Progress 11/22/77 to 02/26/19
Outputs
Target Audience:
Nothing Reported
Changes/Problems:Nebraska did not allocate funds or time to this project. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Nebraska did not allocate funds or time to this project.
Publications
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Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: Stakeholders in the beef cattle, sheep and swine industries. Internship opportunities are made available during the year. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
This project defines the relationship between the University of Nebraska - Lincoln and USMARC. The project covers National Programs in Food Animal Production, Animal Health, Food Safety, and Manure and Byproduct Utilization. The University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL) and the USDA, ARS have had a strong cooperative program at USMARC since the development of the Center. This cooperative effort continues and plans are currently in place to augment this effort with new collaborations and programs that will facilitate even greater collaboration among USMARC and UNL programs. The University provides qualified personnel to care for and manage livestock involved in studies as well as the safe operation, care, and maintenance of required infrastructure such as vehicles, scales, fences, corrals, rangeland, roads, crop land, buildings, and associated equipment. UNL personnel also gather and manage field data used to conduct research projects and provide agriculture crop production and utilization support. Crop production utilization and support is a vital component to Center operations as production costs continue to escalate and have the potential to erode the capacity of resources assigned to scientific output. Cooperative efforts on the part of ARS management at the Center and UNL personnel have led to significant cost reductions regarding the operation of the agriculture enterprise at the Center. These cost reductions have allowed increased resources to be committed to collaborative research activities beneficial to both parties. A strategic effort has been initiated to enhance the animal handling and animal research facilities at the Center. UNL employees continue to play a direct role in this enhancement. Significant renovations have been successfully implemented in the beef cattle intensive animal feeding operations. UNL employees provide a vital support role in the implementation of these construction plans as well as implementing the revised operating procedures once the construction has been completed. Efforts are currently underway to renovate and replace a number of swine buildings. UNL personnel continue to play a vital role in the development of the plans with ARS management and will play a key role in the facility implementation at construction completion. Over the last three years, in close cooperation, a major effort has been put forward to increase the grazing efficiency of the research animal herds. This effort has proven to be extremely fruitful. Grazing and pasture management expertise provided by UNL employees is a vital component to the current grazing and land management plans. The plans in place have greatly reduced the need for harvested feed utilization on the Center and as a result, this has reduced the cost to maintain the research herds and has allowed for greater scientific capacity to be developed at USMARC. This cooperative effort has utilized resources of both parties in a way that augments the programs of both parties and allows both parties to accomplish more than they could do alone. This cooperative effort continues to benefit the stakeholders in the state as well as nationally.
Publications
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Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Total of planned annual operating funds for FY 2012 was about $26.7 million, with $19.5 million being federal funds and $7.2 million from animal receipts. Staff includes 48 scientists in addition to a number of research associates. Absorption of pay and inflation costs required continual pressure on managing the size of the workforce . USMARC and UNL scientists have excellent cooperative projects in several research areas. A Center-wide effort is under way to implement a more efficient and industry centered cow herd. Improving efficiency and stewardship of natural resources is of utmost importance to both UNL and USMARC in this project. Joint efforts are underway in the protection of at risk soils from erosion, utilizing treated water from US Army Corp of Engineers clean up, and increasing productivity and sustainability of pastures. University animal populations play a critical role in research conducted at USMARC. The animal populations are cared for and extensively managed by university personnel in cooperation with USMARC scientific staff and USMARC senior management. As a result of this cooperation with the university, USMARC possesses the largest and most deeply phenotyped animal populations in the world. This unique resource is the basis for ongoing genetic and genomic research conducted at USMARC. This deeply phenotyped and well databased animal population is the basis for many collaborative studies between USMARC and UNL as well as other collaborators both nationally and internationally. The unique resource at USMARC provides the USMARC and UNL scientists with a distinct advantage in developing both competitive grant proposals and long-term intramural research programs. The animal resource will continue to be a significant advantage in the future as resources continue to be more scarce across all types of research. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
