Ag Week in Nebraska celebrated at Innovation Campus

· 3 min read

Ag Week in Nebraska celebrated at Innovation Campus

by 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.
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.
Jessie Herman | Office of the Chancellor
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.

  • Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett talks with Austin Kamm, a senior at Lincoln Southwest High School and an incoming University of Nebraska–Lincoln student, prior to the Ag Week proclamation at Nebraska Innovation Campus.
    Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett talks with Austin Kamm, a senior at Lincoln Southwest High School and an incoming University of Nebraska–Lincoln student, prior to the Ag Week proclamation at Nebraska Innovation Campus. Craig Chandler | University Communication and Marketing
  • The audience applauds as Gov. Jim Pillen signs the Ag Week Proclamation on March 19 at the Nebraska Innovation Greenhouse.
    The audience applauds as Gov. Jim Pillen signs the Ag Week Proclamation on March 19 at the Nebraska Innovation Greenhouse. Craig Chandler | University Communication and Marketing
  • Photo of the Nebraska Ag Week proclamation signed by Gov. Pillen on March 19 at Nebraska Innovation Campus.
    Craig Chandler | University Communication and Marketing
  • Cassidy Marickle and Brook Brengelman, seniors from Boone Central High School, Johanna Roux and Austin Kamm, seniors from Lincoln Southwest, listen as Derek McLean, dean of the Agricultural Research Division and Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett explain the phenotyping facility at Nebraska Innovation Greenhouse.
    Cassidy Marickle and Brook Brengelman, seniors from Boone Central High School, Johanna Roux and Austin Kamm, seniors from Lincoln Southwest, listen as Derek McLean, dean of the Agricultural Research Division and Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett explain the phenotyping facility at Nebraska Innovation Greenhouse. Craig Chandler | University Communication and Marketing
  • Gov. Jim Pillen, at right, and others tour Nebraska Innovation Greenhouse following the Ag Week proclamation.
    Gov. Jim Pillen, at right, and others tour Nebraska Innovation Greenhouse following the Ag Week proclamation. Craig Chandler | University Communication and Marketing
  • Photo of those who attended the Nebraska Ag Week proclamation signing at Nebraska Innovation Campus.
    Craig Chandler | University Communication and Marketing

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