North Central Research and Outreach Center
INTRODUCTION
The North Central Research and Outreach Center (NCROC) was established in 1896. It is one of five research and outreach centers within the University of Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station. Scientists at this Center are engaged in a variety of research and outreach activities. NCROC scientists collaborate with researchers from the St. Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota and from other Centers and universities, public and private agencies and individuals, industry and commodity groups.
The Center is characterized by the diversity of its research activities. In addition to traditional crop and livestock research, scientists at NCROC research agricultural engineering, environmental issues, forestry, industrial by-product utilization, horticulture, mycoherbicides, tourism and travel, and wildrice. The unique soil, climate, social and economic environment in North Central Minnesota provide opportunities to conduct research which contributes to sustainable economic systems and improved quality of life for the people of Minnesota.
The Center continues to explore new opportunties. In 1989 we welcomed the Aspen Larch Genetics Cooperative to our Center. A beef/forage research farm was developed in the early to mid 1990's on a 200 hundred acre site located five miles south of our main campus. In 1998 a new extension staff position was added in shoreland stabilization and revegetation. January 1999 a new Forest Resource extension/research position in silviculture/forest ecology was stationed at our Center. Following the construction of an addition to our administration building in 1999, we now serve as a home and partner for the Grand Rapids Extension Regional Center.
As we prepare for the future, we are committed to continuting to strengthen our collaborative relationships and to build strong, cooperative partnerships with appropriate departments and other units of the University. We look forward to discovering new opportunities to serve the people of our state and region.
MISSION
Our mission is in the discovery and sharing of knowledge to improve the quality of life of the people of Minnesota.
VISION
NCROC will serve as a regional center for excellence in research and education programs in agriculture, forestry, environment and rural economic development. The Center will conduct broad based, collaborative research and educational programs utilizing the diverse cultural and environmental resources of North Central and Northeast Minnesota. We will discover and disseminate knowledge, which contributes to sustainable and wise use of resources; promotes economic opportunity; supports improved policy making and increases public understanding of the mission of the University of Minnesota. |  | | |
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