Northwest Missouri State University ag students using latest equipment to apply classroom knowledge

School is partnered with local Case IH dealership

By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com

Students at Northwest Missouri State University’s School of Agricultural Science are using state-of-the-art equipment to apply what they learn in the classroom to the fields.

The school and Savannah, Missouri-based Derr Equipment have had a partnership for about five years. In that time, students have used more than $7.1 million worth of equipment, including a Case IH 7240 combine.

The students work on the 448-acre R.T. Wright Farm, which is operated by the school. Students perform row crop, beef, swine, dairy and sheep chores.

“Being able to jump in this machinery with all of the AFS (Advanced Farming Systems) and guidance that it has, gives students a leg up on the information,” Brad Derr, owner of Derr Equipment, told the Maryville Daily Forum.

According to the Daily Forum, Northwest’s School of Agricultural Sciences serves about 700 students, which equals about 12 per cent of the school’s undergrads. School organizers say the access to new equipment can help attract students to Northwest.

“The partnership with Case IH and Derr Equipment allows Northwest to have cutting edge technology on the R.T. Wright Farm and provides exceptional learning opportunities for our students,” school director Rod Barr told the Daily Forum. “Ongoing access to new Case IH equipment such as tractors, combines, and planters is a tremendous asset.”