Raining in Missouri part two!

Back in business tonight in my motel room in St Joseph Missouri. I will hopefully learn a bit more about the area tomorrow morning before I head off east into Kansas. What I can tell you for now are a few facts. Don't drive in Kansas City without a satnav for one! Next is that this was a major trade route for the pioneers and settlers that moved west during the 1800's and settled beyond here. Many of the companies that operated the wagon trains still exist in name although the wagon train business isn't so good now.
The pioneers would have passed through here and beyond along the Platt River Road also known as theOregon Trail and the Mormon trail that I learnt a bit about in the Kearney Nebraska area. One of the famous organisations around here was off course the Pony Express that started here and went as far as Sacramento on the west coast. I think I put some information on before about the Pony Express but the journey from "St Joe" to San Francisco took about 10 days and I think about 20 ponies. If I have got these details wrong please feel free to correct me. The young riders chosen were given a leather cover for the wooden saddles (they jumped off one pony and onto a waiting one removing this cover and putting it onto the next saddle), a bible and a revolver!

Back to the 21st century and to complete my report on the week so far. I mentioned Monday briefly this morning. During my visit to Iowa State I learnt about the future opportunities for Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) in the animal health and human health fields. There is a lot of potential. Think about TB resistant cows!!!!

Tuesday morning took me south from the Des Moines area to Kansas City Missouri to the American Hereford Association HQ. I saw around the offices, saw the library and collection of memorabilia which was really fascinating. I also met the senior staff and had a great discussion about EPD's, Gene Markers, cattle breeding, markets and the general state of ariculture in the USA. Sometimes we think we (British farmers) are the only ones facing problems qand issues but in reality we pretty much share the same ones with our counterparts throughout the world.

Tuesday afternoon took me west to Huntsville MO to Circle A Feeders to see the ranch and rather unique feeding set-up. This is the only covered feed lot I have come across and Im informed probably the only one. Its ideal here as they have a high rainfall (about 40") and it can get very hot during summer, thus keeping the cattle dry and providing shade. Capacity is about 5000 head of commercial Circle A calves and calves purchased from progeny of Circle A bulls. Check out their website for more info.