University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Innovation Campus to receive $37 million

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Innovation Campus is receiving a $37 million federal investment to advance a planned agricultural research facility. Construction began in 2024 and was initially supported by a $160 million USDA investment.  

The Nebraska Innovation Campus will host the National Center for Resilient and Regenerative Precision Agriculture facility. Research will focus on precision agriculture, sustainable production and climate resilience. 

The recent investment results from a redirection of appropriated funds initially earmarked for the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) in Maryland. The redirection of funds totals $75.7 million, and two other facilities also receiving investments.  

They include:  

• The ARS Forage Animal Production Research Unit in Lexington, Kentucky, will receive $26,700,000 to fully fund the construction of the new laboratory. 

• The National Plant Germplasm System Centralized Distribution Center in Ames, Iowa, will receive $12,000,000 to design a new facility.