Bradford Research and Extension Center opens new technology center

story and photo by Eran Shelby, posted Oct. 28, 2009

A new technology center at the MU Bradford Research and Extension Center opens up new possibilities for bringing the community out to the farm, located just southeast of Columbia.

“Bradford Farm was previously known for research, and this expansion allows Bradford to be connected with the community,” said Tim Reinbott, center superintendent, at the ribbon cutting ceremony held Oct. 7.

Bradford is part of a state-wide network of farms that provide research and outreach to different regions of Missouri. The new Technology Transfer Center will provide space for workshops, tours, meetings and other community activities.

CAFNR faculty and staff help cut the ribbon at the opening of the Technology Transfer Center at the MU Bradford Research and Extension Center near Columbia. — photo by Sarah Woodhurst

“Before the Technology Transfer Center was constructed, any group that wanted a tour had to rely on the weather being favorable enough to go outside,” said John Poehlmann, assistant director of the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station. “We now have the option of demonstrating some of what is shown on tours in the great setting of the conference center.”

Bradford’s previous meeting room was above the main office and was not handicap accessible or large enough to house a large crowd. The new facility has a lobby, kitchen, large restrooms and three adequate meeting areas to accommodate crowds.

Poehlmann anticipates that the center will host state-wide conferences on issues ranging from crop management to genetics, wildlife to marketing. The space will also be open for community reservations.

“It has the great features of a nice setting, high quality projection, adequate bathrooms and easy parking — all in a well manicured setting,” Poehlmann said.

In the future, Reinbott envisions classrooms being built around the building so students can have indoor and outdoor classrooms at the farm.

The new Technology Transfer Center is designed so that all of the windows at the top of the building are facing south, which allows the sun to provide heat in the winter.

The interior of the building is made of recycled carpet, sheetrock and paint. And the stone at the bottom of the building is similar to the stone used on campus, because Reinbott wanted a way to visually connect the new building to the original white campus.

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