Aug. 31, 2023
Contact: Courtney Perrett, 573-882-6217, cperrett@missouri.edu
WHAT:
As part of a grant awarded by the Department of Agriculture’s Equipment Grants Program, the University of Missouri received funding to purchase a Monarch MK-V Tractor — the first electric, autonomous tractor available to a university in the U.S.
The tractor symbolizes a leap forward in fostering sustainable agriculture techniques through its minimal impacts to the environment. It also plays a pivotal role in empowering people with disabilities and chronic illnesses to participate in farming activities through MU Extension’s AgrAbility Program.
At MU, the tractor will be involved in both research and teaching capacities in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and the College of Engineering. It will support the teaching of vital skills, such as student learning that focuses on sensors and control technology that are essential to the precision agriculture space. Scientists will conduct a broad range of research to understand the total capabilities of the tractor’s autonomous functions and to how best to utilize its artificial intelligence capability.
At the event, MU experts will lead a demonstration that will illustrate some of the tractor’s signature features, including its ability to operate autonomously.
WHO:
Researchers from the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and the MU College of Engineering
WHEN:
10 – 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 5
WHERE:
Sanborn Field
1311 Bouchelle Ave
NOTE:
Media representatives are invited to cover the event on Sept. 5 and should contact Courtney Perrett at the MU News Bureau at 573-882-6217 or cperrett@missouri.edu.
For parking, reserved spots will be allocated in the AV1 lot (adjacent to Sanborn Field near the Veterinary Science building).
