Growers view corn and soybean plots at the Graves-Chapple Farm on Tuesday.

CORNING, Mo. — With grain prices and costs at high levels, farmers have plenty of incentive to make sure they’re squeezing every last dollar of profit out of their fields.

The University of Missouri hosted tours that focused on crop economics, pest management and nutrient management Tuesday during a field day Tuesday at the Graves-Chapple Farm in Atchison County.

Dr. Ray Massey joked with farmers when he said that high grain prices surely had them making money hand-over-fist.

“I find it fascinating that crop farmers have never been doing so well, and yet you’re worried,” Dr. Massey said. “To be honest, I’m a little worried, too, and I don’t have my money in it.”

Rising input costs have put farmers in a position where they need larger operating loans than in the past. Current prices keep farmers profitable, but lenders may be reluctant to write increasingly larger loans. With that in mind, Dr. Massey said producers should maintain open lines of communication with their bankers and dealers.

Wayne Crook, an agronomist for MU Extension in Chariton County, talked about varieties of pesticide and disease resistant seed that will be available in the near future. Bayer’s LibertyLink and Monsanto’s Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans will enhance pesticide resistance and yields as soon as 2009, pending government approval. Dow and Monsanto will team up to offer a SmartStax corn seed with eight genetically engineered traits for herbicide and insect resistance.

“I have no idea what that is going to cost you,” Mr. Crook said. “If prices keep this up, it could be worthwhile.”

The Graves-Chapple Farm has its own upgrade plans. Members of the farm’s advisory committee broke ground on an alternative energy research facility at last year’s field day. Jim Crawford, farm manager, said a site had been chosen east of the farm’s research plots. Construction will begin once plans are approved.

“I would be shocked if we don’t at least have something by this time next year,” Mr. Crawford said.

MU will host another field day today at the Hundley-Whaley Farm, 1109 S. Birch St., in Albany, Mo.

Agribusiness reporter Clinton Thomas can be reached

at clintonthomas@npgco.com.