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NOVELTY, MO -- Despite temperatures nearing 100 degrees Tuesday, hundreds turned out for the 35^th annual Field Day at the University of Missouri’s Greenley Memorial Research Center. The center showcased the latest innovations in agriculture, beef production, pest management, and issues with the current drought.

“Give them a chance to see what we are working on and looking at. Hopefully something they can take home and add to their operation and make them more profitable,” said Greenley Research Center Superintendent Randall Smoot.

The biggest threat farmers are dealing with now is the ongoing drought and impact on crops. One of the topics discussed was what to do with feeding livestock.

“Looking at what they have available in the pastures. Depending on if they actually have some forage left, realizing that the quality has probably decreased on that but is there for filler. We are also looking at having to silage soybeans for hay,” said Regional Livestock Specialist Daniel Mallory.

This has left many farmers contemplating whether to sell their livestock at a low price now or take the risk that prices will rebound in the spring.

Another work in progress that was demonstrated was a lime placement procedure done while tilling. The process inserts lime deep into the soil and has shown success in field testing. Initial indications are that this process would last many years.

Other topics discussed were dealing with high nitrate levels in corn, pest management, and beef production.

Field day was open to the public and nearly 300 people attended this year’s event while hoping to see the latest developments in agriculture.

The Greenley Memorial Research Center is one of 16 around the state where the University Of Missouri’s College Of Agriculture conducts research benefiting Missouri Farmers.

For more information on the Greenley Research Center head to their website http://aes.missouri.edu/greenley/.