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.
Strengthening Agricultural Systems for Productivity, Sustainability, and Climate Resilience
Advancing Horticulture and Specialty Crops for Diverse and Robust Food Systems
Promoting Health and Well-being for Individuals, Families, and Communities
Enhancing Livestock and Rangeland Health, Productivity, and Stewardship
Fostering Community and Economic Development to Build Resilient Colorado Communities
Innovating in Energy and Natural Resource Management for a Sustainable Future
Empowering Colorado Youth through 4-H Leadership and Development Programs
Stories That Grow From the Ground Up
Food for Thought is the College of Agricultural Science’s bi-weekly newsletter. Each edition highlights the people, ideas, and discoveries defining Colorado State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences. These stories connect readers to innovation in food, land, and community — sharing how our students, faculty, and partners are shaping a more sustainable, resilient future.
May 4, 2026
In this week’s Food for Thought roundup, we learn if eggs are a reliable economic indicator, how CSU-bred wheat has influenced Colorado’s ag industry, and how our water experts are looking at the worsening drought, and explain why you saw thousands of blue jackets on campus last week.
April 20, 2026
In this week’s Food for Thought roundup, we feature CSU Innovator of the Year Ioannis Minas, advances in agrivoltaics and water policy, and new research on peaches, soil health, livestock perception tools, rural education, and atmospheric microbiomes across Colorado landscapes.
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.
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.