Outreach Activities
Outreach and educational videos produced in conjunction with the University of Missouri
Dr. Sherry Flint-Garcia explains why researchers pollinate corn by hand and the process of manual corn pollination.
Dr. Sherry Flint-Garcia, Research Geneticist with USDA-ARS – Corn Genetics: The History of Maize.
USDA-ARS Research Geneticist, Dr. Sherry Flint-Garcia, introduces viewers to a bigger picture of corn (maize) and its history, genetics and uses.
The Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station (MOAES) extends CAFNR research to nearly 14,000 acres across the state to meet regional research and demonstration needs of agricultural producers and natural resource managers. MOAES has a storied history of major impacts in advancing science in agriculture, food and natural resources — locally, nationally and globally. These CAFNR laboratories provide research faculty with a wide variety of real-world conditions to test and develop strategies for agricultural production, based on the geographical and climatic differences of our diverse state.
Annual Field Demo
Each year we host a demonstration at genetics farm and cover topics from domestication and breeding to the maize genetics research currently happening at MU. In the past we have had members of the IPG, community, classes, pollititians, and the Missouri Distiller's Guild.
CAFNR Showcase and FFA Field Day
Each year, we participate in several outreach events hosted by the University of Missouri. We cover educational topics including corn domestication, breeding and genetics; corn development from seed germination to harvest; displays of the array of products made from corn; sweet corn tasting and the importance of mutations.
The the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (CAFNR) Showcase is a family-friendly event attended by up to 15,000 people, ranging in age from infants/toddlers to parents/grandparents. We participate in the Missouri Maize Center booth and facilitate educational activities about such as corn shelling, sweet corn tasting, and more!
In addition, we present at the Bradford Ag Education and Career Field Day (FFA Field Day), an outdoor event which serves approximately 2000 students from over 65 Missouri high schools.
Sweet Corn Donation
We take advantage of empty nursery plots at Genetics Farm to grow sweet corn to donate to the Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri. In 2023 we donated around 1,000 pounds of corn!
Individual Presentations
Aside from whole-lab outreach events, several lab members present their research to a variety of audiences!
2022 DBS Door Decorating Contest
"Most Festive" - 1st Place
2023 DBS Door Decorating Contest
"Most Scientific" - 2nd Place