By Blake Jackson
The University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) and MU Extension have announced their schedule of 2026 field days and agricultural events, encouraging producers, industry professionals, and community members to participate in educational programs held across Missouri from August through October.
These annual events are designed to connect agricultural research with practical farming applications by allowing attendees to see current studies firsthand, explore new production practices, discuss regional challenges, and interact directly with MU Extension specialists.
The programs support the land-grant mission of delivering research-based knowledge to farmers and rural communities.
Activities will take place at MU Extension’s Extension and Education Centers (EECs) and CAFNR’s Research, Extension and Education Centers (REECs), which are part of the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station.
Throughout the fall, several locations will also host Career Exploration and Youth Ag Days for high school students, introducing them to careers in agriculture while highlighting ongoing research projects.
The 2026 schedule begins Aug. 6 with the Northern Missouri REEC Field Day near Novelty, followed by the Fisher Delta REEC event in Portageville on Aug. 10 and the Graves-Chapple EEC Field Day near Rock Port on Aug. 25.
The Tomato Festival will be held Aug. 27 at Jefferson Farm & Garden in Columbia, offering tomato and pepper tastings, expert presentations, and gardening advice.
Additional events include the Hundley-Whaley EEC Field Day on Sept. 3, the Southwest REEC Career Exploration and Public Field Day on Sept. 17, and the CAFNR Showcase at South Farm in Columbia on Sept. 26.
October activities feature the Producer Field Day at Wurdack EEC on Oct. 2 and the Missouri Chestnut Festival on Oct. 10 at the Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Farm in New Franklin, where visitors can enjoy specialty crop products, educational exhibits, farm tours, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
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Categories: Missouri, Education, General