UNIVERSITY FARM IMPORTANT TO STUDENTS, FARMERS

Other than a sign alongside Interstate 55 that identifies the Southeast Missouri State University Demonstration Farm, few people are aware that the university owns and operates a farm north of Cape Girardeau and strives to make a profit doing it.

The university wants more people to be aware of the farm, particularly the research that goes on there. The farm also links Southeast with the University of Missouri-Columbia and its Extension Service, the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Natural Resource Conservation Service and the Cape Girardeau County Soil and Water Conservation District. Toward that end, the agencies plan to hold a field day at the farm Oct. 3 in hopes people will visit and see what it is all about.

The primary purpose of the 408-acre farm is to educate Southeast students on beef technology and demonstrate the technology to beef producers in the region. Until two years ago the farm was a dairy operation. The switch was made because beef farming is considered more meaningful to the region. Modern technology, including rotational-intensive grazing and cool- and warm-season grasses, is applied.

It must be a self-supporting effort, and last fiscal year it was: The farm made $36,000, a $7,000 profit.

Some interesting studies on environmental effects of cattle production are taking place. One of them, the changes in the quality of Williams Creek that flows through the farm, will culminate when the beef operation ends in eight years.

With agriculture playing a vital role in the region's economy, the farm is becoming an important tool not only for university agriculture students but farmers across the region. Much can be learned from its operation, and those involved in agriculture should take advantage of it.