See new technology, learn from experts at MU Wurdack Field Day

COOK STATION, Mo. – The University of Missouri’s Wurdack Extension and Education Center invites producers, landowners, agribusiness professionals and community members to its annual field day, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Friday, Oct. 2, to see firsthand how investments are expanding research and education opportunities in the Ozarks.

At the free event, participants will see the latest facility improvements and learn about ongoing research projects, including grazing management practices, forage systems and virtual fencing technology being tested at the center, said Eric Meusch, interim director of Wurdack Center.

The GPS-enabled virtual fencing project, which is supported in part by a one-time increase in state funding for MU Extension, allows producers to manage cattle movement without traditional physical fencing, reducing labor while improving pasture use.

“Support from the state gives MU Extension the opportunity to explore technologies that address the challenges Missouri farmers and ranchers face every day,” said Rob Kallenbach, MU Extension senior program director for agriculture and environment. “Investments like this help us turn research into practical solutions that can improve efficiency, productivity and the long-term success of Missouri agriculture.”

Meusch says virtual fencing has tremendous potential to help producers save time, improve grazing management and make better use of their forage resources. “By evaluating virtual fencing here at Wurdack, we can help producers understand where it fits, where it may not and what kind of return they can realistically expect before making that investment,” he said.

Field day attendees can also see demonstrations of the use of drones on the farm and the latest in reproduction technology for beef cattle.

Located along the Meramec River near Cook Station, Wurdack Center comprises about 1,200 acres, including pasture, forage ground and forest typical of the Ozarks. “Wurdack exists to evaluate new ideas and demonstrate practices that attendees can use on their own operations,” Meusch said. “The field day extends research and education to producers and landowners, fulfilling the University of Missouri’s land-grant mission.”

The event is free and open to the public, and lunch will be provided, but advance registration is required for planning purposes. Details and registration.