The extensive agriculture enterprise that produces animal feed is also tended to by UNL personnel with strategic guidance provided by USMARC management. UNL personnel are actively participating in efforts to develop procedures and programs that will lessen the environmental impact of USMARC animal and feed production operations. These programs include a significant effort in the implementation of management intensive grazing. This approach to grazing management has proven to be more beneficial to the land resource and more beneficial to the animal as well. Efforts to implement this program across the property are ongoing and have proven to be fruitful. A comprehensive collaborative effort between ARS, USMARC and UNL is also underway to increase the operational efficiencies of the agricultural enterprise at USMARC. This effort involves the examination of nearly every activity in the agricultural enterprise. This effort has led to significant cost savings in a number of areas. Feed utilization and workforce utilization are two examples of these efficiencies. More cost effective animal feeding rations have been developed to efficiently feed available resources during their prime nutritional value. A major effort is also underway to increase the mobility of the agricultural workforce in order to provide each employee with a more diverse skill set. This diverse skill set will allow all employees to more effectively contribute to the efficiency of the agricultural enterprise by being able to quickly respond to the labor need, wherever that need may be. This cooperative effort has continued to utilize resources of both parties in a very efficient manner to support a multidiscipline-oriented large animal research program. Activities include regular meetings with USMARC operations and research staff. There continues to be close communication and consideration between ARS and UNL, providing the opportunity to carry out mutual goals in the most efficient manner. IMPACT: Payroll in local area is approximately $18.2 million annually. A high percentage of the $8.5 million in goods and services purchased annually is purchased from the local area. The increased focus in appropriate stewardship of the available natural resources will increase efficiency over the long term and protect the resources for all stakeholders.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Total of planned annual operating funds for FY 2011 was about $26.5 million, with $19.6 million being federal funds and $6.9 million from animal receipts. Staff includes 46 scientists in addition to a number of research associates. Absorption of pay and inflation costs required continual pressure on holding payroll down. USMARC and UNL scientists have excellent cooperative projects in several research areas. A Center-wide effort is under way to implement a more efficient and industry-centered cow herd. Another major effort is the efficient distribution of watering sites across the 35,000 acres of the Center. Nearly 80 sites have been developed over the last two years. This effort will continue. UNL construction crews are working to develop these watering sites and systems to increase the distribution of grazing animals, i.e., beef cattle and sheep. The goal is to increase the carrying capacity of the land while improving the overall health of the property and grazing lands. Also, improving the quality and sustainability of the land will greatly benefit all stakeholders of USMARC. University animal populations play a critical role in the research conducted at USMARC. The animal populations are cared for and extensively managed by University personnel in cooperation with USMARC scientific staff. As a result of this cooperation with the University, USMARC possesses the largest and most deeply phenotyped cattle population in the world. This unique resource is the basis for ongoing genetic and genomic research conducted at USMARC. In cooperation with UNL, USMARC is embarking on a ten year effort to increase the size of the cattle herd. The growth in the animal population will allow for increased numbers in genetic and genomic resource populations. The collection of additional novel phenotypes by UNL personnel will provide USMARC with additional competitive research opportunities. Energy costs comprise a significant portion of the USMARC operating budget. UNL personnel are actively participating in efforts to reduce energy consumption across all aspects of USMARC operations. Significant progress has been made in reducing electrical consumption over the last three years. University personnel have provided labor and technical resources in accomplishing a major lighting retrofit across all headquarters buildings at USMARC. University personnel also provide day-to-day expertise in operation and repair and maintenance of the physical plant. As a result of this joint effort between ARS and UNL, USMARC has realized more than a 22% percent decrease in electricity consumption since FY 2008. