The 25th Annual Graves-Chapple Field Day

UAV demonstration draws crowd at Field Day

Written by · Photography by Kyle Spradley · September 23, 2013

MU Extension Regional Engineer Kent Shannon spoke to the crowd about unmanned aircraft and the future of using this new technology for agriculture. He flew his Phantom Quadcopter to demonstrate the capabilities of the small piece of equipment.MU Extension Regional Engineer Kent Shannon spoke to the crowd about unmanned aircraft and the future of using this new technology for agriculture. He flew his Phantom Quadcopter to demonstrate the capabilities of the small piece of equipment.

More than 170 people attended the 25th Annual Graves-Chapple Research Center Field Day on August 27 near Rock Port. Educational tours were given around the farm that included topics on establishing cover crops, future herbicide-resistant crop technologies and common pests for soybeans and corn. But the highlight for many, was a demonstration of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), piloted by Kent Shannon.

Shannon, a University of Missouri Natural Resource Engineering Specialist, talked about the future of crop scouting and flew a UAV to show the capabilities of the new technology.

“With the help of a camera attached to the UAV, this is a chance to look at our crop fields in a lot easier and safer manner,” Shannon added. “The future of this technology holds a lot of promises.”

After his presentations, many attendees to the Field Day asked Shannon for another demonstration during lunch, which was provided by Kent Fisher Insurance

“We had a fantastic day of tours,” stated Jim Crawford, Graves-Chapple superintendent. “Even though it was a little warm, there was enough breeze to keep it from

Tim Reinbott, superintendent of Bradford Research Center, speaks to the crowd about what do cover crops contribute to soil nutrient availability and fertility.Tim Reinbott, superintendent of Bradford Research Center, speaks to the crowd about what do cover crops contribute to soil nutrient availability and fertility.

being uncomfortable. We have had lots of positive feedback from attendees and we are very pleased with the successful day.”

Crawford urges area landowners and agriculture producers to keep the local research in mind if a problem occurs. “We are here to serve you,” added the superintendent.

Each year, the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources sponsors the Graves-Chapple Field Day as an opportunity for the public to find out what research goes on in their community.

At the toe slope of the loess hills near Rock Port, Graves-Chapple’s mission is to provide research and teaching in the specific soil and climatic conditions of northwest Missouri. This occurs through research and demonstrations of conservation tillage and soil conservation management practices, turf and forage and crop production practices. Soil conservation and water quality issues also are addressed.

For more information about Graves-Chapple Research Center visit http://aes.missouri.edu/graves/ or contact Jim Crawford by phone at 660-744-6231 or by email to Crawfordj@missouri.edu.

For more photos from the day, visit a gallery on our Flickr page.

Lunch is served during the 25th Annual Graves-Chapple Field Field Day, held at the research center near Rock Port, Mo. The day kicked off with a breakfast and at 9am three different educational tours began around the center. A lunch ended the day, in which more than 170 people attended.Lunch is served during the 25th Annual Graves-Chapple Field Field Day, held at the research center near Rock Port, Mo. The day kicked off with a breakfast and at 9am three different educational tours began around the center. A lunch ended the day, in which more than 170 people attended.