Visitors
enjoy the South Farm Showcase
Eric
Wright, posted Sept. 29, 2006
Bluegrass
music, a shining sun, kids playfully jumping from hay bales
and host of agricultural experts dotted the landscape of MU’s
South Farm on Saturday, Sept. 17. The community was kept thoroughly
intrigued, and for good reason.
To visitors, the
South Farm Showcase was a glimpse into one of MU’s most-valuable
educational resources. David Newman of the Animal Science
Graduate Student Association (ASGSA), was one of the volunteers
catering food to the crowd. Amidst the smell of burgers beginning
to grill, he explained the events importance.
Andrew Zynda, a Columbia native, examines bugs he caught while at the Entomology station during the South Farm Showcase at the MU South Farm on Sept. 16. Photo by Kyle Spradley
“We’re
trying to get the community more involved and in tune with
what’s going on,” he said. “[South Farm]
encompasses all things concerning Missouri agriculture, that’s
important because it is one of the largest industries in Missouri.”
The 1,452-acre
farm is an extensive research facility bordered by Columbia’s
urban development. Research opportunities from fishery management
to equine science are available to give students a hands-on
education.
The entomology
lab was just one of the sites on exhibit. Entomology is the
study of insects, so the lab gave kids and adults alike an
up close look into the crawly world. Richard Houseman, an
Urban Entomologist at MU, was one of the helpful experts on
hand. As kids awed at the Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches preparing
to race on a set-up track, Houseman took a moment to explain
the fascination of bugs.
“Kids really
like looking at bugs; teenagers and adults seem to like it
too,” he said. “They are fascinated by it, because
it’s kind of creepy but something you can’t turn
away from.”
Aside
from visiting the entomologist, guests could also tour seven
other stops that displayed the farm in its entirety. Busses
were available to shuttle visitors to all areas of the farm.
If you
missed the event, the Farm will be open again for the Beef
Research Field Day on Oct. 7.
