University of Missouri unveils new Agri-Tech center

Feb 06, 2024

By: Farms.com

The University of Missouri has launched the Digital Agriculture Research and Extension Center (DAREC), a collaboration between the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, MU Extension, and the USDA Agricultural Research Service, aiming to transform Missouri's agricultural landscape into a future of enhanced productivity, sustainability, and profitability through digital technologies and AI.

Shibu Jose, CAFNR's associate dean for research, emphasized the evolving skill sets required for modern farming and the importance of preparing the next generation of farmers to embrace technological advancements.

DAREC will delve into various agricultural domains, including crop production, soil health, and precision livestock farming, supported by faculty, student research, and partnerships with industry and agencies.

A key feature of DAREC will be the MU Digital Farm at MU's South Farm, which will serve as a field demonstration site showcasing the practical benefits of digital farming tools. Jianfeng Zhou, an associate professor and co-director of DAREC, highlights the center's role in adopting and demonstrating next-generation agricultural technologies for both educational and research purposes.

The center aims to foster confidence and trust among farmers and stakeholders regarding the adoption of new technologies through proactive education and outreach efforts. Rob Kallenbach, CAFNR's associate dean of extension, noted that DAREC will work closely with MU Extension specialists to ensure Missouri farmers have access to the latest in digital agriculture technologies.

With leadership from Zhou, Kent Shannon, and Ken Sudduth of the USDA Agricultural Research Service, DAREC is poised to significantly impact Missouri's agricultural industry. A symposium planned for this spring will further showcase the center's objectives and initiatives.

Video: What Does 20 MILLION Hogs a Year Look Like?

?? The Multi-Plant System Processing 20 Million Hogs Annually in the Midwest JBS USA operates multiple large-scale pork processing facilities across the Midwest, including major plants in Iowa, Minnesota, and Indiana. Combined, these facilities have the capacity to process approximately 20 million hogs annually.

Each plant operates high-speed automated slaughter systems capable of processing up to 20,000 head per day, followed by fabrication lines that break carcasses into primals, sub-primals, and case-ready retail products.

Hog procurement is coordinated through electronic marketing platforms that connect regional contract finishing operations and independent producers to plant demand schedules. This digital procurement system allows for steady supply flow and scheduling efficiency across multiple facilities.

Processing plants incorporate comprehensive food safety systems, including pathogen intervention technologies, rapid chilling processes, and integrated cold-chain management. USDA inspection is embedded throughout the harvest and fabrication stages to ensure regulatory compliance and product integrity. Finished pork products — from bulk primals to retail-ready packaged cuts — are distributed through coordinated logistics networks serving domestic and export markets.