Renewable Energy Ammonia Production Research Continues at the WCROC
In a joint project with RTI International, the State of Minnesota, and several Minnesota utilities, U of MN researchers will soon be taking on a new project which aims to re-imagine next-generation processes for producing and using low-carbon energy carriers like ammonia.
WCROC Completes MDA Water Quality Certification
The University of Minnesota’s West Central Research and Outreach Center is the first U of MN entity to achieve certification through the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP). Administered through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, this voluntary program allows farmers and landowners to demonstrate new practices which can positively impact water quality and conservation efforts that help protect our environment.
Greener Farms of the Future
(Minnesota Alumni) U of M researchers are partnering with farmers to find new ways to cultivate the soil and raise animals - and help mitigate climate change.
The Cowbot
(PBS Prairie Sportsman) Wait, no driver?!? Our robotic mower, dubbed the "Cowbot" takes to WCROC pastures to mow down weeds using GPS navigation.
Beyond the Elements: Reactions
(PBS) Check out the U of MN's role in helping to feed the world in this exciting segment, featured on PBS by NOVA.
Improving Piglet Survival
Pork producers and industry professionals have expressed the need to decrease pre-weaning mortality rates in piglets, and University of Minnesota researchers are uniquely poised to take on the challenge.
The Renewable Energy Cows Come Home, Now with Green Ammonia
(CleanTechnica) Minnesota is making quite a name for itself in the renewable energy field as it relates to sustainable farming, and the WCROC is at the cutting edge of developing and improving renewable systems for agriculture production.
Improving management strategies for organic dairy herds
Organic dairy farmers will soon have additional resources for improving management strategies from the University of Minnesota (U of MN) certified organic dairy program located at the West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC), Morris, MN. Dr. Bradley Heins, Associate Professor of Dairy Science at the WCROC, was recently awarded three grants totaling $2.1 million through the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture to further research in the areas of disbudding alternatives for organic dairy calves, pre-weaned calf rearing options, and the effect of high-legume diets on milk quality.
Mower with a mind of its own
(Legacy Magazine) About 250 crossbred dairy cows graze on grasses and cover crops at the WCROC. But the cows don't eat everything, and the weeds left behind will spread unless cut. That's when the cowbot goes to work.
3 Tips to Prevent Tail Biting
Tail biting is a behavioral problem that involves both biters and victimized pigs. The biters are triggered by things such as genetics, physiology, or insufficient housing, nutrition or environmental enrichment needs. Yuzhi Li, Associate Professor of Swine Behavior, offers 3 tips for preventing tail biting.