The Graves-Chapple Research Center is focused on doing research that is of interest to local producers. That research will be presented and discussed Tuesday, August 23, at the annual Graves-Chapple Research Center Field Day.
The Field Day, which is free and open to the public, will run from 7:15 a.m. to noon, with a free breakfast and lunch included. Tours begin at 8:00 a.m.
“We always love hosting our Field Day,” said Jim Crawford, Superintendent. “We want to research and present on topics that our local producers are interested in. Discussing those issues and presenting on our cutting-edge research is a strength of Graves-Chapple.”
This year’s Field Day will touch on a number of topics, including cover crops, soil health, 2017 production costs and conventional soybean breeding. Planting cover crops on a budget will be a key discussion during the morning.
“We definitely think there are benefits to using cover crops,” Crawford said. “We want to dig in and look at if the time and effort is really worth it when corn is at $3 and soybeans are at $9. We’re looking at $5-$10 per acre instead of $30-$40 per acre.”
Insight into the future soybean technologies, management considerations for SDS, management of resistant weeds, and corn and soybean insect issues will also be presented.
Crawford said battling pests and weeds is always of interest to producers and landowners. “Insects and weeds need to be kept under control,” Crawford said. “Producers and landowners need to know how to scout for those issues and how to handle them when they occur. Insects and weeds are always going to be there – but you need to know how close to the threshold you can get before spraying to stop them. If you wait too long, it could be too late.”
The free breakfast, sponsored by Hoegemeyer Hybrids, will begin at 7:15 a.m., with tours beginning at 8:00 a.m. The last tour leaves at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will begin at noon and is sponsored by Kent Fisher Insurance. Mo Valley Ag will provide ice cream and doughnuts will be provided by Atchison-Holt Electric Cooperative.
The Graves-Chapple Research Center is located three miles north of Corning, Missouri, on Interstate 29. Take exit 99 to the east outer road. For more information, call 660-744-6231 or email Crawford at CrawfordJ@missouri.edu. For more information about the Graves-Chapple Research Center, visit graveschapple.cafnr.org.
Graves-Chapple Research Center Field Day Aug. 23
August 17, 2016