The Wurdack Research Center Field Day featured numerous discussions centered on forages and livestock, and provided local farmers and producers with information to help them improve their farming operations. The event, which took place Friday, Oct. 4, included a free lunch that was sponsored by First Community National Bank (FCNB).

The Field Day included several University of Missouri Extension specialists as speakers.

“Our local farmers and producers really rely on the local MU Extension specialists, and we do our best to have them incorporated into our Field Day,” said Dusty Walter, superintendent of the Wurdack Research Center. “We have a great group of specialists and I think they provided some important information for our attendees.”

Jordan Thomas, assistant Extension professor in the Division of Animal Sciences, presented on timed artificial insemination (AI) and incorporating the practice into an operation. John Langdon, MU Extension field specialist in livestock, talked about EPDs and their proper use in livestock breeding.

Gatlin Bunton and Rachel Hopkins discussed forages, with a focus on sunn hemp. Bunton, MU Extension field specialist in agronomy, led the agronomy portion of the discussion, while Hopkins, MU Extension county engagement specialist in agriculture and environment, led the economic side of the presentation.

“The demonstrations and research at the Wurdack Research Center are centered on livestock, forages, forestry, agroforestry and wildlife management practices that are economically viable, environmentally sound and sociologically acceptable for the Ozark region of the state,” Walter said. “These four speakers did such a great job of showcasing that research and some of the new projects we’re trying at the Center.”

Tim Reinbott, assistant director of the Agricultural Experiment Station, shared an update on industrial hemp and its potential as a crop for Missouri. Walter and Roger Branson, a sawmill owner and operator, presented on making wise forestry decisions. Branson and Thomas Johnston conducted a sawmill demonstration as well.

“Industrial hemp has been in the news often lately, and we wanted to discuss what the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources is doing with this crop,” Walter said. “We have several individuals with some timber on their land, so we like to talk about making good forestry decisions, too.”

For a closer look at the Wurdack Research Center Field Day, visit: flickr.com/photos/cafnr/albums/72157711209742022.