25 acres donated to Fisher Delta Center

The newly named South Dunklin County Research Farm is a 25-acre tract of prime cotton ground between the towns of Kennett and Senath on Highway 412.

The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources' Agricultural Research Centers work tirelessly to provide relevant crop studies for the many different soil types around the state. When key advisory board members for the Fisher Delta Research Center identified a gap in the Center's research abilities in south Dunklin County, the board members, local landowners, cotton gin owners, CAFNR Foundation, ag industry and financial institutions stepped up to purchase and donate a piece of land to the Center with just the soil types they needed.

"The Bootheel ag community and the Fisher Delta Research Center have a long history of looking ahead and making the investments necessary to lead our industry forward," said Advisory Board Chairman Jason Bean. "History demonstrates that well-funded and focused research can create new production methods, discoveries of innovation, increase crop quality and ultimately create more profit potential. This is exactly the kind of research and support our cotton industry and community needs during these challenging economic times."

Fisher Delta Research Center Director Trent Haggard describes the new site's soil as "ice cream dirt in the rich area of Senath, Mo." Ice cream dirt is a name referring to the richness of what is technically known as Dubbs and Dundee silt loam soils. The new land will be used for researching cotton and other crops ideally suited for these soils.

The South Dunklin Research Farm Founders are shown below. Some were not able to be at the event during harvest. Back, from left are, David Blakemore on behalf of Blakemore Cotton & Grain, Richard Fordyce, Director of Missouri Department of Agriculture and CAFNR Foundation Trustee, David Haggard of Haggard Farms, John Raines, Senior Vice President, Global Commercial for Climate Corporation, Bill Streeter, Former CEO of MFA and Second Vice President of CAFNR Foundation, Jason Bean, Chairman of FDRC Advisory Board and Bean Farms, Trent Haggard, Director of FDRC, Paul Crysler on behalf of Legacy Equipment. Front Row, Bill Jackson, General Manager of Agriservices of Brunswick and First Vice President of CAFNR Foundation, Jerry Paul Combs of Baker Implement Company, Randy Caldwell of Progressive Farm Credit Services, Robin Wenneker, President of CAFNR Foundation, and Desi Bean of Bean Farms. Founding Members not pictured include Ada and Patrick McHaney of Ken-Mo Ag Center, Will Mobley, President of Senath State Bank, Brad Carter, Loan Officer of Kennett National Bank, Whitey Wallace, Location Manager of Crop Protection Services Senath, 4-Way Gin, Harris and Parker Farms, Chuck and Judy Earnest, Buffy, Austin and Rachel Raines, Farmers Union Gin, Eddie Adams of Senath Fertilizer, The Jackson Family, Barry Aycock, Paul T., Holly and Eky Combs, Judith Haggard and Jack Holifield of Dewitt Auctions. Any businesses or individuals interesting in becoming a Founding member of the South Dunklin Research Farm are encouraged to call FDRC Director Trent Haggard at 573.379.5431.

To date, 23 supporters have donated $7,500 each toward the purchase and development of the land.

"We've seen a remarkable outpouring of support for this mission," said John Raines, advisory board member. "The farm's focus will be to find new innovative ways to strengthen Bootheel cotton production, all area rotational crops and support our area producers and the overall ag community. An investment in this farm, and research, is an investment in the necessary infrastructure to keep cotton, and Bootheel agriculture, thriving for years to come."

"We are thrilled that our area leaders have highlighted the issue and stepped up to make this donation," Haggard said. "The research we do on this land will directly support all the farmers, businesses and landowners in the area. We are also very appreciative of the CAFNR Foundation's willingness to partner, donate and facilitate this special land purchase."

If anyone wishes to support the new farm's mission and join the Founders group, contact Trent Haggard at 573-379-5431. These tax deductible contributions also will qualify donors for annual membership in the CAFNR Foundation, and on the Founders plaque at the new farm, as well as qualification in donor recognition programs at the University of Missouri.