Enhancing Agricultural Decision-Making: New Automated Weather Station Supports Southwest Missouri Farmers

A state-of-the-art automated weather station in Greene County is set to empower the agriculture community of southwestern Missouri by providing real-time weather data for informed decision-making and enhanced production. Developed through a partnership between the University of Missouri Extension and Convoy of Hope, a faith-based organization based in Springfield, the weather station is situated on Convoy of Hope's property between Springfield and Republic.

This newly established station is part of the Missouri Mesonet weather station network, which comprises over 40 weather stations across the state. Operated by MU Extension and its partners, the network collects and records valuable weather data accessible through the Missouri Mesonet website.

The collaboration between Convoy of Hope and MU Extension aims to support agricultural research and teaching efforts. Convoy of Hope not only provided the location for the weather station but also committed to sponsor its ongoing maintenance. The National Weather Service's Springfield office played a pivotal role in offering site services for the station's establishment.

By facilitating timely information on planting and spraying, the weather station caters to the needs of the agricultural community, aiding their decision-making processes. The partnership aligns with Convoy of Hope's mission to combat hunger worldwide through sustainable agricultural practices, as well as their provision of domestic and international disaster relief services.

The newly established Springfield station delivers real-time updates on various meteorological parameters, including temperatures, dewpoint, humidity, wind speed and direction, bare soil temperatures, wind speeds, gusts, and sunrise and sunset times. Its data will serve as a valuable resource for Convoy of Hope's global farming training initiatives and support their research and demonstration fields in Springfield.

Operating since 1992, the Missouri Mesonet remains a collaborative effort between MU Extension and the MU College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources.

For more information, farmers and interested individuals can visit the Missouri Mesonet website at agebb.missouri.edu/weather/stations and learn more about Convoy of Hope's impactful work at www.convoyofhope.org.

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