Menu
Annual Delta Center Field Day
As most farmers will tell you, the weather is not in their control. It was a wet day for the Fisher Delta Research Center's 56th Annual Field Day. Instead of gong on the field tours, the tours were brought inside with each speaker taking turns.
The theme for Thursday's in Portageville was, "Future of Delta Agriculture." The day was filled with informative talks from congressmen, legislators, and professors who spoke on various issues from the research center's new agricultural programs to the EPA's overreaching regulations that will have a negative impact on not only the farmers, but the nation as a whole.
FDRC Director Trent Haggard welcomed everyone to the event. After the invocation given by Pastor Missy Rose, the crowd grew silent with a moving presentation of the colors, conducted by VFW District 15 Commander Billy Becker, and uniformed military personnel. Then, the National Anthem was performed by Hailey McGowen.
The event took place in Rone Exhibit Hall with Jason Bean, the Delta Center Advisory Board Chairman, as the emcee. He introduced most of the speakers that included Missouri Governor Eric Greitens, U.S. Senator Roy Blunt, U.S. Congressman Jason Smith, and Deputy director of Missouri Department of Agriculture Garrett Hawkins. U. S. Senator Claire McCaskill also spoke after a late arrival.
Blunt highlighted his work to ensure Missouri farmers and ranchers have the tools they need to play a key role in meeting world food demand. Specifically, Blunt discussed his efforts to roll back burdensome regulations and expand rural broadband "This is an unbelievable challenge and it is an unbelievable opportunity, and no one is in a better position to take advantage of that then we are here, in Missouri where we live," said Blunt.
He also noted how importance our river parts are. "The Mississippi River Valley has the best farmers, the best ranchers, the best agricultural research institutions, public and private, in the world, and it has the best way to get products to anywhere in the world. The ports along the Mississippi River serves farmers within a 300 miles radius all around them with the access of roads and rails," said the Senator.
After the elected state and federal leaders made their speeches, Senior Associate Dean, Dr. Marc Linit introduced several new university leaders they each spoke a few words about their new duties and aspirations. They included, Curator Darryl Chatman, President Mun Choi, Chancellor Alexander Cartwright, and Vice Chancellor and Dean Chris Daubert.
Several folks were also recognized. The Club of 1000 welcomed new members, as Fisher Delta Center (FDC) Director Trent Haggard presented with with plagues. Additionally, Haggard recognized two retirees for their hard earned efforts at the center.
Finally, Haggard presented a a Century Farm Family sign to the Stauffer Farms family of Pemiscot County.
After a brief time for set up, the inside tours began.
• Pengyin Chen, who holds the University of Missouri Plant Sciences Endowed Professorship of Soybean Breeding led the soybean discussion, and presented current variety development and germplasm enhancement taking place at the Center.
| • Kevin Bradley, an associate professor and MU Extension weed scientist, discussed dicamba and off-target movement. |
• David Dunn, MU Extension associate in the soil testing lab, and Jim Heiser, a senior research associate, presented a sample of the rice research at the Center. Dunn focused on the different methods of winter rice straw management. Heiser presented on his work with the new rice weed control products.
| • The cotton tour had a variety of presentations and information. Extension professor Gene Stevens talked about evaluating potassium fertility on cotton. Senior research associate Matthew Rhine spoke on cotton rooting depth and irrigation management. | |
| Ken Sudduth, adjunct professor and USDA-ARS agriculture engineer, discussed using soil sensors to measure soil texture variations and water-holding capacity for improved site-specific cotton management. Earl Vories, adjunct professor and USDA-ARS agriculture engineer, helped guests understand the factors affecting cotton yield monitors for improved site-specific management. |
Students from area schools attended their own event on Field Day. High school students learned about career opportunities in all areas of the agricultural field, along with other fields taught at the University of Missouri. They were also counseled in ways to finance their college from scholarships to A+ programs.