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NOVELTY, MO -- The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources reports more than 200 producers came together on August 9 to learn about agricultural advancements at the Greenley Memorial Research Center’s annual Field Day. The Center, located just east of Novelty, Mo., is one of 20 around the state at which the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources conducts impactful research benefitting Missouri farmers.

Producers heard about the exciting opportunities for energy savings, saw innovative nutrient application techniques and learned multiple ways to improve yields and save money while conserving water, energy and nutrients.

Andy Welch came all the way from Sheridan, Mo. to learn about the managed drainage system. “Producers were able to visualize the stand differences between the non-drain control and the managed drain plots, which was substantial in 2011,” said Kelly Nelson, MU research agronomist. Attendees went through research plots to see the water levels in the soil profile and observed the height differences in soybeans among the different treatments. 

Kristen Perry, executive director of Agricultural Leadership of Tomorrow, urged producers during her lunch address to stay involved. She outlined six strategies to ensure agricultural success in the future and to protect agricultural interests in Missouri:  1) Look for information, not affirmation. 2) Show up. 3) Speak up. 4) Argue the issue not the person.  5) Put your money and time where you mouth is. 6) Be supportive—of one another, research and agricultural policy. “You’re following a humanitarian imperative to farm,” Perry said. “Your work is saving the world from starvation.”  

Producers experienced four distinct tours—beef, pest management, crops and subirrigation—each  packed with research results and guidance on how to improve their operations. The Greenley Center has been instrumental in improving agriculture in northeast Missouri since 1976. To honor that commitment, Thomas Payne, vice chancellor and dean of CAFNR, recognized Greenley superintendent Randall Smoot for his 35 years of service at the Center.

The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources is at the center of ensuring sustainability for future generations by infusing innovative research, creative collaboration and the most advanced science-based technology with confidence, creative thinking, conscience, and commitment to excellence.