The North Central Research and Outreach Center (NCROC) is dedicated to the discovery and sharing of knowledge to improve the quality of life for Minnesotans. The unique soil, climate, and social and economic environment in north central Minnesota provide opportunities for researchers to conduct research and lead outreach programs that contribute to sustainable economic systems in the region.

NCROC research programs include:

• Agronomy - forage systems for beef production
• Cow/calf production systems
• Forest genetics
• Horticulture - for northern climates
• Wild rice - breeding and conservation

The NCROC is the northern-most land grant horticultural research center in the continental U.S. and serves as a valuable USDA Zone 3 cold-hardiness testing site for fruit, vegetable, and ornamental breeding programs. 

Our center is one of 10 Research and Outreach Centers (ROCs) in the University of Minnesota's College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. NCROC researchers collaborate on a wide range of research topics with colleagues from the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus as well as from other centers and universities, public and private agencies, and industry and commodity groups.