Missouri Ag Research Featured at Hundley-Whaley Event

By Blake Jackson

The University of Missouri’s Hundley-Whaley Extension and Education Center will host its 48th annual Farm, Field and Family Day on Sept. 3 in Albany, located in northwestern Missouri.

According to Jennifer Miller, director of the center, the event is free and begins with registration at 4 p.m. Wagon tours will follow at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., leading into a free dinner at 7 p.m. “During the tours, MU Extension and industry specialists will give overviews of research at the farm,” Miller said. In addition, a community health and resource fair will take place throughout the evening.

Presentations will highlight research and innovations in Missouri agriculture. MU Extension climatologist Zachary Leasor will provide a recap of the 2025 growing season’s climate for the region. Kristin Rosenbaum, field scientist for Corteva AgriScience, will share updates on Corteva’s ongoing research at the farm.

Soybean research will also be in the spotlight, with MU state soybean specialist Andre Reis discussing variety selection, seeding rates, and row spacing.

Extension crops pathologist Mandy Bish and graduate resident Feyisayo Akande will speak on “Rot, Spot and Tiny Worms: Crop Pathogens of Concern.” Additionally, MU Extension specialist Gubir Singh will outline how drones are being applied in spraying, seeding, and fertilizer distribution.

MU Extension horticulturists will feature projects as well: Gwen Funk will present the All-America Selections display garden, while Todd Higgins will explain how Missouri corn supports the distillery industry. Research specialist Terry Woods will discuss pollinators and ecotype wildflowers.

The evening also includes family-friendly activities. Visitors can explore the MU Health Care Simulator Van, which offers hands-on training in life-saving skills, and view exhibits on 4-H, farm-fresh tastings, food preservation, stress management, farm succession, and black vultures.

The program concludes with dinner at 7 p.m. and an awards ceremony. No preregistration is required.

For details, the center is located at 1109 S. Birch St., Albany, or visit the Hundley-Whaley website or call 660-726-5610.

Photo Credit: istock-sasapanchenko