Lincoln University

Missouri Is Well-known for the Richness of Its Natural Resources That Are Essential to to the Economic Vitality of the State and the Well-being of Its Citizens. the Health of Air, Land/soil, and Water Resources Directly Impacts Agricultural Productivity and Rural Quality of Life. These Resources Face Increasing Pressure From Input-dependent, Highly Specialized Crop and Livestock Systems Combined With Variable Weather Conditions Such as Record-setting Temperatures, Flooding, and Droughts. These Challenges Pose Significant Risks to the Sustainable Provision of Food, Clean Water, and Other Essential Services for Missourians. in Alignment With the Usda-nifa's Research Priorities, Lincoln University's Cooperative Research (LUCR) Program Has Been Conducting Research in the Following Areas: 1) Animal Science, 2) Soil Health and Crop Sciences, 3) Food Nutrition and Safety, 4) Natural Resource Management, and 5) Social-economics. Lucr Aims to Continue Developing Impactful, Innovative, and Multidisciplinary Research Programs That Effectively Address Emerging and Critical Issues Facing Missouri's Natural Resources, Agricultural Industry, and Rural Communities as Well as Strengthen Lincoln University's Capacity to Better Address the Needs of Missouri Farmers and Ranchers. Lucr Faculty Members Contribute to the Development of Resilient Agricultural and Food Systems That Sustain Production, Improve Ecosystem Health, and Safeguard Human Health. the Program Emphasizes Practical Solutions for Small Farmers, Ranchers, and Forest Landowners to Improve Productivity and Adapt to Changing Agricultural Conditions. of the Six Critical Issues Identified, Lucr Capacity Research Efforts Are Primarily Focused on: 1) Sustainable Agriculture Systems - Including Small Ruminant Breeding, Grazing Management, Poultry Operations, Aquaculture, Hydroponics, Integrated Pest Management, Specialty Crops, Vegetable Disease Control, and Organic Farming. 2) Natural Resource Stewardship - Including Soil Health, Agroforestry, and Technology Applications Such as Gis and Remote Sensing to Improve Land Management. 3) Health and Food Safety - Including Sensor Development for Detection of Foodborne Pathogens, Drinking Water Quality, and Monitoring of Contaminants Relevant to Agricultural Production. the Overall Goal of Capacity Research Efforts in the Lucr Program Is to Help Farmers and Rural Communities Adopt Management Practices That Strengthen Agricultural Sustainability, Improve Natural Resource Stewardship, and Protect Human Health Through Safe Food and Water Systems. Continued Support From Nifa and the State of Missouri Is Critical to Expanding Lincoln University's Research Capacity and Ensuring That Missouri's Farmers and Ranchers-particularly Small-scale Producers-have the Tools and Knowledge Needed to Thrive in the Face of Agricultural Challenges