News & Events

Research completed at the St. Paul campus and the Northwest Research and Outreach Center using innovative software and a field 'rover' brings insight to Minnesota small grains breeders and growers.

Sam Rude, PhD student at the UMN studying sugarbeet pathology, received the Alan Dexter Scholarship in recognition of her research into the causes of root rot in sugarbeet crops.

The University of Minnesota has released a new hard red spring wheat variety called ‘MN-Rothsay.’ MN-Rothsay features a good combination of yield, protein, and disease resistance and exceptional straw strength. 

The Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) and the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) have published the 2021 Minnesota Field Crop Trials. Visit varietytrials.umn.edu/2021 to see variety trials for 10 different Minnesota crops.

The 2021 growing season has been one to be remembered in northwest Minnesota. Most of the region started the year with abnormally dry conditions that escalated to exceptional and extreme drought (the U.S. drought monitor’s worst drought categories) by mid-summer.

Some effects of this drought, like stunted crop development and a lack of water running through drainage ditches, are easy to see in farmer’s fields throughout the region. The impact of the drought on agricultural research at the Northwest Research and Outreach Center is more varied. Read on to see how NWROC research has been impacted by the drought.

Albert Sims, University of Minnesota Associate Professor and former Director of Operations at the NWROC, was the recipient of the Minnesota Wild Rice Council’s annual Outstanding Service Award. Sims was presented the award during the Council’s virtual Wild Rice Symposium in March. 

Maureen Aubol is now serving as NWROC Director of Operations. Aubol has worked in human resources, grants management, and administration at the NWROC for 11 years. 

“Maureen’s extensive experience in the administrative work of the NWROC makes her an excellent fit to take over as director of operations,” says Greg Cuomo, associate dean of CFANS.

NWROC Small Grains Specialist Jochum Wiersma partnered with Far North Spirits to conduct research looking into how rye varieties impact whiskey flavor. After five years of research that involved planting, harvesting, fermenting, and distilling 15 varieties of rye, which were then blind taste-tested, results show that rye variety determines the flavor of whiskey. Read more about the impact of this research in Food & Wine. 

Jochum Wiersma describes a wheat crop that has been stressed in many ways, is drought-reduced and is being harvested fast. Concern is rising for the 2022 crop, as farmers hope for a recharge of subsoil moisture that has allowed the 2021 crop to continue. Read the full AgWeek article.

NWROC is looking for persons 16 years and older to work alongside top class scientists and with their agricultural projects. Utilize the latest field & lab equipment. Acquire experience in scientific field-plot research & lab based research in areas of:

1. Nutrient management
2. Plant diseases
3. Agronomy

Work with pride during the months of June, July, and August with little to no weekends, 8am-4:30pm. This type of work looks great on a resume for college or applying for another job! Download the application form (PDF).