CHARITON, Iowa - The Iowa State University (ISU) McNay Research Farm will celebrate its 50^th Anniversary on Sept. 14, and the field day includes a special spotlight on sheep research that has been conducted at McNay.

“Part of the rich history of the McNay farm includes important sheep research that has been done here,” says Dan Morrical, professor of animal science at ISU.  Research has evaluated alternative feeds such as soybean hulls, corn gluten feed and dried distillers grains not to mention waste soda pop. Other areas of research has focused on lamb survival from birth to weaning. With research trials evaluating over the counter products and high levels of vitamin E.

Sheep producers and the general public are invited to attend the celebration which begins at 10 a.m. Some of the presentations, activities and exhibits include displays of previous research at the farm, a tour of the sheep facilities and the evaluation of the genetics of the farm’s prolific crosses.

The Lucas County Cattlemen will serve steak sandwiches and homemade ice cream at noon. Following the luncheon, a short program will include comments from Wendy Wintersteen, dean, College of Agriculture and a video history about the farm. The farm was established after Harry McNay and his sister, Winnie, donated 480 acres in 1956. Research at the farm has primarily focused on cattle, sheep, forage systems and crops. 

To get to the McNay Research and Demonstration Farm, go south four miles on Highway 65 from the intersection of Highways 65 and 34, then 2.5 miles east on a gravel road and turn north and go one-quarter of a mile. The main buildings are located on the west side of the road.

To reduce the risk of spreading diseases to livestock, visitors are asked to observe a precautionary five-day waiting period if they have recently arrived in the United States or have returned from a trip abroad.

For more information about the field day, contact Joe Sellers at (641) 774-2016 or sellers@iastate.edu.

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