At top: Andy Luke, MU Extension agronomy specialist is pictured having a discussion on the Dicamba tour at the Graves-Chapple Field Day.

The tour wagons were packed throughout the morning during the annual Graves-Chapple Research Center field day on Tuesday, Aug. 22.
More than 225 guests enjoyed presentations on a variety of agricultural-related topics. There was a special question and answer session on dicamba during the event as well.
“Things went great,” Superintendent Jim Crawford said. “The weather cooperated and we had wonderful presentations that our area producers wanted. That’s the key for us. With the help of our advisory board, we work with the producers to find topics of interest to them. Once we have those topics, we find presenters who are experts on those topics. We not only want to highlight the research at Graves-Chapple, but also answer those questions the producers have.”
Kevin Bradley, a University of Missouri Extension weed specialist, led the question and answer session. Bradley was a part of the dicamba tour, which also featured discussions by Andy Luke, MU Extension agronomy specialist, and Ray Massey, an MU Extension professor.
More than half of the crowd stuck around to ask questions to Bradley, who was able to dive deeper into the dicamba issue.
“The question and answer session is something we’ve never done before,” Crawford said. “Dicamba is a hot topic, and we knew that on a 15-minute tour stop Kevin could spend that entire time just answering questions. We used his tour as a way to get the information out to everyone. They could then bring their questions to him in an open forum.
“I think it’s a testament to us hitting our marks on what the producers want. We’re meeting their needs.”
Attendees also learned about crop and pest management during the field day. The crop management tour focused on nitrogen application timing and rates, improved soil health and cash rental rates. The pest management tour touched on subjects such as corn and soybean insect issues, marestail and corn streaks, spots, blights, blotch and rust.
Christopher Daubert, MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources vice chancellor and dean, addressed the crowd during the free lunch. Daubert began his duties at CAFNR on August 1. Marshall Stewart, MU vice chancellor of extension and engagement, and Mark McIntosh, vice chancellor for research, graduate studies and economic development, also made the trip to the field day.
“It’s fantastic to have individuals in upper administration come to Graves-Chapple, not only see the facilities and work we do here, but also see the local support we have, including producers, agribusinesses and elected officials,” Crawford said. “Our field day is a great forum to talk with them on what we’re doing well and where we can improve.”
For a closer look at the Graves-Chapple Research Center field day, visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cafnr/albums/72157688029279065.