The University of Missouri Southwest Research Center was established in 1959 to conduct "problem-solving" research and education programs that are relevant to the agricultural interests in the southwest region of the state. As part of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station, the Southwest Center is one of 17 off-campus farms and centers that form a network of "outdoor laboratories" to conduct place-based agriculture-related programs. Because of the importance of livestock production to the region and the state, activities at the Southwest Center focus on forage production, and both beef and dairy cattle; horticulture and agro-forestry are also increasingly important parts of the program. Economic, environmental and social sustainability and support for the small family farm are important considerations in the Center's research and outreach efforts.

A popular attraction is the Center's seasonal, pasture-based dairy. Breaking away from the more conventional high-production confinement systems, the Southwest Center's dairy, houses and feeds cows on abundant, high-quality pastures from a wide variety of perennial and annual forages. Management-intensive grazing techniques allow for profitable milk production with lower feed costs. A modified New Zealand-style milking parlor provides rapid cow through-put and greater labor efficiency.

The 899-acre Southwest Center serves a 22-county area, and is assisted by an Advisory Committee of individuals selected from throughout the region. Located just four miles southwest of Mt. Vernon on Highway H, the facility is easily accessed from Interstate 44, as well as Highway 97 and Highway 39. The Mt. Vernon Municipal Airport is located on the University's land.

Annual Field Day is scheduled for Friday, September 10, 2010 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The Southwest Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday. Visitors are welcome!

For more information contact Dr. Richard Crawford at 417-466-2148, or email Southwestcenter@missouri.edu. Or you may visit the web site at aes.missouri.edu/swcenter aes.missouri.edu/swcenter