Two Missouri State University agriculture professors received grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture totaling nearly $600,000.  

Dr. Benjamin Onyango received $299,975 for his research on goat meat in the American diet. Dr. Chin-Feng Hwang received $299,879 for his grape breeding research. Both professors are part of the William H. Darr College of Agriculture.  

“We’re immensely proud of our professors whose dedication to innovation and excellence in agricultural research has earned these grants,” said Dr. Melissa Bledsoe, interim dean of the Darr College of Agriculture. “Their work not only reflects the caliber of talent within our college, but also underscores our commitment to advancing agriculture.” 

Are Americans ready to embrace goat meat? 

Onyango’s project will study the possibilities and difficulties of introducing goat meat into the American diet.  

He will conduct experiments over three years to understand how people perceive and accept goat meat. He will also investigate what hinders stores from selling it. 

Ultimately, Onyango aims to share information about goat meat nutrition with the broader American public and make it more appealing. 

Protect the grapes, save the wine 

Hwang’s three-year research will focus on identifying factors that protect grape dormant buds from winter freeze damage, which can lead to crop loss and economic hardship for vineyards.  

Traditional breeding methods for low temperature damage are crucial for commercial production, however, they can take decades to fully evaluate. His research aims to speed up the process by identifying DNA markers linked to valuable traits.  

Hwang’s goals include accelerating breeding cycles and helping improve the grape industry overall. 

About the grants 

The grants are part of NIFA’s investment of more than $7 million in  22 projects  aimed at helping  nonland-grant colleges of agriculture. 

According to the NIFA, these projects will: 

• Help strengthen the institution’s ability to develop infrastructure and carry out agricultural research, teaching and outreach activities.  
• Enhance the ability of faculty members to engage in agricultural professional development opportunities.  
• Increase the number, quality and diversity of qualified graduates entering the food and agricultural workforce.