Ag Week in Nebraska celebrated at Innovation Campus

Craig Chandler | University Communication and Marketing

University leaders, state officials and representatives of ag-based groups learn about phenotyping research in the Nebraska Innovation Greenhouse following the Agriculture Week proclamation on March 19. Ag Week in Nebraska is March 17-23.

University of Nebraska–Lincoln leaders joined Gov. Jim Pillen at Nebraska Innovation Campus on March 19 to celebrate Agriculture Week in the Cornhusker State.

The event, held at the Greenhouse Innovation Center, included an Agriculture Week in Nebraska proclamation from Gov. Pillen, tours of research spaces within the greenhouse, and a preview of the National Center for Resilient and Regenerative Precision Agriculture. Other participants included representatives from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, FFA members, 4-H leaders, and the Nebraska Farm Bureau.

The $160 million National Center for Resilient and Regenerative Precision Agriculture envisioned at Innovation Campus will be home to world-leading research and development in ag tech, precision agriculture, and other areas crucial to the future of agricultural innovation. It is expected to house four USDA research units, including two new teams focused on precision production and water, climate and resilience.

Mike Boehm (center), vice chancellor of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, outlines plans for the USDA facility on its future construction site at Nebraska Innovation Campus. Listening to Boehm’s presentation are (from left) Marty Schmer, USDA-ARS research agronomist; Gov. Jim Pillen; Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett; and Sherry Vinton, director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

A companion to the USDA facility, the Ag Tech Incubator and Accelerator will support startups and businesses, ensuring that the research and discovery taking place at the national center moves quickly from discovery to real-world solutions.

In 2022, the Nebraska Legislature and Governor approved $25 million in state funding for the companion facility, contingent upon the university raising $25 million in private funding. The fundraising is moving forward and is one of the key priorities of the ongoing NU Foundation’s Only in Nebraska campaign.

University leaders recently thanked Nebraska’s federal delegation for their assistance in procuring funding for the USDA facility.