23 A new center for resilient and regenerative precision ag is being built at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln “This project is a testament to the long history of innovation, ingenuity, and adaptability of agricultural producers across the United States and right here in Nebraska. It celebrates an incredibly productive 120-year partnership between USDA-ARS and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and it exemplifies the passion and dedication of agricultural, state, and federal leaders,” said Mike Boehm, the Vice Chancellor for UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “I believe the work that will take place in this facility will usher in a new era of American agriculture, and I’m thrilled that what happens next in agriculture will happen first in Nebraska.” The National Center for Resilient and Regenerative Precision Agriculture is designed to be a $160 million USDA laboratory and is expected to double the USDA’s science and support staff presence at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. The first phase of completed work will feature 15,000 square feet of greenhouses and 10,000 square feet of headhouse space and will physically connect with the Greenhouse Innovation Center at the Nebraska Innovation Campus. This new greenhouse space will allow ARS to perform research on wheat, barley, sorghum, forage and bioenergy grasses, and other crops. Research on how these plants respond to emerging pests and pathogens under a full range of environmental conditions will empower scientists to make cutting-edge discoveries to develop climate-resilient crops for the US agriculture industry. Once fully completed, the agriculture research complex will function as a central hub for multidisciplinary experts, scientists, and engineers who will collaborate with industry and producers to improve water and food security, increase the resilience of agricultural landscapes, and enhance agricultural profitability. “The complex problems we face today in the ag industry require unprecedented levels of collaboration to overcome. This facility will help us achieve that goal, aligning resources and magnifying impressive impacts on agriculture nationwide,” exclaimed Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett. “This national center will become the model for excellence in ag-focused innovation.” It is expected that the National Center for Resilient and Regenerative Precision Agriculture will further strengthen the long-lasting collaboration over the past century between ARS and UNL. These partnerships have advanced research on sustainable bioenergy crops and production systems in an age where agriculture is expected to supply 40 percent of US liquid fuels (via biofuels) within the next three decades, in addition to providing food and fiber to the nation’s growing population. As noted, the new center will perform research on wheat, barley, sorghum, forage and bioenergy grasses, and other crops. However, it is worth noting that the UNL is already currently home to the Wheat, Sorghum and Forage Research Unit and the Agroecosystem Management Research Unit. Scientists at these two units are already making significant contributions to crop and livestock production systems by improving productivity, stability of production, sustainability, and profitability. But it is hoped that with the new research center’s upgraded facilities, their work will be able to proceed even faster with innovative solutions. | pag “THIS NATIONAL CENTER WILL BECOME THE MODEL FOR EXCELLENCE IN AG-FOCUSED INNOVATION.” PHOTO: unl.edu
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