











Professor Michael A. Gold is a distinguished Research Professor within the School of Natural Resources at the University of Missouri, bringing a deep and abiding passion for advancing the fields of agroforestry and forestry. With a Ph.D. earned from Michigan State University back in 1984, Professor Gold has devoted his career to exploring innovative and sustainable approaches within these vital disciplines.
In his role as the Graduate Emphasis Area Coordinator, he genuinely shapes the academic paths of graduate students, offering guidance as they navigate the complexities of managing natural resources. His expertise isn't just shared in person; his online course, FOR 4385/7385 – Agroforestry I, has become a foundational resource for students eager to understand the nuances of agroforestry systems.
Professor Gold's research particularly shines in his focus on the production and market development for chestnut orchards, alongside his pioneering work in elderberry market research. His efforts in these areas are truly instrumental in championing sustainable agricultural practices and opening up market opportunities for these valuable crops. Beyond the classroom and lab, he's deeply involved with the MU Center for Agroforestry, collaborating with fellow researchers and industry partners to push the field forward.
Throughout his career, Professor Gold has been a dynamic force in developing agroforestry systems that beautifully balance ecological health with economic viability. His dedication to both research and education has not only enriched the academic community but has also made a real, tangible impact on the agricultural practices and market strategies used by farmers and producers.
With a career now spanning several decades, Professor Gold continues to inspire both students and colleagues alike with his genuine passion for sustainable agriculture and his unwavering commitment to advancing research in agroforestry and forestry. His work stands as a clear testament to the powerful potential of integrating ecological principles with agricultural innovation to cultivate a more sustainable future for us all.
, 387-395, 1997-09-01
, 755-764, 2016-10-01
, 626-634, 1999-02-01
, 7645-7649, 1999-07-06
, 117-123, 2023-11-29
, 2282-2287, 2020-07-27
, 4-10, 2020-10-06
, 63-70, 2020-06-01
, 2507-2511, 2016-11-01
, 570-580, 1996-06-01
, 126-148, 2020-10-08
, 301-307, 2009-11-25
, 1981-1985, 2000-11-01
, 55-63, 2022-10-25
, 91-98, 2021-02-03
, 325-335, 1982-06-01

The University of Missouri (MU or Mizzou) is a public land-grant research university in Columbia, Missouri. It is Missouri's largest university and the flagship of the four-campus University of Missouri System. MU was founded in 1839 and was the first public university west of the Mississippi River. It has been a member of the Association of American Universities since 1908 and is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities Very high research activity".

The University of Missouri-Columbia's College of Agriculture Food and Natural Resources known as CAFNR is a cornerstone land-grant institution dedicated to cultivating a healthy world. It provides visionary and transformative solutions for the environment food systems economies and communities through a multidisciplinary approach. Students engage in experiential learning cutting-edge research and community engagement across diverse fields like plant and animal sciences agricultural economics and natural resources. CAFNR addresses critical global issues such as sustainable agriculture food security and climate change preparing graduates for impactful careers with strong hands-on experience and a commitment to societal benefit.
View Agriculture



