The annual Field Day was back and was held on Sept. 12 and featured different tours of informational talks and demonstrations geared towards landowners will focus on beef and dairy productions, horticulture, vineyard growers, conservation and ways to live more energy efficient.

Information for the backyard gardener was provided through talks about composting, tomatoes and what to expect this fall by Kelly McGowan, horticulture educator with MU Extension. Grape growers got the chance to hear the latest in the vineyard industry and chat with viticulture experts. Additional presentations on quail habitats, energy efficiency around the home and a chance to talk with new superintendent David Cope.

“Andy Thomas, our local horticulture specialist, gave tours of the walnut, pecan, hickory and pawpaw groves we have at the Southwest Research Center,” said Cope. “We have wide ranges of research here to help people and I am anxious to see where research goes on some of these new agriculture products. Pawpaws for example could be a great crop in the future.”

For more photos, check out CAFNR’s Flickr Page.

New Superintendent David Cope welcomes the crowd and introduces himself during breakfast. Cope laid … Expand ▸New Superintendent David Cope welcomes the crowd and introduces himself during breakfast. Cope laid out future plans for the center and what is to be expected in the coming years.

Rob Kallenbach, MU professor and extension specialist, speaks to the crowd about strip grazing stockpiles and tall fescue issues and concerns.

Craig Roberts, State Forage Specialist, speaks to the crowd about the Alliance for Grassland … Expand ▸Craig Roberts, State Forage Specialist, speaks to the crowd about the Alliance for Grassland Renewal. The collaborative team of researchers and industry professionals advocates for the use of new novel endophyte fescues to replace traditional Kentucky 31. The famous tall fescue is widely used, but known for causing fescue toxicosis in cattle.

Kelly McGowan, MU Extension Horticulture Specialist, speaks to the crowd about fall gardening techniques and what works best for home plantings.

Shon Bishop, Lincoln University Small Farm Specialist, speaks to the crowd about high tunnels and … Expand ▸Shon Bishop, Lincoln University Small Farm Specialist, speaks to the crowd about high tunnels and how the simple greenhouses can be used to extend growing seasons and provide local, sustainable agriculture for growers.

Arianna Bozzolo, Research Assistant Professor of Viticulture at the MU Grape and Wine Institute, … Expand ▸Arianna Bozzolo, Research Assistant Professor of Viticulture at the MU Grape and Wine Institute, speaks about Missouri grapes during a tour of the center’s vineyard.

Matt Massie, Senior Research Specialist, speaks to the crowd about the new technology of using sonar … Expand ▸Matt Massie, Senior Research Specialist, speaks to the crowd about the new technology of using sonar to measure forages and aid in management practices. The sonic reader is mounted on an ATV and easily provides the produce with data to better manage a pasture.

Eldon Cole, MU Extension Livestock Specialist, speaks to the crowd about EPD’s and how they … Expand ▸Eldon Cole, MU Extension Livestock Specialist, speaks to the crowd about EPD’s and how they can be used in cattle purchases and farm longevity.

Andy Thomas, Horticulture Specialist, leads a tour through the center’s pecan orchards. The … Expand ▸Andy Thomas, Horticulture Specialist, leads a tour through the center’s pecan orchards. The center is studying different cultivars for nut production to benefit area growers.