Mizzou.

MU Forage-Livestock Group

When the group was formed in 1971, plant and animal scientists met informally over lunches to plan grazing experiments and discuss research findings. Today, the group includes more than 20 scientists and their elite teams in CAFNR, who collaborate with colleagues in the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program

The program is recognized nationally as a model in the land-grant system in translational research and extension with immediate impacts on Missouri’s beef industry. The program transfers science-based knowledge that enables participants to make practical decisions that impact their bottom line.

MU Livestock Engineering Team

Known as the MULE Team, the focus is on production of genetically engineered livestock for science, medicine, and agriculture. MULE Team researchers have been awarded $140 million in grants, including $33 million for the National Swine Resource and Research Center, since the program’s inception in 1989.

what the U.S. Department of Agriculture de nes as “food deserts.”

“ ere are some opportunities there,” Kallenbach says.

Jose agrees.

“Small farms and controlled environment farms, particularly in urban centers, are becoming more common,” he says, adding that the era of digital agriculture with smart sensors and precision technologies “are transforming farming and making it more e cient and economically viable.”

And that sums of at least a portion of what CAFNR aims to do with a more diverse agricultural workforce of mechanical and computer engineers, data scientists and statisticians, agronomists and animal scientists, and soil and water specialists. Jose says CAFNR faculty is conducting “cutting-edge research” and sharing that knowledge with the ag and science communities.

He continues, “We’re training the next generation of the agriculture, food, and natural resources workforce that can meet the challenges of tomorrow.”

Daubert says CAFNR continues to grow and has a strategic plan of “grand ideas” as it works on initiatives such as new technologies in animal reproduction, ecosystem health, precision foods and models for health, and digital farming. One of the “grand ideas” is the Show-Me Food, Beverage and Forest Products Manufacturing Initiative.

Daubert notes that the initiative “has seen great support from the state and other educational institutions in Missouri.” e most recent support includes $25 million for a new meat processing facility on campus.

“ is will be a huge aid to Missouri producers and food manufacturers” for remaining viable and pro table, Daubert says. “Remaining competitive on the international stage is crucial, and technology and science are answers to how to do that.” CBT