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Payroll in local area is approximately $18.2 million annually. A high percentage of the $6.2 million in goods and services purchased annually is purchased from the local area. The long-term growth and expansion of the cattle herd will also have a positive long-term impact on the research being conducted--both for USMARC and UNL. The increase in the number of phenotypes collected from the available population will allow scientists to better utilize genetic tools that are at their disposal. In cooperation ARS and UNL are actively participating, along with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, and Little Blue Natural Resources District, in a superfund site cleanup at USMARC. A seven-square-mile toxic groundwater plume is located in the aquifer under the Center as a result of the operations of the former Hastings Naval Ammunition Depot. The remediation will extract 3,540 gallons of water per minute from the aquifer for more than 30 years. Groundwater will be treated to EPA standards. USMARC plans to store the treated water in surface ponds on USMARC property. UNL personnel will work to develop plans and strategies to effectively use this water for efficient agricultural uses. Water stored in the ponds will percolate into the soil, recharging local groundwater supplies, create wildlife habitat, provide additional wetland areas for migratory birds, and provide a resource that will allow for shutdown of certain or selected irrigation wells, which is expected to result in improved groundwater volume throughout the area. Local farmers and residents in surrounding communities, as well as wildlife, will benefit from this partnership.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Total of planned annual operating funds for FY 2010 was about $25.4 million, with $19.6 million being federal funds and $5.8 million from animal receipts. Staff includes 55 scientists and research associates. Absorption of pay and inflation costs required continual pressure on holding payroll down. The federal and state permanent full-time equivalent staff has been reduced slightly to 242. Changes are being made to research objectives and cattle populations to meet research needs. USMARC and UNL scientists have excellent cooperative projects in several research areas. University personnel at USMARC are maintaining a concentrated effort to improve the carrying capacity of the USMARC property. A Center-wide effort is under way to implement improved grazing management at the Center. A major part of this effort is the efficient distribution of watering sites across the 35,000 acres of the Center. UNL construction crews are working to develop these watering sites and systems to increase the distribution of grazing animals, i.e., beef cattle and sheep. The goal is to increase the carrying capacity of the land while improving the overall health of the property and grazing lands. Also, improving the quality and sustainability of the land will greatly benefit all stakeholders of USMARC. A Center-wide team has been established to work on the goals described above. This team consists of senior managers from both ARS and UNL. This committee meets regularly to set priorities and monitor progress towards those priorities. As a part of this comprehensive effort, Livestock Operations is working to implement a management-intensive grazing program for irrigated and dryland pastures. An educational program is being developed to implement stewardship goals and practices among all employees who work with grazing animals. Sheep Operations is working to assist ARS in developing and evaluating an easy-care population of sheep. This type of population has been identified as a priority of the sheep industry. This project will require modifications in both animal and facilities management. Swine Operations is currently working toward mirroring industry practices with the implementation of many different herd management techniques. This change in management practices will increase the number of pigs farrowed per year at USMARC. It has been determined that scientists are not using the finishing pigs in research projects, so Swine Operations will no longer finish pigs for market. All animals will be sold at weaning. Farm Operations is developing plans to reduce the number of corn acres planted both for grain and for silage. This reduction in corn acres will allow for more irrigated forage production. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Payroll in local area is approximately $17.8 million annually. A high percentage of the $5.8 million in goods and services purchased annually is purchased from the local area. A concentrated, long-term effort continues to improve the sustainability of pastures, which are crucial to this program. Additional pasture cross fencing, renewing pasture seeding, increasing and improving the location of livestock watering sites, adding irrigated pastures, and improving the rotation of livestock grazing continue to have a significant impact on pasture conditions. This significant endeavor will have a positive long-term influence on the land and the surrounding areas. The protection of areas at high risk for erosion will greatly benefit USMARC as well as downstream landowners. The long-term growth and expansion of the cattle herd will also have a positive long-term impact upon the research being conducted both at USMARC and UNL. The increase in the number of phenotypes collected from the available populations will allow scientists to better utilize genetic tools that are at their disposal. Current results show that a larger number of phenotypes are needed in order to be successful with current technologies.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Total of planned annual operating funds for FY 2009 was about $25.1 million, $19.3 million federal and $5.8 million from animal receipts. Staff includes 60 scientists and research associates. Absorption of pay and inflation cost required continual pressure on holding payroll down. The federal and state permanent full-time equivalent staff has been reduced slightly to 244. Changes are being made to research objectives and cattle populations to meet research needs. We anticipate the annual operating budget for FY 2010 to continue at the same level. Exceptionally good progress was made in several research areas last fiscal year. USMARC and UNL scientists have excellent cooperative projects in several research areas. All livestock manures are applied to cropland according to a nutrient management plan, part of the State of Nebraska certified system. During the past year, efforts were made to optimize feed supplements, use of distillers grains, and feed delivery to cow herds during winter. Numbers of guard animals for sheep flocks were increased. Electronic data collection was upgraded for swine. Safety training was provided for employees in several key areas. