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Graves-Chapple Center director Jim Crawford, right, and MU Extension agronomist Wayne Flanary in front of the center’s new plot combine. Photo courtesy of Jim Crawford. -
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A new plot combine at the MU Graves-Chapple Extension and Education Center will provide greater precision and reliability in work on the center’s research and demonstration plots. Photo courtesy of Jim Crawford.
ROCK PORT, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension’s Graves-Chapple Extension and Education Center is harvesting more than crops this fall. It’s reaping the benefits of a major equipment upgrade.
The center recently received a refurbished plot combine harvester that will modernize operations, improve research accuracy and enhance demonstrations for visitors and producers, said Jim Crawford, director of Graves-Chapple.
A plot combine is no ordinary farm machine, Crawford said. Unlike large commercial combines that cover acres at a time, plot combines are designed for precision harvesting on small research plots. They collect and measure yield data from different crop trials, helping researchers evaluate seed varieties, fertilizer rates, planting methods and more.
“This will bump Graves-Chapple up to the present day,” said Steve Klute, Graves-Chapple advisory board chair. “This will make things easier.”
Klute noted that the center’s previous plot combine had been in use for many years and was showing its age. “When people visit and all they see is older equipment, it is hard for them to see the value in the work done at Graves-Chapple,” he said. “Having updated equipment will help sell to the public that Graves-Chapple is a top-tier research facility.”
“This machine will be much more reliable than our previous machine. That will enhance our efficiency,” Crawford said. “It will also increase our accuracy when measuring test data. This machine will provide additional opportunities for more research and demonstrations by on-site faculty.”
Located near Rock Port in northwestern Missouri, the MU Graves-Chapple Extension and Education Center conducts field-based research and demonstrations focused on improving profitability and sustainability for area producers. The addition of the new plot combine will allow the center to continue its mission with modern precision and greater efficiency, ensuring the center remains at the cutting edge both in the field and in the eyes of the community, Crawford said.
Photos
Graves-Chapple plot combine 1. Graves-Chapple Center director Jim Crawford, right, and MU Extension agronomist Wayne Flanary in front of the center’s new plot combine. Photo courtesy of Jim Crawford.
Graves-Chapple plot combine 2. A new plot combine at the MU Graves-Chapple Extension and Education Center will provide greater precision and reliability in work on the center’s research and demonstration plots. Photo courtesy of Jim Crawford.
