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FALL 2021

Message from the Director

Whether it is a sporting event, a major construction project or the steps toward one’s career goals, momentum is important. As I recently reflected on my predecessor’s last message to you, it was clear that Dr. Bill Lamberson had set forth a strong forward momentum in the Division of Animal Sciences. Now, nearly five months into my tenure as Director, the momentum is apparent.

 

Before I bring you the Divisional update, I think it appropriate to “introduce” myself to our alumni and friends. As a Missouri native, Mizzou alum (Animal Sciences 1995) and a 15-year faculty member in Animal Sciences, it seems like many of you probably already know me. However, many of you may not have interacted with me in any meaningful way. By training I am a meat scientist, and in that capacity, I served as state Extension specialist in meats while maintaining an applied research program in fresh meat quality. I also taught several courses related to food animal production and processing. My family, friends and colleagues would likely tell you that I am “living my best life” when interacting with people. My energy is derived from human interaction and, more specifically, when I am teaching. I am honored to have been chosen to lead the Division of Animal Sciences and look forward to interacting with as many of you as possible in this role. . Read more

Features

A Humbling Opportunity
Bryon Wiegand named director of the Division of Animal Sciences Read more
With its land-grant mission, the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) is focused on research, teaching and Extension in an effort to improve the lives of Missourians. The Division of Animal Sciences will soon take that philosophy on the road with help from the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA). Next year, CAFNR will send two mobile meat processing training centers throughout the state, as part of a pilot program, to address the labor shortages within the meat processing industry. Funding for the program is being provided by MDA.

Building Staying Power
Mobile meat processing training centers will address labor shortages within meat processing industry Read more

Research Achievements
University of Missouri Extension specialists and experts work to cultivate and promote an atmosphere of lifelong learning among Missourians. Those specialists and experts work with Missourians of all ages. Here, Eric Bailey, assistant professor in the Division of Animal Sciences and state beef Extension specialist, talks with farmers and producers during a field day at the Forage Systems Research Center, located in Linneus, Mo.. Photo taken pre-COVID.

Breakthrough Could Lead to Early Detection of Pregnancy Complications
MU researchers studied fluid secreted in a uterine model that could one day stave off complications such as miscarriage or birth defects Read more

Alumni Corner
Zach Duncan’s time in CAFNR was highlighted by numerous hands-on learning opportunities, including the Loewenberg Beef Cattle Management Internship during his junior year. That position was focused on cattle herd management, where Duncan and four other CAFNR students handled the day-to-day operations of a Salers herd donated by Bruce Loewenberg. Duncan also had a summer internship in 2017 at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center.Photo courtesy of Zach Duncan.

Preparing for the Next Step
Zach Duncan's time in CAFNR helped equip him for graduate school Read more

Student Features

Two Students Named George Washington Carver Fellows
Brittney Cade and Alexis Jones named George Washington Carver Fellows Read more

Supporting Future Scientists
Two postdoctoral fellows in the Division of Animal Sciences have received Lalor Foundation fellowships in the past three years Read more
Animal Science 2140: Companion Animals, is a course dedicated to teaching students about companion animals such as cats, dogs and horses. The course is one of numerous service learning opportunities across the University of Missouri campus that students can participate in.

Caleb Grohmann Selected for the Future Leaders for Food and Agriculture (FFAR) Fellowship
Caleb Grohmann, a PhD student in informatics and data science, was selected as a Future Leaders for Food and Agriculture (FFAR) Fellow Read more

Supporting the State
Cattle at Thompson

Building Missouri's Economic Impact
Thompson's feedlot allows specialists the opportunity to feed and keep cattle in the state Read more

Faculty/Staff Spotlight
Tim Safranski, professor in the Division of Animal Sciences and a state swine Extension specialist, received the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) Golden Apple Award for going above and beyond in teaching and advising Tuesday morning, during his writing intensive swine production course. Safranski was surprised by the unexpected interruption, led by Bryan Garton, senior associate dean and director of academic programs, and Shari Freyermuth, assistant dean and director of student services.
red cow with double ear tags

Cattle Losing Adaptations to Environmental Stressors, MU Researchers Find
Researchers pave the way for genetic tests of cattle that can look for the presence of specific adaptations, such as heat resistance Read more
zebra finch puzzle

Piecing Together the Puzzles of Bird Genomes
MU researcher is part of an international effort to sequence the genomes of more than 70,000 species of animals, shining a light on the role of genetics in everything from behavior to disease Read more

Mark Your Calendar
Fall Show-Me Select Heifer Sales are gearing up to take place around the state in November and December. Check out the full schedule.
Nov. 6, 2021: The MU Equine Teaching Facility will be hosting a sale horse preview from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. During this time, potential buyers can browse sale horse portfolios and view the horses being worked by their student trainers.
Nov. 11, 2021: Online bidding closes at 7 p.m. for the 15th Annual Online Horse Auction & Fundraiser. View the sale catalog for more information on each horse.
Dec. 3, 2021: Tiger Invitational Livestock Judging Contest - hosted by the MU Livestock Judging Team at Trowbridge Event Center. Contact Tawnie DeJong for more information.
 

Kudos To
The CAFNR Office of Research recently recognized 10 faculty members as Drivers of Distinction, including Randy Prather, Curators' Distinguished Professor, and Kevin Wells, associate professor. Read more
Matthew Lucy, professor, serves as the editor-in-chief of the new publication, JDS Communications, a new journal from the American Dairy Science Association. Read more
Jared Decker, associate professor and state beef Extension specialist, received the Early Investigator Research Award during CAFNR’s 2020 virtual Celebration of Excellence awards celebration. Read more

Stay connected to Animal Sciences.

You are receiving this newsletter as an alumnus, donor or friend of the Animal Sciences division of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.

Questions? Contact cafnralumni@missouri.edu

CAFNR Alumni Association

112 Eckles Hall, Columbia, Missouri

 

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