MIZZOU LEADS IN FARM RESEARCH

University of Missouri-Columbia scientists are trying to genetically engineer plants that can manufacture their own insecticides.

That's just one example of the agricultural research going on at the school's College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, says Roger Mitchell, dean of the college.

Mitchell, along with eight University of Missouri scientists, spoke to a crowd of about 150 farmers and agri-business people at a meeting Tuesday night at the Drury Inn in Cape Girardeau. The scientists discussed on-going research dealing with crops and livestock.

University of Missouri officials said they were pleased with the turnout. "There is just a lot of interest in the research," said Mary Wynne Still, director of the university's News Bureau. Still attended Tuesday's night meeting.

Prior to the meeting, Mitchell discussed the research efforts in an interview with the editorial board of the Southeast Missourian. Also on hand was Michael Aide of the agriculture department at Southeast Missouri State University.

Aide said, "We want young people to go into agriculture. Agriculture is more than just farming."

Agricultural research deals with everything from food to farming. "Food safety is becoming such a dominant issue," Mitchell said.

"I've got a scientist right now who is synthesizing proteins," said Mitchell. Research is also taking place on growth hormones, which ultimately could result in higher crop yields, he said.

Agricultural research is also done at the Delta Center, the University of Missouri's research station in Portageville.

The center, which receives some federal funding, has been a key player in identifying disease-resistant types of soybeans, Mitchell said.

Although it's a separate arm of the University of Missouri, the Extension Service also provides assistance to farmers and the agricultural community.

The University of Missouri's agriculture school has a research budget of about $28 million a year, with about $5 million in federal money, $11 million in state money, $2 million in sales, and another $10 million in scientific grants.

Mitchell said that agricultural research is not the exclusive province of the University of Missouri. Regional institutions such as Southeast Missouri State University also contribute to research efforts, he said.