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

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.

Livestock Industry and Academic Leaders Headline Midwest Farm Energy Conference Dinner

On June 13-14, the U of MN WCROC will host the Midwest Farm Energy Conference; the conference is designed to provide practical, research-based energy information to farmers and agricultural professionals. Keynote speakers include Dr. Barry Bunn (SDSU), Dr. Brian Buhr (U of MN), and Mr. Mark Greenwood (AgStar).

An alternative to indoor housing

Despite the inclement weather conditions present throughout the Upper Midwest, outwintering is a management style growing in popularity. With low set-up costs, outwintering a dairy herd wins every time.

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