Posted On: May 21, 2025
For decades, the CAFNR Foundation has recognized that supporting Missouri’s farming communities starts with access to land. That belief took root in 1952, when J.C. Penney gifted the Foundation his Foremost Dairy Farm and herd—a donation that became CAFNR’s Foremost Dairy, serving the University of Missouri’s land-grant mission.
This early act of generosity laid the groundwork for the Foundation’s long-term land and research goals. Today, the Foundation owns three strategic parcels of land that support the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station’s research, outreach and community-focused initiatives.
Strengthening Agricultural Research in Central Missouri
Spanning 14 counties and nearly 6,700 acres, the Central Missouri Research, Extension and Education Center (REEC) is home to a diverse portfolio of programs that advance Missouri agriculture and natural resources.
In 2013, the CAFNR Foundation purchased 10 acres adjacent to Bradford Farm, securing continued access to valuable research ground in Columbia, Missouri. This tract, known as the Groshong property, is named after former University of Missouri Vice Chancellor Kee Groshong, who owned the land prior to the Foundation’s acquisition.
“These additional acres have supported research, connected us with classes and student support, and have contributed to farm tours and education,” said Dusty Walter, director of the Central Missouri REEC. “In addition to the acreage needs associated with research, a buffer area is often necessary between multiple research projects. This helps ensure that results are independent and not influenced by outside farm activities. These sites also support long-term studies that can span years—or even entire graduate programs.”
All 10 acres have served a purpose over the last 12 years. If a portion of the land was ever not actively used for research at any given time, it was farmed instead—generating revenue to support equipment maintenance, research efforts and the Central Missouri REEC facilities, Walter explained.
Boosting Cotton Research in the Bootheel
The CAFNR Foundation’s land investments have also made a lasting impact in the Missouri Bootheel. Home to 1,119 acres, the T.E. “Jake” Fisher Delta REEC spans five locations that represent the major soil types of southeast Missouri.
In May 2015, the CAFNR Foundation expanded Fisher Delta’s footprint with the purchase of 25 acres, now known as Senath Farm, in Dunklin County. The Foundation leases the acres to Fisher Delta REEC, expanding cotton field trials in one of Missouri’s most productive cotton-growing areas.
“This farm gives our facility visibility and research opportunities in a unique area of the Bootheel,” said Aaron Brandt, director of the Fisher Delta REEC. “It provides a dedicated space to test new management practices that can benefit local cotton growers.”
According to Bradley Wilson, University of Missouri cotton specialist and assistant research professor, over the past five years, numerous cotton varieties have been evaluated at Senath Farm to assess performance under both irrigated and dryland conditions. Since cotton varieties typically remain in the commercial market for only a short time, these trials provide producers with an early look at pre-commercial varieties before they are officially released.
“Recently, with the introduction of peanut production in the Missouri region, several new peanut trials have been established,” Wilson said. “These include peanut variety trials as well as studies evaluating nitrogen rates within a cotton-peanut rotation. The results from these trials will offer producers insights into the nitrogen requirements for cotton when following peanuts in rotation.”
Nearly a year after the Dunklin County purchase, five acres of land adjacent to the center’s main facility in Portageville became available. The CAFNR Foundation and Fisher Delta teams recognized its potential to expand the property to a natural waterway, creating a flexible space for future research, farming or community-focused initiatives. The Foundation completed the purchase of the land, now known as Moose Farm, in April 2016 and leases this section to Fisher Delta REEC as well.
“While this land isn’t yet used for research, we’re exploring ideas like a community garden and conservation demonstration area,” Brandt said. “In the meantime, it continues to serve the center by generating revenue through farming.”
As Brandt explained, the team currently farms soybeans on the five acres, with proceeds helping offset operational expenses at the research center. These include everything from utility costs and equipment maintenance to support staff salaries, further ensuring faculty researchers have the tools and resources they need to continue their work.
Investing in the Future of Missouri Agriculture
By securing land, the CAFNR Foundation is making a long-term investment in the future of Missouri agriculture. Land gifts and acquisitions ensure that farmers, students and researchers have access to the space and resources needed to drive innovation and support sustainability.
Those interested in advancing research and education through a gift of land can contact the CAFNR Foundation at info@cafnrfoundation.org or (573) 882-7009. A gift made today becomes a lasting investment for the future.
“Land is always in need and always valued,” Walter said. “When we support research, education, student development and natural resources stewardship, it has a strong connection to the support of Missouri agriculture and associated industries, and it supports the CAFNR Drive to Distinction and its vision of creating a healthy world.”