Miss Hortense Greenley always had a giving spirit.
She donated the land where the Greenley Memorial Research Center now sits in honor of her father, Lee Greenley Jr., in 1969. She helped revive several buildings and structures on the site as well, including the remodels of the farmhouse, built in the 1850s, that now serves as the Center’s office and the barn where each Field Day ceremony is held. Even in her passing, she continued to give back.
Miss Greenley passed away in December. When she passed, Miss Greenley donated another 240 acres of land to the Greenley Research Center in honor of her mother, Grace Greenley.
Superintendent Dana Harder and the rest of the Greenley Research Center realized it was their turn to give back to the woman who contributed so much.
“She was very generous,” Harder said. “Miss Greenley dedicated the two farms in honor of her parents, but it is important to recognize her generosity and commitment to agricultural research in Northeast Missouri.”
The Greenley Memorial Research Center has a new bridge, which was completed in July.A bridge upgrade at the Center provided just the opportunity to recognize Miss Greenley.
“During the most recent inspection, the bridge leading into the Center was rated for four tons,” Harder said. “That’s what it was lowered to. A lot of our equipment, and other traffic coming in, is rated above four tons.
“Underneath the bridge, it was deteriorating. During an inspection, it was cited as a concern, and we knew we had to replace it.”
The old bridge was torn out during the first week of June. A little more than a month later, the new bridge was ready for use.
“It’s encouraging to see the University putting the infrastructure in place and the commitment they have to Greenley,” Harder said.
The bridge was completed just in time for the 38th annual Greenley Memorial Research Center Field Day, too. The Field Day took place on Aug. 4 – and was dedicated to Miss Greenley’s honor. She never missed a Field Day at the center during her lifetime.
The bridge was officially dedicated to Miss Greenley during lunch, along with one more surprise. A sign was unveiled for the Hortense Greenley Agronomy Building, another building that Miss Greenley had a hand in supporting.
Greenley Research Center Field Day
Approximately 200 guests took part in the 38th annual Greenley Research Center Field Day. Along with the dedication ceremonies, individuals were able to sit in on several tours highlighting the abundant research happening at Greenley.
“We’re fortunate to fit in our field tours despite the threatening weather,” Harder said. “We received good feedback on our tour lineup.”
Guests were able to hear more about agronomy, cover crops and beef, with a tour devoted to each subject.
Monty Kerley and Craig Payne discussed two different beef topics. Kerley focused on genetic testing in cattle for endophyte tolerance. Payne discussed labeling changes for antibiotics that are just around the corner.
On the cover crop tour, guests heard from Kelly Nelson and Randy Miles. Nelson discussed cover crop management and Miles talk about managing for improved soil health. This tour also included a presentation on field pennycress and its improvement as a possible cover crop from Western Illinois University’s Win Phippen.
Those on the agronomy tour heard from Andrew Scaboo on recent developments regarding his soybean breeding program. Other agronomy tour topics included nitrous oxide losses due to fertilizer placement and the effect of lime placement on crop yields by Peter Motavalli and Theo Blumenschein, respectively.
Along with the dedication of the bridge and building, guests heard from sponsors and representatives during lunch. Congressman Sam Graves was also present to talk about how important agriculture is, especially in Missouri.
“The Center is deeply appreciative of the support shown by our advisory board, those presenting and those in attendance at this year’s Field Day,” Harder said.
For photos of the Field Day, visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/cafnr/sets/72157656511523898.
Field Days Just Getting Started
Field Days across the state of Missouri will continue through October at several of the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources’ Agricultural Research Centers. Those Field Days will offer interested individuals an opportunity to dive in and take a closer look at the research being done throughout the state.
From grape growers to cattle ranchers, each Field Day offers a unique opportunity to help the public develop their product or improve the features of their land.
For more information about each Field Day, visit cafnr.org.
Tuesday, Aug. 25 – Graves-Chapple Research Center Field Day – Rock Port
Wednesday, Aug. 26 – Hundley-Whaley Research Center Field Day – Albany
Wednesday, Sept. 2 – Fisher Delta Research Center Field Day – Portageville
Thursday, Sept. 3 – Bradford Research Center Tomato Festival – Columbia
Friday, Sept. 11 – Southwest Research Center Field Day – Mt. Vernon
Tuesday, Sept. 15 – Thompson Research Center Field Day – Spickard
Saturday, Sept. 26 – South Farm Research Center Showcase – Columbia
Tuesday, Sept. 29 – Forage Systems Research Center Field Day – Linneus
Friday, Oct. 2 – Wurdack Research Center Field Day – Cook Station
Saturday, Oct. 17 – Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Center Missouri Chestnut Roast – New Franklin