By Michelle Enger
A group of 20 agricultural faculty members and entrepreneurs from Ukraine spent two weeks in Missouri last month as part of an educational visit with the aim of advancing the country’s capabilities in precision agriculture, agro-scouting and digital agronomy.
The Agricultural Growing Rural Opportunities in Ukraine (AGRO) Activity supports the transformation of Ukraine’s agricultural sector into a more modern, market-oriented and resilient industry. AGRO strengthens agricultural market systems, promotes access to financing and improves the supportive environment for small and medium agricultural producers, with the ultimate goal of increasing rural incomes and economic resilience, and accelerating the economic development of rural Ukrainian communities.
The trip was facilitated by Kerry Clark, associate research professor and director of CAFNR International Programs; Rusty Lee, field specialist in agronomy, Montgomery County; and Meikah Dado, assistant professor in agricultural education. Mizzou tour stops included Bradford Research Farm, Columbia, Mo., to learn about field diagnostics; the Plant Diagnostic and Soil and Plant Testing laboratories; Greenley Research Farm, Novelty, Mo., to learn about integration of agro-scouting data into precision agriculture systems; Ag and Environment Extension to understand the role of extension services in scaling agronomic knowledge from research to farms; Center for Regenerative Agriculture to showcase efforts to help farmers implement new practices; Digital Agriculture Research and Extension Center for demonstrations of agricultural technologies including sensors, mapping and modeling; and Fisher Delta Research, Extension and Education Center, Portageville, Mo., to deepen mastery of practice U.S. field scouting protocols across a second, distinct crop system and geography.
Source : missouri.edu