The word “research” often brings to mind laboratory mice being examined by scientists wearing long white coats. Newborn lambs frolicking in the sunshine or cattle serenely grazing in expansive grasslands are not typically viewed as scientific experiments.
These historic structures, called igloos, once stored ammunition. Dirt and grass covered the igloos to conceal U.S. explosives storage magazines. Attempts to destroy the igloos proved futile; the walls are two-feet thick of concrete. The blast walls at the front entrance are three feet thick.
A herd of 3,500 cows is part of the longest-running beef genetics research project in the world. The Germplasm Evaluation Project (GEP) focuses on developing and tracking genetic traits of crossbred cattle.
USMARC seeks to be self-sufficient, growing their own corn, silage and other forage. They also grind their own corn and mix rations at the on-site feed mill.
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The 6,400-capacity feedlot has a curtain system to provide shade. The curtains overhead are run on a weather monitoring system, engaged regardless of whether the cattle look like they are uncomfortable to the human eye.
Reporter Kristen Sindelar has loved agriculture her entire life, coming from a diversified farm with three generations working side-by-side in northeastern Nebraska. Reach her at Kristen.Sindelar@midwestmessenger.com.
Kristen Sindelar
Agriculture Reporter
