MU Ag showcase returns with cockroach races, drones and more

By Blake Jackson

The MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) Showcase was reintroduced after a three-year hiatus on Saturday at the South Farm Research Center. The event gave participants the chance to learn about animals and agriculture through hands-on activities such as milking cows, petting pigs, riding tractors, and watching cockroach races.

Kristin Simpson, collections manager at the Enns Entomology Museum, has been racing cockroaches for over 20 years. The roaches start at the center of a large circle and the roach that crosses the circle's outline first is the winner. Simpson explained that the vast majority of insects are not pests and that cockroaches are actually clean animals.

Just behind the cockroach racing booth was a large drone that resembled a helicopter when taking off. Members from Mizzou Weed Science operated the drone and explained to attendees its purpose. MU CAFNR professor Kevin Bradley said that the drone can spray, spread seed, and take pictures. He also explained that the technology is in its infancy stages but is becoming widely used in agricultural circuits.

Grant Coe, a graduate student in CAFNR and member of Mizzou Weed Science, explained to spectators how drone technology can impact pest control. He said that the goal is to teach people about the importance of alternate methods of weed control rather than just using herbicides.

One of the nation's first models for automated tractors, the all-electric, autonomous Monarch MK-V Tractor, was showcased at the event. MU researchers are using the electric tractor to understand how it can assist farm laborers in adding more efficiency when growing crops. The tractor's autonomous features can also expand the accessibility of farm work for people with mental or physical disabilities.

Programs, such as the Missouri AgrAbility Project, provide services to farmers with disabilities to help them become more successful. The program offers services such as professional training, information dissemination, technical assistance, on-site farmstead or off-site assessment, and referral to other service providers.

The showcase also included signature activities from before its hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the Missouri Chestnut Roast, corn mazes, and pumpkins to take home.

"It's a nice thing for people to learn from the farm-agricultural background," farm manager Barry Eschenbrenner said.

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