The
ARDC is a major research and education facility
of the University of Nebraska Institute
of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR).
It serves as the primary site for field-based research
involving 90 faculty and 150 graduate students in
nine IANR departments.
The
ARDC consists of approximately 9,500 acres (3,846
hectares) of which 5,000 acres (2,024 hectares)
are in row crops. Forty percent of the row crops
is irrigated. The balance of the 9,500 acres is
predominately in cool and warm season pasture. Over
5,000 domestic farm animals used for research and
teaching reside on the ARDC.
The
scope and diversity of ongoing research projects
on the ARDC combines to make the ARDC one of the
most unique research facilities in the United States.
This size and diversity offers many research opportunities
in integrated systems research. In order to take
advantage of these opportunities, the ARDC established
a 4,000 acre (1,600 hectare) Integrated
Farm to study innovative cropping and grazing
systems. An interdisciplinary team of research,
teaching and extension faculty is involved in planning
long-term priorities and reviewing specific projects
that will be included in the operation. The goal
of the team is to develop systems of management
that continue to increase the profitability of Nebraska
farmers and protect the environment.
Through
its strategic planning process, IANR has set a course
for agricultural research, extension and teaching
that will help ensure a financially solid and environmentally
sound agriculture future for Nebraska. ARDC will
play a key role in implementating the action plans
that support this leadership process.
