University advances FARM plan for a 1,300+‑acre advanced agricultural research hub in Mower County

University research leaders updated the Board of Regents on the Future of Advanced Agricultural Research in Minnesota (FARM), a proposed interdisciplinary agricultural research and education campus centered in Mower County that would pair field acreage with laboratory and bio‑innovation facilities.

What FARM would do: Vice President for Research and Innovation Shashank Priya and CFANS Dean Brian Boor told the board FARM aims to "deliver practical solutions for our farmers" by combining genomics, robotics, AI, sensors and long‑term field trials to increase sustainable production, better protect soil and water, and accelerate commercialization of agricultural innovations. The project would also offer continuing education and workforce training for farmers, industry workers and students.

Key facts from the presentation - Land and fundraising: The university has acquired more than 1,300 acres in Mower County and cited a $60 million pledge from the Hormel Foundation to support FARM’s development. Presenters also described planning for a larger campus footprint (the pre‑design discussion referenced an approximate 1,400‑acre programmatic scope). - Economic context: Presenters said Minnesota’s agriculture and processing industries generate roughly $106 billion in economic activity annually and support about 388,000 jobs; state farmland totals roughly 26 million acres. - Research scope: FARM would integrate genomics, metabolomics, robotics and AI with long‑term, controlled field research to study soil, water, crop and animal systems and links to human health. Priya described the project as uniquely positioned for longitudinal studies and for de‑risking new technologies for farmers.

Why it matters: Presenters argued FARM would help Minnesota and the Upper Midwest sustain food production under climate stress, boost rural economies and preserve natural resources while training the next generation of agri‑science talent. The university framed FARM as a system‑level initiative that would connect St. Paul research, CFANS expertise and regional outreach centers with Mower County field operations.

Next steps and governance: The FARM oversight committee said it will form an industry advisory board, complete final design and operational planning, and develop a detailed financial model that blends typical farm enterprise revenues with grant, philanthropic and public funding streams. The pre‑design phase will feed a later funding and implementation phase; the committee plans broad engagement with faculty, industry and state partners before any construction or structural commitments.

Presenters emphasized the project is still in planning and pre‑design; the board heard the update and did not vote on funding at this meeting.