Research
Nurturing People and Planet Through Research
We are revolutionizing how we nurture people and our planet through intentional discovery and collaborative engagement. Our thematic priorities are innovating food systems, advancing the science of regenerative agriculture, accelerating climate resiliency, and nurturing human wellness and thriving communities.
Our Strategic Priorities
Our work builds on a proud tradition of innovation in agricultural sciences at CSU. Guided by our shared vision, we are mobilizing around and investing in eight strategic focus areas for leadership and impact – regionally, nationally and globally.
Innovating
Local and Global Food Systems
We’re revolutionizing food systems to promote healthy communities, economies, and individuals through modernized approaches to safety, quality, sustainability, efficiency, and effectiveness. Our strategy involves leveraging state-of-the-art research, educational initiatives, and community involvement to drive scientific progress, shape policy, and enhance access to nutritious food, both locally in Colorado and globally.
Advancing
The Science of Regenerative Agricultural Systems
We excel in utilizing a rigorous scientific approach to analyze, develop, and implement various regenerative agricultural systems, positioning ourselves as pioneers in the field. Embracing a collaborative, community-driven ethos, we strive to enhance the accessibility of affordable, fresh, and nutritious food while simultaneously rejuvenating the well-being of our communities and the health of our natural resources, including soils, water, and air.
Accelerating
Agriculture’s Climate Resiliency
We drive forward transformative discoveries in plant, animal, and ecosystem adaptation by fostering an unparalleled convergence of disciplines and seamlessly blending basic and applied research. Through strategic partnerships and the provision of top-tier facilities, we cultivate talent and ignite a culture of innovation, poised to pioneer groundbreaking advancements in our field.
Nurturing
Human Wellness and Thriving Communities
We cultivate resilient communities by prioritizing the holistic health and prosperity of humans, animals, plants, and the environment within the realms of agriculture, landscape management, and natural resource stewardship. Our mission is to enhance societal well-being by developing and disseminating tools and knowledge aimed at addressing economic, managerial, educational, and policy challenges inherent in agri-food and resource systems.
Research With Impact
The College is advancing research that sustains life and landscapes. From regenerative agriculture to climate resilience and human wellness, we’re uniting disciplines and communities to cultivate innovation that nourishes people, protects the planet, and strengthens the future of global food systems.
From the Bronx to Colorado farms: Manny Deleon is redefining ag research
Stopping fungal diseases during reforestation
Colorado State University names three new CARET delegates for 2025
Stories That Grow From the Ground Up
Food for Thought highlights the people, ideas, and discoveries defining Colorado State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences. Each edition connects readers to innovation in food, land, and community — sharing how our students, faculty, and partners are shaping a more sustainable, resilient future.
January 26, 2026
In this week’s Food for Thought roundup, we’re digging deeper into a hot topic in Colorado – will we soon see ALDI on the front range? We’re also talking wheat, lawn care, beavers, liquor stores, and all things National Western Stock Show.
January 12, 2026
This week’s Food for Thought roundup highlights the National Western Stock Show with a special Future Cowboy report from CSU SOURCE, explores what neonicotinoid restrictions could mean for Colorado farmers, and shares stories of student success in animal science. If you need professional-quality landscape design help, our Landscape Design and Contracting students are looking for community clients for their capstone projects.
Our Mission
Amidst a shifting climate, we tackle global issues of food safety, security, wellness, and economic prosperity by responsibly utilizing natural resources. Embracing our 21st-century land-grant mission, we integrate purposeful discovery, education, and collaborative involvement for excellence.
Collaborative Engagement
Engaged scholarship is our promise and way of being. We learn from and actively engage stakeholders across a continuum of shared experiences that spans conversation to co-creation. We apply science with collective wisdom for the betterment of society, ask important questions, and value all voices.
Intentional Discovery
We utilize various scientific disciplines and viewpoints to address agricultural, environmental, and community challenges, fostering innovation by transcending boundaries, embracing unconventional approaches, and turning obstacles into opportunities. Through collaboration and mentorship, we cultivate enduring impact while nurturing the future leaders and scientists of our industries.
Experiential Learning
We empower learners and citizens to serve and succeed by intertwining our curriculum with scientific discovery and active stakeholder engagement. Our approach challenges students to expand their skills, offering both support and hands-on learning opportunities to enhance critical thinking, decision-making, and communication abilities.
A Leader in Research at CSU
College of Agricultural Science faculty and staff can be found working across campus and across the state to address critical challenges.
AgNext
AgNext serves as a central hub for collaboration on sustainable animal agriculture, focusing on animal and ecosystem health while enhancing supply chain profitability.
Colorado Center for Sustainable Pest Management
The Colorado Center for Sustainable Pest Management boosts agricultural sustainability and profitability, tackling challenges and training students in crop protection and plant health.
Soil Carbon Solutions Center
The Soil Carbon Solutions Center addresses climate change with scientific rigor, developing and scaling soil-based climate solutions through expert-led tools and methods.
Food Systems Research
Food systems connect natural resources, the agricultural industry, and communities. CSU focuses on linking production, supply chains, and consumers to foster healthy communities and economies.
CSU Microbiome Network
The Wrighton laboratory contributes to CSU’s microbiome sciences initiative, focusing on microbial science in soil, water, and animal health, with strong educational and outreach commitments.
CSU-TAPS
TAPS enhances agricultural management through a farming contest, improving understanding of decision impacts on profitability and efficiency. Competitors make key crop, irrigation, and marketing decisions.
Agricultural Experiment Station
The AES is Colorado’s leader in research, extension, and agricultural education programs. Our work uses a multifaceted approach ensuring successful partnerships and outcomes for Coloradans.
Agricultural Service Providers
The College of Agricultural Sciences also serves our community through state-of- the-art scientific services in plant diagnostics, soil testing, and more.