The Missouri Research Corporation (MRC) assisted the Department of Agriculture in securing $90,126 for a Controlled Drainage/Irrigation Technology project.  Funding came from the USDA Rural Development in the form of a Rural Business Enterprise Grant.

   The technology utilizes irrigation tile positioned underground so that water is not lost through evaporation.  The Ag Department will install the system on the new University farm near Gordonville where it will not only improve crop yield, but serve as a model for area farmers to replicate.

   The MRC was interested in helping the agriculture department secure the funding for two reasons: 1) it is new technology that fits the corporation’s focus on agricultural and environmental science and 2)  it should stimulate local economic development growth through companies that may sell and install the technology for area farmers.

   “The Missouri Research Corporation is the economic development arm of the University, “ explained Christy Legrand, Projects Coordinator for the MRC. “We are interested in helping with projects like this to help stimulate the local and regional economy."