Usage of Facility

The Darr Agricultural Center (DAC) is administered by the William H. Darr School of Agriculture within Missouri State University.  By the presence of it in a metropolitan area a unique opportunity exists to demonstrate to students and the public the interactions between traditional agriculture's rural origin and the more urban setting of modern America.  This is a learning center for gaining knowledge to be more successful in agricultural endeavors as well as for members of the general public who wish to become better informed about this essential part of their lives. 

Approximately 3000-4000 student and constituent visits are made to the Darr Center each year.  Laboratory sessions are taught in agronomy, animal science (cattle and horses), field crops, horticulture, and wildlife conservation/management. 

MSU's Public Affairs Mission is demonstrated at the DAC through many community service projects such as cattle shows and auctions, equine workshops, animal judging contests, horticultural tours, and hosting the Therapeutic Riding Program of the Ozarks.

Historical Context:

The DAC consists of 90 acres located on Kansas Expressway just south of Sunshine Street and 5 miles from the MSU's main campus. 

Originally known as the SMSU Agricultural Research and Demonstration Center the name was changed in 2000 when improvements to the Center were initiated through a major donation of William H. Darr. 

The DAC is located on property obtained from the US Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in 1968 for the specific purposes of providing "educational and applied research" programs in agriculture to the citizens of southwest Missouri.

The property was used exclusively for horticulture and agronomy projects with all livestock teaching and research activities being conducted in cooperation with private producers until 1989 when the University constructed a 160' x 220' metal building to serve as a main arena for the expanded Horse Program which in 1985 had received a series of donations following the initial one from Larry and Marilyn Daniel with a budget being established by MSU President Marshall Gordon. 

Horses were the only livestock in residence until 2004 when the efforts of Ed Pinegar and Bill Darr resulted in a herd of cattle being established through donations.  While most cattle reside at the University's Bakers Acres (near Marshfield, MO), short term residence of beef animals occur at the DAC for teaching and research purposes.

In 2005, Mr. Darr funded Phase I which included the entrance, fence, and construction of a 100' x 80' multi-purpose (open-sided) barn.

In 2006, Phase II, the main arena (Pinegar Arena) was extensively renovated and expanded to include arena seating, office space, bovine and equine handling facilities, a research laboratory, a classroom, stalling for horses and a 2-bedroom apartment for graduate student housing.  These improvements were made possible through Bill Darr, Rosalie Wooten, state funding and a major donation by Ed Pinegar.

Currently, the construction and paving of parking lots and roads are being completed through the generous donation of Journagan Construction Company.

Future Plans

Phase III (the final one) is to construct a Learning Center Building to be located close to the entrance to the DAC.  This complex will have facilities to host public meeting and classes (having distance education abilities), offices, greenhouses, a mechanization shop, and a small animal research laboratory.  This final piece will greatly expand the ability for achieving the mission of addressing research and educational issues facing our evolving urban society that is dependent upon the agricultural industry.