News
Is There A More Climate-Friendly Way to Fertilize Crops?
(Forbes) Plants are naturally “solar-powered,” but there is a carbon footprint associated with growing them as a crop. The fuel used to power tractors and other equipment is part of that footprint, but the largest component is associated with the natural gas used to make synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. WCROC researchers are pursuing "green ammonia" as a way to reduce the carbon intensity of agricultural production.
Impacting Minnesota Agriculture
How much Zinc should a pregnant sow get in her diet? Which perennial plants will survive our harsh Minnesota winters? What size of solar PV system is best for a small farm? The answers to these questions are all part of why the University of Minnesota’s West Central Research and Outreach Center is imperative to the advancement of agriculture in west central Minnesota and beyond.
Top Ten Annuals on KARE 11
(KARE 11) Gardening guru's Laura Betker and Bobby Jensen at KARE 11 announced our 2022 Top Ten Performing Annuals in their weekly broadcast, Grow with KARE.
Events
Midwest Farm Energy Conference
Save the date for the 2022 Midwest Farm Energy Conference, which is scheduled for June 15-16, 2022. The conference will showcase ways to reduce carbon intensity of production agriculture, the use of green hydrogen and ammonia, agrivoltaics for grazing cattle, and robotic weed control.
Horticulture Night
Save the date for Horticulture Night! Hands-on gardening demonstrations, horticulture presentations, Keynote speaker, WCROC farm tours, and much more!
Hands-on Hort
Get your hands in the dirt with us during Hands-on Hort! Participants must pre-register for their choice of gardening sessions to attend during our afternoon of learning and discovery.