A little bit of rain didn’t slow the annual Graves-Chapple Research Center field day.

Tour wagons were sent out during the first hour of the event, which took place on Tuesday, Aug. 28. Rain forced everyone inside after that, and speakers presented to all guests in attendance.

“Although our overall attendance was down a little bit from last year, we still had a great turnout,” Superintendent Jim Crawford said. “We always appreciate the support and the loyal attendees who provide great feedback.”

There were three tours that guests could take part in – drought issues, integrated pest management and crop management.

Marc Linit and Linda Herron were both given Friends of the Farm awards during this year’s Graves-Chapple Research Center field day.

The drought issues tour featured three speakers – Rob Kallenbach, assistant dean, agriculture and natural resources Extension; Andy Luke, field specialist in agronomy; and Peter Scharf, professor in the Division of Plant Sciences. They covered topics on nitrogen management after a drought, drought impacts on residual herbicides and dealing with drought-damaged pastures.

The integrated pest management tour focused on insects and weed issues. Visiting scholar Erick Martinez gave an update on the Japanese beetle research taking place at MU. Kevin Bradley, professor in the Division of Plant Sciences, provided information on dicamba. Kaitlyn Bissonnette, assistant Extension professor, presented on managing disease and fungicide resistance in field crops.

The crop management tour focused on the critical drivers in the 2019 market outlook for corn and soybeans, crop costs of production, and input costs and crop yield. Agronomy specialist Wayne Flanary, Extension professor Ray Massey and assistant Extension professor Scott Brown all presented.

“Our focus for every field day is to touch on topics that our area farmers and producers are interested in,” Crawford said. “We’re thankful to each of our speakers for taking the time to share their research and work with those in attendance.”

Marc Linit and Linda Herron were both given Friends of the Farm awards during the event as well. Linit, senior associate dean, was honored for a donation to Graves-Chapple as well. Linit has officially retired from his current position and is serving in a part-time role as a search for his position is conducted. Herron is a local volunteer who has been a key contributor to the Graves-Chapple Research Center.

“Marc has been so supportive of the Graves-Chapple Research Center over the years,” Crawford said. “We’re extremely appreciative of all he has done and we wish him well.

“I don’t know what I would do without Linda’s help during our field days. I don’t have to worry about the registrations or anything of that nature because I know she’s there.”

For a closer look at the Graves-Chapple Research Center field day, visit: flickr.com/photos/cafnr/albums/72157694929355810/with/29411842137/.