Missouri State Awarded $300K Grant for Drone-Assisted Pastureland Study

A Missouri State University agriculture professor received a six-figure grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture to study the integration of pastureland and Black Walnut forests.  

The federal agency awarded Dr. Michael Goerndt, an associate professor in the School of Agricultural Science and Conservation, a $300,000 grant for his project: “Adaptation of Pasture and Forestland to Silvopasture and Black Walnut Systems in Southern Missouri.” 

Goerndt and his team will collect data in traditional ways, such as measuring plants and soil. They will also use drones with advanced sensors to create detailed maps of how trees and grass grow and stay healthy over time. 

“Not only will this project provide beneficial research to our regional producers, but it will also develop an outdoor living lab for our students to use for years to come,” said Dr. Melissa Bledsoe, dean of the William H. Darr College of Agriculture. “This collaboration will provide a valuable and lasting impact to our programs at Missouri State.” 

What is silvopasture?  

Southern Missouri hosts many areas combining trees and grazing land, which is called silvopasture. This project will explore how to set up and manage these systems at Missouri State’s Shealy Farm.  

The focus will be to study both the practical and economic aspects of growing trees and forage together, especially Black Walnut trees, in collaboration with the University of Missouri. This data will help improve silvopasture practices and provide important information for farmers and landowners. 

The project will also offer hands-on learning for students, involving two graduate and four undergraduate students, and will enrich the education of over 150 more students through field trips and labs.  

Goerndt and his team will share their findings with landowners and other professionals to help them learn about and implement silvopasture techniques. 

About the grants  

The grants are part of NIFA’s investment of more than $5.7 million in 21 projects aimed at helping  nonland-grant colleges of agriculture.  

According to the NIFA, these projects will: 

• Help strengthen the institution’s ability to develop infrastructure and carry out agricultural research, teaching and outreach activities.
• Enhance the ability of faculty members to engage in agricultural professional development opportunities.
• Increase the number, quality and diversity of qualified graduates entering the food and agricultural workforce.