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Payroll in local area is $17.6 million annually. A high percentage of the $5.8 million in goods and services purchased annually is purchased from the local area. A concentrated, long-term effort continues to improve the sustainability of pastures, which are crucial to this program. Additional pasture cross fencing, renewing pasture seeding, increasing and improving the location of livestock watering sites, adding irrigated pastures, and improving the rotation of livestock grazing continue to have a significant impact on pasture conditions.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Total of planned annual operating funds for FY 2008 was about $24.9 million, $19.1 million federal and $5.8 million from animal receipts. Staff includes 65 scientists and research associates. Absorption of pay and inflation cost required continual pressure on holding payroll down. The federal and state permanent full-time equivalent staff has been reduced slightly to 247. Changes are being made to research objectives and cattle populations to meet research needs. We anticipate the annual operating budget for FY 2009 to continue at the same level. Exceptionally good progress was made in several research areas last fiscal year. USMARC and UNL scientists have excellent cooperative projects in several research areas. USMARC developed a certified animal waste handling system which included multiple sites to evaluate the effectiveness of vegetative treatment areas (VTA) to compare the with traditional storm water runoff control. All livestock manures are applied to cropland according to a nutrient management plan, part of the State of Nebraska certified system. During the past year, efforts to increase irrigated corn production for livestock feed were implemented to reduce procurement of feed resources to support livestock populations. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Payroll in local area is $17.1 million annually. A high percentage of the $6 million in goods and services purchased annually is purchased from the local area. A concentrated, long-term effort has been initiated to improve the sustainability of pastures, which are crucial to this program. Additional pasture cross fencing, renewing pasture seeding, increasing and improving the location of livestock watering sites, adding irrigated pastures, and improving the rotation of livestock grazing were initiated and these have had a significant impact on pasture conditions.
Publications
- No publications to report in 2008.
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
Total of planned annual operating funds for FY 2007 was about $24.2 million, $19.5 million federal and $4.7 million from animal receipts. Staff includes 65 scientists and research associates. Absorption of pay and inflation cost required continual pressure on holding payroll down. The federal and state permanent full-time equivalent staff has been held to 258. Changes are being made to research objectives and cattle populations to meet research needs. The annual operating budget for FY 2008 will be about $24.2 million, plus any program increases. Exceptionally good progress was made in several research areas last fiscal year. USMARC and UNL scientists have excellent cooperative projects in several research areas.
Impacts
Payroll in local area is $16.9 million annually. A high percentage of the $6 million in goods and services purchased annually is purchased from the local area.
Publications
- No publications to report in 2007.
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Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06
Outputs
Total of annual operating funds for FY 2006 was about $24.2 million, $19.4 million federal and $4.8 million from animal receipts. Staff includes 65 scientists and research associates. Absorption of pay and inflation cost required continual pressure on holding payroll down. The federal and state permanent full-time equivalent staff has been held to 257. USMARC received an increase of $312,000 for feed efficiency and $45,000 for food safety for FY 2006. Changes are being made to research objectives and cattle populations to meet research needs. The annual operating budget for FY 2007 will be about $24.2 million plus any program increases. Exceptionally good progress was made in several research areas last fiscal year. USMARC and UNL scientists have excellent cooperative projects in several research areas.
Impacts
Payroll in local area is $17.0 million annually. A high percentage of the $6 million in goods and services purchased annually is purchased from the local area.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
Total of annual operating funds for FY 2005 was about $23.8 million, $19.1 million federal and $4.7 million from animal receipts. Staff includes 64 scientists and research associates. Absorption of pay and inflation cost requires continual pressure on holding payroll down. The federal and state permanent full-time equivalent staff has been held to 256. MARC received an increase of $270,000 for feed efficiency for FY 2005. Changes are being made to research objectives and cattle populations to meet research needs. The annual operating budget for FY 2006 will be about $23.8 million plus any program increases. Exceptionally good progress was made in several research areas last fiscal year. MARC and UNL scientists have excellent cooperative projects in several research areas.
