West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC)

Engaging our Community

WCROC faculty and staff offer field days, educational events and hands-on demonstrations in collaboration with U of MN researchers, scientists, extension educators and industry professionals. Events are designed for consumers, farmers, producers, and the general public. Read more on our Events and Education page.

Research on the Prairie

The WCROC is located in Morris, Minn., on the edge of the prairie. Our location allows us to research the power of the wind and study prairie landscapes for pollinator habitats. We also maintain cropland and research plots and conduct swine and dairy research. To learn more about research efforts at the WCROC, visit our Research page.

One of a Kind

As the first land grant institution in the Midwest to develop an organic dairy herd dedicated to research and education, the WCROC is the only university-sanctioned program to manage a conventional and organic herd side-by-side. Our dairy research includes livestock health, nutrition and reproduction. To learn about Dairy research at the WCROC, please see our Dairy page.

News

Feeding value and energy prediction

The swine nutrition group at the U of MN has been devoted to studying the feeding applications and nutritional value of DDGS for swine for more than 15 years.

Successful Harvest

U of MN, Morris students gathered more than 654 pounds of produce this harvest season at the WCROC, a collaborative project between Morris Healthy Eating, UMM students, and horticulture staff at the WCROC.

Water and Energy Use on Dairy Farms

Learn how the WCROC is monitoring water and energy usage in effort to establish a "net-zero" energy milking parlor.

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