About NWROC

The Northwest Research and Outreach Center (NWROC) provides analytical, biological, and field laboratories for research and demonstrations that enhance the efficient use of agricultural and natural resources. Our research and outreach programs focus on agricultural commodities and enterprises that are important to northwestern Minnesota’s economy and culture. Our goal is to help producers maintain profitability in ways that are environmentally sound and help agriculture thrive in the region. 

Minnesota map showing the locations of the 10 CFANS Research & Outreach Centers

We are one of 10 unique Research and Outreach Centers throughout Minnesota within the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS). Our work enhances the quality of agricultural production, human health, renewable energy, and the environment and disseminates the benefits of this research to the public. 

Research and outreach programs based at the NWROC focus on:

NWROC Fact Sheet

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History

The Northwest Research and Outreach Center, formerly the Northwest Experiment Station, was founded in 1895 on land donated to the state of Minnesota by industrialist and railroad mogul James J. Hill. This original tract of land totaled 476 acres. In 1905, a school of agriculture was added and operated in conjunction with the station until 1968, when it became the University of Minnesota Crookston. In 1999, the Northwest Experiment Station changed its name to the Northwest Research and Outreach Center.