Impacts
Payroll in local area is $16.7 million annually. A high percentage of the $6 million in goods and services purchased annually is purchased from the local area.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04
Outputs
Total of annual operating funds for FY 2004 was about $23.3 million; $18.7 million federal and $4.6 million from animal receipts. Staff includes 67 scientists and research associates. Absorption of pay and inflation cost requires continual pressure on holding payroll down. The federal and state permanent full-time equivalent staff has been held to 266. MARC received increases of $201,000 feed efficiency, $241,000 forensics database, and $100,000 meat quality research for FY 2004. Changes are being made to research objectives and cattle populations to meet research needs. The annual operating budget for FY 2005 will be about $23.3 million plus any program increases. Exceptionally good progress was made in several research areas last fiscal year. MARC and UNL scientists have excellent cooperative projects in several research areas.
Impacts
Payroll in local area is $16.4 million annually. A high percentage of the $6 million in goods and services purchased annually is purchased from within the local area.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/03
Outputs
Total of annual operating funds for FY 2003 was about $22.5 million; $18.3 million federal and $4.2 million from animal receipts. Staff includes 69 scientists and research associates. Absorption of pay and inflation cost requires continual pressure on holding payroll down. The federal and state permanent full-time equivalent staff has been held to 267. MARC received a $223,000 increase for animal genomics and $100,000 for meat quality research for FY 2003. Changes are being made to research objectives and cattle populations to meet research needs. The annual operating budget for FY 2004 will be about $22.5 million plus any program increases. Exceptionally good progress was made in several research areas last fiscal year. MARC and UNL scientists have excellent cooperative projects in several research areas.
Impacts
Payroll in local area is $15.8 million annually. A high percentage of the $6 million in goods and services purchased annually is purchased from within the local area.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/01 to 09/30/02
Outputs
Total of annual operating funds for FY 2002 was about $22 million; $17.5 million federal and $4.5 million from animal receipts. Staff includes 75 scientists and research associates. Absorption of pay and inflation cost requires continual pressure on holding payroll down. The federal and state permanent full-time equivalent staff has been held to 275. MARC received a $1 million program increase for bioinformatics related to animal genomics and food safety and animal genomics for FY 2002. The annual operating budget for FY 2003 will be about $22 million plus any program increases. Scientific and laboratory staff will be increased. To accommodate the research needs of the swine and sheep industries, new resource populations have been established at MARC. Exceptionally good progress was made in several research areas last fiscal year. MARC and UNL scientists have excellent cooperative projects in several research areas.
Impacts
Payroll in local area is $14.8 million annually. A high percentage of the $6 million in goods and services purchased annually is purchased from within the local area.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/00 to 09/30/01
Outputs
Total of annual operating funds for FY 2001 was about $21.5 million; $16.6 million federal and $4.9 million from animal receipts. Staff includes 75 scientists and research associates. Absorption of pay and inflation cost require continual pressure on holding payroll down. The federal and state permanent full-time equivalent staff has been held to 275. MARC received a $675.000 program increase for bioinformatics related to animal genomics and food saftey and control of pathogens during slaughter and transportation for FY 2001. The annual operating budget for FY 2002 will be about $21.5 million plus any program increases. Scientific and laboratory staff will be increased. To accommodate the research needs of the swine and sheep industries, new resource population will be established at MARC. Exceptionally good progress was made in several research areas last fiscal year. MARC and UNL scientist have excellent cooperative projects in several research areas.
