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

What 1960's Holstein genetics look like today

A research project started in 1964 to maintain the Holstein genetics at the time is still being carried out today thte U of MN WCROC, Morris.

A sign of the future: Cows + solar panels + fast electric car charger

Picture this: It's a hot summer day. Cows in a field are seeking shade under solar panels. And those panels? They're feeding two electric vehicle chargers -- and powering an office building nearby. That will be the scene in a few months at the University of Minnesota's West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris.

What systems require most energy in pig barns?

In a recently completed project focused on electricity and fuel consumption in commercial swine facilities, researchers of the WCROC identified the heating as well as the ventilation systems as top users.

Jordan awarded ROC Outreach Initiative Award

Esther Jordan, Communications Specialist for the WCROC, was recently awarded the ROC Outreach Initiative Award for her innovative efforts and creative thinking in marketing and promoting the WCROC.

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