The soils and topography of southeast Missouri offer researchers a unique opportunity to study cotton and rice production and irrigation. Researchers also are evaluating better soybean and corn cropping systems, and weed, insect and disease-control systems. Three locations make up this Center of 1,078 acres in a 12-county area that forms the Missouri Bootheel. Scientists at the Fisher Delta Research Center have gained recognition for developing improved soybean varieties, especially those with soybean cyst nematode resistance. The Center also maintains a regional soil and plant testing laboratory.