A new partnership between Mississippi State University and Wade Inc. will support the university’s Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station as it drives agricultural research.
Through the agreement, MAFES is leasing 15 John Deere 6M series utility tractors from the Mississippi-based farm equipment supplier for use at on- and off-campus branch stations.
“MAFES manages more than 16,000 acres across the state, requiring extensive equipment and manpower,” said Darrin Dodds, MAFES associate director. “In the past, purchasing tractors and machines led to multiple brands and models, complicating maintenance and limiting efficiency. This new partnership ensures consistency and reliability across our operations that will support world-class research with the most up-to-date equipment.”
Dodds said the program will enhance research and student learning by providing state-of-the-art technology while reducing downtime, improving safety and increasing productivity at the university’s research station branches.
As part of the launch, about 40 MAFES personnel from across the state participated in hands-on training on the tractors’ technological capabilities, operations and maintenance.
Source : msstate.edu