The wagon tours were packed throughout the morning as more than 300 attendees enjoyed presentations and discussions during the 39th annual Greenley Research Center Field Day on Tuesday, Aug. 9.
Attendees were able to take part in three tours – pest management, agronomy and beef.
“The turnout and the weather were both really good,” Greenley Superintendent Dana Harder said. “The activities went as planned, and we heard a lot of positive feedback on the tours as well.”
The morning started with a free breakfast and moved into four hours of tours and presentations. The wagons took attendees across the Greenley Research Center, showcasing a good portion of its land.
Kelly Nelson (left), research agronomist, and graduate student Rafid Al Ubori show attendees their research on drip irrigation.The presentations focused on a wide variety of topics. Attendees learned about field pennycress, weed management issues and the importance of cleaning spray equipment during the pest management tour. Drip irrigation, drainage and sub-irrigation management, and using nitrification inhibitors in corn were discussed during the agronomy tour. The beef tour featured talks on toxic plants, weed management considerations and protocol for mature beef cows.
Several of the presentations were done by graduate students who are currently doing research at Greenley.
For example, Rafid Al Ubori presented with Kelly Nelson, research agronomist, about drip irrigation. Nick Wesslak talked to attendees about drainage and sub-irrigation management and Zach Trower discussed weed management in Missouri pastures.
Those were just a few of the graduate students who presented.
“We’re lucky here at Greenley because we have a lot of graduate students conducting research projects on site,” Harder said.
“It’s great that they can do research that is applicable to Northeast Missouri. They’re putting in hard work and long hours here at Greenley, on top of their projects. They’re getting a lot of hands-on experience.”
The Greenley Field Day also featured presentations by Kevin Bradley, associate professor of plant sciences, and Randy Miles, associate professor emeritus of soil, environmental and atmospheric sciences. Miles did soil demonstrations throughout the morning hours.
Forage Systems Research Center Superintendent David Davis presented on toxic plants and substances for beef cattle. FSRC is located in Linneus, Mo.
“I’m really grateful that David came over,” Harder said. “It was a last-minute request. He didn’t even hesitate. It’s great collaboration all the way around between the Research Centers.”
The Greenley Research Center Field Day also featured free health screenings, courtesy of UMKC Pharm to Farm and the Missouri AgrAbility Project.
A free lunch and program followed the presentations. The program featured several speakers, including Brian Munzlinger, Missouri Senator, 18th District; Nate Walker, Missouri House of Representatives, 3rd District; Craig Redmon, Missouri House of Representatives, 4th District; and Lindell Shumake, Missouri House of Representatives, 5th District.
For a closer look at the Greenley Research Center Field Day, visit flickr.com/photos/cafnr/albums/72157672172191566.