The goal of work on the collective 74-acre leased farms is to implement applied research, demonstrate management practices for crop production, and evaluate new and sustainable crop production practices. The Greenley Research Center's major objective is to evaluate efficient, profitable crop production in northern Missouri while emphasizing soil conservation, water quality and energy efficiency. Researchers study the benefits of reduced tillage, alternative cropping practices, the effects of new technology and products, variety testing, soil fertility and beef cattle backgrounding. Studies on water quality and the environmental impact of crop production are being implemented. High priority is given to demonstrating ways plants improve our living environments and to using plants suited to thrive in this region.
Projects focus on the best management practices and economics for corn, soybeans and grain sorghum.
The research farm is noted for excellence in pesticide evaluations and comparisons. Projects with a sustainable agriculture orientation are emphasized. Driving directions Columbia, Boone County Sanborn Field Sanborn Field is a long-term research field with over 100 years of soil and crop management activities. Documentation of the past, 2. Research, and 4.