About

Mt. Vernon (893 acres)

The Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center (SW-REEC) was established in 1959; the site represents various soil types in this region. Serving 22 counties, this center addresses the main agricultural concerns of area industries including beef, forage and horticultural crop production.

The following information is provided for archival purposes only and was added prior to April 24, 2026.

• Annual Reports (archived)
• Strategic Plan (archived)

Support the SW-REEC

• Make a gift
• Give to the Eldon Cole Memorial Fund
• Follow us on Facebook
• Sign up for our newsletter

Directions

14548 Highway H
Mt. Vernon, MO 65712

Located 4 miles SW of Mt. Vernon.
Westbound: Exit 44 off I-44, turn left onto Highway H for 2 miles.
Eastbound: Exit 38 continue east 4 miles on south outer road.

Contact

For general questions, contact Sarah Grubaugh, 417-466-2148

Staff

• Director – Jay Chism, Chismj@missouri.edu
• Assistant Professor, Horticulture Research – Andy Thomas, ThomasAL@missouri.edu
• Research Assistant Professor & State Extension Specialist in Livestock Systems – Cecilia Constantino Rocha, c.constantinorocha@missouri.edu
• Field Specialist in Plant Science for MU Extension – Caleb O’Neal, onealc@missouri.edu
• Farm Manager – Chad Duit, chadduit@missouri.edu

Research Highlights

• Beef genetics, nutrition and management systems.
• Horticultural and alternative crop research includes elderberry and grape cultivation.
• Monarch Waystation and pollinator education plots.

Extension & Education

• Annual High School Career Exploration Day & Public Field Day Day.
• Workshops feature timely topics in ag and horticulture production.
• Education Center available for rent.
• CAFNR students gain research and educational experience at AES REEC across the state.
• MU Extension – Agriculture and Environment Program