A unique, hands-on learning experience will be available in the Spring of 2020 for undergraduate students at the WCROC. A course entitled “Diversity of Agricultural Production Systems” has been developed with the primary objective of demonstrating to students the wide variety of agricultural production systems, and the opportunities for fulfilling, well-paying careers in the large number of disciplines related to agriculture.

The U of MN and WCROC lost an incredible faculty member last week. Dr. Rob Gardner passed away on October 23, 2019. An enthusiastic and passionate teacher, Rob was an Assistant Professor at the WCROC as well as with the U of MN Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering. His major area of research was utilizing the many properties of algae for production of biofuels and bioproducts.

Minnesota's latest contribution to farming innovation - the "cowbot" - is nearing completion. U scientists, including researchers from the WCROC, have partnered with Toro to develop a robotic mower for pastures and fields.

On July 10, 2019, during the Midwest Farm Energy Conference Keynote Program, Morris, Senator Torrey Westrom was presented with a Lifetime Leadership and Service Award.  The award was given in recognition of Senator Westrom’s exemplary vision for renewable energy research and the unwavering support he provided as a founding member of the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center’s (WCROC) Renewable Energy Program.