Research: Leading Students to Success

I’m sure everyone has noticed the fenced off field of crop plots which seems to be randomly and most inconveniently stuck in the middle of east campus. I would even assume most of you know this random plot is known as Sanborn Field and realize it has some real significance to our University.

However, I am willing to wager that not many students could give a really solid answer as to what that significance is. After some quick research I found the history of Sanborn Field is pretty cool. Now rather than cursing the extra walking distance as I trudge by it in the cold, I’ve developed a deeper understanding and respect for part of our university’s history. If you were fairly observant you might have seen the 100 years plaques set up around the field.

In fact Sanborn Field was put in place in 1888 only three years after the original Academic hall was constructed and only 18 years after we became the state’s land-grant university. This makes it the third oldest experimental field in our country and the oldest west of the Mississippi. Along the side of the field there is another sign which is positioned over plot 23. It was from this plot that Dr. Benjamin Duggar identified a golden mold which was later named streptomyces aureofaciens. This organism was responsible for the production of Aureomycin, one of the most popular antibiotics since Penicillin. Then in 1965 it was declared a National Historic Landmark solidifying its place on our campus.

Today, the field continues to serve as a test plot for soil treatments, erosion, and cropping systems and provides a valuable teaching resource for numerous CAFNR students each year. So the next time you walk by the College and Rollins intersection you will know why there is a field seemingly placed in the middle of campus and perhaps like me you have a greater respect for one of the pieces of history which has helped shape our great University.

-Christopher Perry
Junior, Animal Sciences

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