News

Combatting Lameness in a Grazing Herd

June 1, 2023

(Progressive Dairy) Lameness is one of the greatest costs to dairy cattle, yet many grazing herds do not incorporate a routine hoof trimming schedule into herd management. At the WCROC, hoof trimming quickly became a priority during the rainy 2019 grazing season due to the excessive mud and wet weather.


Taking the Lead in Green Ammonia

April 27, 2023

The U of MN West Central Research and Outreach Center, Morris, has been a forerunner in the development and use for “Green Ammonia” since 2013 when the first-in-the-world renewable hydrogen and ammonia pilot plant was commissioned. The novel pilot plant uses wind power from a 1.65 MW wind turbine to produce up to 25 tons of nitrogen fertilizer (anhydrous ammonia) each year on-site, which is enough to cover approximately 300 acres of cropland.


Zinc supplementation in gestating sow diets

April 13, 2023

(National Hog Farmer) Swine researchers are looking at how additional zinc fed in sow diets can provide positive impacts on fetal imprinting. Piglets born with additional zinc in their sows diet enhances robustness during farrowing or pre-weaning survivability and growth.     


The Science of Minnesota Strawberries

March 8, 2023

(CFANS) Learn how WCROC researchers have had a hand in developing outstanding strawberry cultivars and growing systems for Minnesota.


2022 Top Ten Performing Annuals

March 3, 2023

(KARE 11Grow with KARE highlights our 2022 Top Ten Annuals from the WCROC. Hear and see which annuals have the most potential for performing well in our region.


Swine & U: U of M's small farm swine health survey is underway

February 23, 2023

(The Land) The University of Minnesota has Animal Science faculty who have successfully studied group sow housing, organic pigs and alternative swine production for several years, including Dr.'s Yuzhi Li and Lee Johnston from the WCROC. They have spent decades developing projects which have measured how well pigs raised in non-traditional or alternative production systems grow, take care of their piglets, and survive.


Survey: Minnesotans Worried About Climate Change, but Hopeful on Solutions

November 17, 2022

(Public News ServiceIn a survey released this fall by the U of MN, 76% of residents said they're concerned about climate change. "I would say we're responding in practical steps...products need to have lower carbon intensities," said Mike Reese, WCROC Director of Operations.


Could solar panels be integrated into farms instead of taking acreage out of commission?

October 15, 2022

(Star Tribune) The idea [of agrivoltaics] is to place the solar plants of the future in working farmland, generating energy and providing another income stream to farmers. For six years, researchers at the WCROC have been investigating the possible benefits of using solar panels as shade for cows.


Throwing Shade is Solar Energy's New Superpower

October 2, 2022

(Bloomberg News) The farming world is learning how to blend agriculture with renewable energy installations - and gaining on both ends.


Data on Display

September 26, 2022

(Dairy Star) Dairy research at the WCROC aims to find ways to help balance and improve most aspects of dairy farming – herd health and longevity, profitability, quality of product and climate issues.