The South Farms are a valuable asset to the University just like any other lab or research facility. The biggest impact from research comes from using the best equipment and techniques for data generation. As a university one of our missions is to provide applicable research to improve the quality of human life. We are requesting money to assist in purchasing a combine draper head that would increase productivity, diversify the crops that can be harvested, and put our program on par with current farming techniques.

The South Farms engages with many of the students through onsite classes and field days. Experienced staff help facilitate those learning experiences and students would get opportunities to have discussions with the operators and the benefits of using a draper head. Students will get to see the versatility of a draper head as it will be used to harvest soybeans, wheat, oats, sorghum and native grass seed. Social media and educational videos can be taken on these various crops which can help assist farmers diversify their farm commodities and practices. There are no draper heads currently being used on any equipment on campus which puts us behind the most current farming practices and deprives our research staff of being able to collect actionable data for more sustainable farming. Our research faculty can use on farm data in the classroom to enhance the educational experience of students. As a university we have an obligation to demonstrate the value of land stewardship and can help model future farming practices.