Attendees of the Graves-Chapple Research Center Field Day had the opportunity to enjoy informational and educational presentations, as well as wonderful weather, during the event on Tuesday, Aug. 27.

The Field Day focused on integrated pest management, crop management and technology in agriculture. Guests were treated to a free breakfast and lunch and heard from numerous University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources faculty, as well as MU Extension experts.

“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.”

The three tours took guests throughout the Research Center, making stops for attendees to meet with numerous speakers. The integrated pest management tour featured four speakers. Kevin Bradley, a professor in the Division of Plant Sciences, shared insights on weeds to be on the lookout for. Kevin Rice, an assistant professor in the Division of Plant Sciences, gave an update on Japanese beetles. Graduate student Morgan Bruhn discussed soybean cyst nematodes and Andy Luke, an Extension field specialist in agronomy, talked about controlling marestail.

Greg Luce, an adjunct instructor for the Division of Plant Sciences, led off the technology tour and provided attendees an update on industrial hemp. Bo Young, a climate activation specialist for Climate FieldView, discussed the benefits of incorporating precision agriculture on older equipment. Amie Schleicher, a field specialist in livestock for MU Extension, presented on filling gaps in forage quantity and quality.

“There are obviously a lot of questions about industrial hemp, and while we’re just in the beginning stages of our research, we wanted to provide an update,” Crawford said. “Precision agriculture technology is another big topic of interest, and we wanted to share what new technology is available.”

The crop management tour took a look at the 2020 market outlook for corn and soybeans, the cost of production of those two crops, and input costs and crop yields. Scott Brown, director of strategic partnerships for CAFNR; Ray Massey, Extension professor; and Wayne Flanary, Extension agronomy specialist; all spoke during that tour.

“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.”

Steve Klute and Mike Herron were both given Friends of the Farm awards during the event as well. Klute is a local producer and has served as the chairman of the Graves-Chapple advisory board since the late 1990s. Herron is a local volunteer who has been a key contributor to the Graves-Chapple Research Center.

“Steve has helped Graves-Chapple in more ways than you could count,” Crawford said. “We’re extremely appreciative of all he has done for the Center. Mike has also been a huge supporter. It was great to honor the two of them.”

For a closer look at the Graves-Chapple Research Center field day, visit: flickr.com/photos/cafnr/albums/72157710593819527.