Lincoln University Alternative Ag Field Day - May 30th

Attend the Lincoln University's Busby Farm Field Day on May 30th located just south of Jefferson City, MO.  Registration is $5/person which includes dinner.  Please RSVP to Vonna Kesel at 573-681-5312. For additional information contact Chris Boeckmann at 573-619-2914.

Site 1: Registration / Hydroponic Sprouting - Chris Boeckmann, Organic Production Manager

This demonstration of hydroponic sprouting of ryegrass and oats will explain the methods used for this process. Additionally, we will talk about the potential applications of hydroponic sprouting and their feasibility for Missouri goat, sheep and cattle producers.

Site 2: Silvopasture - Charlotte Clifford-Rathert, State Extension Specialist, Small Ruminants
The Small Ruminant Program received a Capacity Building Grant from USDA- NIFA in 2011. The focus of the grant is the eradication and control of invasive vegetation while creating a silvopasture in a Missouri Woodland.  This project will serve as a demonstration site for extension programs as well as outdoor classroom teaching and research.  Dr. Charlotte's team will be discussing the data collected after one year, the positive impact seen so far, and demonstrating different fencing options.

Site 3: Composting - Hwei-Yiing Johnson, State Extension Specialist, Plant Science
The  Lincoln University Composting Program  will  showcase various composting technologies, such  as  aerobic  composting, vermi-composting, and Effective Microbes (EM).   The vermi-composting system uses solar energy for winter heating.   Additionally, we will demonstrate the use of compost as an organic soil amendment in support of the green roof and green wall, rain garden, and native landscaping areas.

Site 4: Native Plants - Nadia Navarrete-Tindal, State Extension Specialist, Native Plants
Learn about native plants in woodlands and prairies.  Tour the woodlands restoration area and prairie development.  Learn about FINCA gardens and view the many native plants.

Site 5: Organic Blueberries - Patrick Byers, University of Missouri Extension Horticulture Specialist

Blueberries are a fruit crop with huge commercial potential, as well as an excellent fruit crop for home fruit production. Patrick Byers has worked with blueberry research and outreach education for the past 30 years. His presentation will address the basics of blueberry production in Missouri with emphasis on cultivar selection, site preparation, production practices, and marketing.

Site 6: Solar-Powered Irrigation and Livestock Watering System - Scott Williams, Missouri Solar Applications and Vic Rackers, LU Professional Engineer

The 2-acre reservoir provides water for the orchard and pastures using a solar- powered pump and extensive piping system.  The system is a vital component of the Busby Farm’s integrated farming operation.

Site 7: Integrated Pest Management including Trap Cropping and Cover Crops - Jaime Pinero, State Extension Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Specialist

Oganic research is being conducted by the Lincoln University (LU) IPM program with the goal of improving organic farming systems in the context of pest management. At this field day, Dr. Piñero and Jacob Wilson, Extension IPM Associate, will demonstrate that the trap cropping approach is a simple, effective, and affordable organic management option for squash bugs and cucumber beetles in cucurbit crops. Our research indicates that trap cropping can become a widely used management tool against these insects, which cause devastating losses to vegetable farmers on an annual basis. Piñero and Wilson will also discuss organic management options for the Japanese beetle, including findings from our own research aimed at developing a push-pull strategy that includes mass trapping as a major component.

Site 8: Mulit-Species Grazing - James Caldwell, Assistant Professor

Grazing with multiple species of animals may improve performance of one or both species. However, this has not been evaluated with hair sheep and cattle while grazing stockpiled toxic tall fescue.  During this field day, we will discuss performance data from Katahdin hair sheep and fall-calving cows grazing stockpiled toxic tall fescue and managed using either: 1) lead-follow grazing method (sheep in front of cows) or 2) fall-calving cows and sheep grazing together.  Also, we will talk about available forage and forage utilization from the two management methods mentioned above.    While discussing performance and forage data we will be conducting a pasture walk, at which time participants will be encourage to ask questions.

Site 9: Informational Booths and Displays

These educational and informational displays will offer ideas and resources to producers and growers.   State agencies, environmental groups and several Lincoln University programs will be there to answer questions and provide information to help producers and growers develop a successful operation.

Directions to Busby Research Farm - From Jefferson City take Highway 54 West towards Lake of the Ozarks.  Proceed approximately 5 miles and turn left onto Goller Road.  The farm entrance is located .1 mile from Highway 54.  Turn right and proceed down the lane to the main building.