Location: Plant Genetics Research
Project Number: 5070-21220-046-005-N
Project Type: Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Apr 15, 2022
End Date: Apr 14, 2027
Objective:
The objective of the Missouri Maize Center is joint administration of the Genetics Farm, to enable field operations that are the core activity for all maize genetics researchers located in central Missouri.
Approach:
The Missouri Maize Center will establish a consolidated field center which requires not only the land, but also the personnel and equipment to run the operation.
• The Collaborator provides the land at South Farm/Genetics Farm. Approximately 20 acres are used each year for maize research. The Collaborator also provides a building for storage of equipment, supplies, and facilities for daily operation at the farm.
• The Collaborator provides funds each year for operating costs. These costs include university personnel to run the farm, internet and phone, electricity, propane, etc.
• ARS provides the equipment needed to conduct field research. Examples of the equipment used include tractors, planters, tillage and spraying equipment, mowers/brushhogs, irrigation equipment, and vehicles for use on the farm.
• ARS and Collaborator scientists pay on a per-acre basis the cost of fertilizer, herbicides, and pollination supplies.
The Missouri Maize Center is led by the ARS PI. The field operations are under the control of an Operations Committee composed of the Director, the Treasurer, and the Farm Manager. A number of seasonal hourly employees provide labor for day-to-day operations. The Farm Manager and the seasonal employees are all cooperator employees.
