Improving Farm Productivity

Wurdack Research Center Field Day covers numerous agricultural topics

Written by · Photography by Logan Jackson · October 7, 2015

COOK STATION, MO. – Guests heard presentations on a variety of agricultural topics during the annual Wurdack Research Center Field Day on Friday, Oct. 2.

More than 60 farmers and producers attended the event.

Numerous agricultural topics were presented on and discussed during the annual Wurdack Research Center Field Day.Numerous agricultural topics were presented on and discussed during the annual Wurdack Research Center Field Day, including hay storage methods.

“I’ve hoped we could raise the attendance, but for the past several years we’ve been relatively consistent with 60 to 70 producers,” Superintendent Dusty Walter said. “However, those who’ve attended always express a great deal of appreciation for the event and expert information that is provided.”

Two tour wagons took guests throughout the Wurdack Research Center. Visitors heard presentations on the value of cover crops as a forage, dealing with weeds in the pasture and silvopasture. Speakers also touched on oak tree death, soil health and hay storage options.

“Most of our regions’ producers raise livestock – predominantly beef cattle,” Walter said. “What we demonstrate at the Research Center, and highlight during tours, tries to emphasize how to improve farm productivity. A big part of that is tied directly to forage, both production and storage of hay. At the same time, every farm has some timber and Wurdack does, too. Most years we will include a talk or two that also highlights how forest management can improve health and market potential of timber lands.”

A free lunch was served at noon. During that lunch, guests heard a presentation on novel endophyte tall fescue varieties. Walter said while confusing, those varieties should help farmers improve productivity and animal health in the future.

Walter also added that interested individuals can save the date for next year’s Field Day, which will take place Friday, Oct. 7, 2016.

To view pictures of the event, visit flickr.com/photos/cafnr/albums/72157659514402845.

The Wurdack Research Center is located in Cook Station, Mo. For more information about the Research Center, call 573-999-1541 or email walterd@missouri.edu. You can also visit their website at wurdack.cafnr.org/.