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

Alvarez completes Fellowship

Adriana Alvarez was selected as a MnDRIVE Global Food Venture Fellow for 2016-2017. She is pursuing her PhD in Bioproducts and Biosystems Science, and is advised by WCROC faculty Robert Gardner.

Algae: Dairy's next food source?

Could algae be the next ingredient used in dairy rations alongside corn and soybeans? Robert Gardner and his research team at the WCROC think so.

Outstanding Unit Award

Each year, the U of MN Professional & Administrative (P&A) Senate recognizes units of the U of MN that are judged to be exemplary in their support of P&A staff and the critical role P&A employees fulfill in supporting the University's mission. The WCROC was recognized as the 2017 Outstanding Unit Award Honorable Mention.

Heins receives Outstanding Faculty Award

Brad Heins, dairy scientist at the WCROC, received the Outstanding Graduate Faculty Award for his outstanding leadership and mentorship to graduate students.

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