![An image of a pig statue at WCROC.](/sites/wcroc.cfans.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_third/public/2024-06/thumbnail.jpg?itok=bjc7iqML)
Pouring rain, organic swine, and hybrid rye… oh my!
On May 30th, 2024, West Central Research & Outreach Center (WCROC) hosted its second Organic Swine Field Day event to showcase some of the research being completed on alternative feed options for organic swine producers. The main focus of the event was on the ongoing project related to feeding hybrid rye to organic pigs, with experts involved in each step presenting and available to answer questions.
![An image of group housing of swine with the words "Organic Swine Production" in white overtop of the image.](/sites/wcroc.cfans.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_third/public/2024-05/organic_swine_thumbnail.jpg?itok=d9FlZXnp)
Organic Swine Production Tips
After 2 years of studying organic-certified pig production at the WCROC, graduate students Megan Kavanagh and Gabriella Lima offer some tips for successful organic pig production.
![MAES 2nd graders show off their seeds they planted with the help of WCROC staff.](/sites/wcroc.cfans.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_third/public/2024-05/thumbnail_0.jpg?itok=213d2qf7)
MAES 2nd Graders Visit WCROC!
(From the Morris Area School District Facebook page)
MAES second graders love their science. Earlier this spring, Ms. Larson’s class tried out their green thumbs and did everything plant related! They visited the WCROC for a lesson on the life cycle of plants with the help of university student, Chloe.
![Harley Hanke presentation at MN State Capitol](/sites/wcroc.cfans.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_third/public/2024-02/hhanke_capitol_2024_dsc05344_1.jpg?itok=E1w_7AQZ)
Harley Hanke honored at Minnesota State Capitol
The family of former West Central Research and Outreach Center’s (WCROC) animal scientist, Harley Hanke, was invited to the Minnesota State Capitol for special presentation of a House Resolution honoring Harley’s commitment to agricultural research and education. Harley served as WCROC Animal Scientist from 1956-1986, and also taught at the West Central School of Agriculture.
![Methane emissions](/sites/wcroc.cfans.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_third/public/2024-01/1m5a7039_1.jpg?itok=nM3e4lS3)
When it comes to climate warming, cow burps are no joke
(MPR News) The dairy cows in an outdoor feedlot at the U of MN WCROC eat a mix of hay, corn silage and grain. But every day they also get an ounce of seaweed harvested in Hawaii. "This red seaweed has been shown to reduce methane by at least 40 percent, and maybe more," said professor Brad Heins.
![Agrivoltaics](/sites/wcroc.cfans.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_third/public/2023-12/img_0109_2.jpg?itok=YveOkCyz)
Solar plus cows = green dairy
(Agri-View) Agrivoltaics is the use of land for both agriculture and solar-photovoltaic energy generation, and has been utilized by the WCROC since 2017 as part of the center-wide initiative to make the WCROC farm carbon-neutral.
![Wind turbine](/sites/wcroc.cfans.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_third/public/2023-12/maes_20161115_79852_1.jpg?itok=bOiPJx23)
Making strides in fertilizer efficiency
(CHS) The fertilizer and agriculture industries are under pressure to reduce their carbon footprint. A next-generation green ammonia plant being built at the WCROC will help.
![Cows under solar](/sites/wcroc.cfans.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_third/public/2022-10/img_0109-2.jpg?itok=-uVkOr5M)
Mixing solar and farming could be key to clean energy future
(MPR News) Interest in agrivoltaics is growing, along with the need for land for new solar farms, as Minnesota and the nation shift to cleaner energy. The WCROC began experimenting with agrivoltaics about a decade ago by putting solar panels on top of swine barns, and have solar panels in cow pastures.
![Give to the Max Day](/sites/wcroc.cfans.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_third/public/2023-10/gtmd2023_myugraphic.png?itok=rdFDqnNW)
Give to the Max Day!
The WCROC is participating in Give to the Max Day, which is on November 16. Our goal is to raise funds that support agricultural experiences and outreach in rural Minnesota. We hope you'll join us on Give to the Max Day!
![WCES](/sites/wcroc.cfans.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_third/public/2023-10/getty_384_extralarge_1.jpg?itok=-CL0DIZw)
Celebrating Legacy: Leading the way for Agriculture
With the recent passing of former WCROC Animal Scientist, Harley Hanke, we reflect on the agricultural pioneers of our past to guide our future. "In the early days of the WCROC, we all had the desire to find ways to improve production for area farmers. A big part of utilizing knowledge was to work side-by-side with farmers so they could learn from us, and us from them," reported Harley Hanke, WCROC Animal Scientist from 1956-1986.