Impacts
Payroll in local area is $14.8 million annually. A high precentage of the $6 million in goods and services purchased annually is purchased from within the local area.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/99 to 09/30/00
Outputs
Total of annual operating funds for FY 2000 was about $20.3 million; $15.7 million federal and $4.6 million from animal receipts revolving fund. Staff includes 74 scientists and research associates. Absorption of pay and inflation costs requires continual pressure on holding payroll down. The federal and state permanent full-time equivalent staff has been held to 279. MARC received a $675,000 program increase for food safety research for FY 2000, and we expect a program increase in food safety and genome areas of research for FY 2001. The annual operating budget for FY 2001 will be about $20.3 million plus any program increases. Scientific and laboratory staff will be increased. To accommodate the research needs of the swine and sheep industries, new resource populations will be established at MARC. Excellent progress was made in a number of high priority areas during the last fiscal year. As an effort to stretch drought impacted pastures, cattle access to pastures
was delayed in the spring and fall weaning was accelerated. Silage and haylage production was increased for additional pasture supplemental feeding. MARC hosted about 1500 visitors last year, including visitors from 34 different foreign countries.
Impacts
Payroll in local area is $14 million annually. A high percentage of the $6 million in goods and services purchased annually is purchased from within the local area.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/98 to 09/30/99
Outputs
Total of annual operating funds for FY 1999 was about $19.2 million; $15.0 million federal and $4.2 million from animal receipts revolving fund. Staff includes 70 scientists and research associates. Absorption of pay and inflationary costs required continual pressure on holding payroll cost down. Efforts were made in 1999 to retain the reductions in operating and overhead achieved in past years. Total federal and state permanent full-time equivalent staff has been held to about 260 employees. MARC received a $570,000 program increase for food safety research for FY 1999 and an increase of $675,000 for FY 2000. The annual operating budget for FY 2000 will be about $20 million. Scientific and laboratory staff will be increased. Exceptionally good progress was made in several research areas last fiscal year. MARC and UNL scientists have excellent cooperative projects in several research areas. MARC hosts over 3,000 visitors per year, including visitors from 25 different
countries.
Impacts
Payroll in local area is $12 million annually. A high percentage of the $7 million in goods and services purchased annually is purchased from within the local area.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/97 to 09/30/98
Outputs
Total of annual operating funds for FY 1998 was about $19.0 million; $14.5 million federal and $4.5 million from animal receipts revolving fund. Staff includes 60 scientists and research associates. Absorption of pay and inflationary costs required continual pressure on holding payroll cost down. Efforts were made in 1998 to retain the reductions in operating overhead achieved in past years. Total permanent full-time equivalent staff has been held to about 260 employees. MARC received a $450,000 program increase for food safety research for FY 1998, and an increase of $570,000 for FY 1999. The annual operating budget for FY 1999 will be $19.5 million. Scientific and laboratory staff will be increased. Exceptionally good progress was made in several research areas last fiscal year. MARC and UNL scientists have excellent cooperative projects in several research areas. MARC hosts over 3,000 visitors per year, including visitors from 25 different countries.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/95 to 09/30/96
Outputs
Total of annual operating funds for FY 1996 was about $17.0 million; $12.5 million federal and $4.5 million from animal receipts revolving fund. Staff includes 60 scientists and research associates. Absorption of pay and inflationary costs for the past two years, reduced cattle prices, and higher corn costs required a reduction in salary costs. Some of this reduction was achieved by reducing labor costs for livestock and farm operations and by reducing permanent scientist positions. Total full-time equivalent staff has been reduced to about 260 employees. MARC has received a $1.5 million program increase for food safety research for FY 1997. The annual operating budget for FY 1997 will be $18.5 million. Scientific and support staff will be increased. Exceptionally good progress was made in several research areas last fiscal year. MARC and UNL scientists have excellent cooperative projects in several research areas. MARC hosts over 4,000 visitors per year, including
visitors from 25 different countries.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/95 to 12/30/95
Outputs
Total of annual operating funds for FY'95 was about $17.0 million; $12.5 millionfederal and $4.5 million from animal receipts revolving fund. Staff includes 60 scientists and research associates. Absorption of pay and inflationary costs, reduced cattle prices, and higher corn costs will be met by reducing overtime and other labor costs for livestock and farm operations and by reducing the animal receipt revolving fund reserve. MARC hosts over 4,000 visitors per year, including visitors from 25 different countries. In addition to the germplasm and production efficiency research, a brief synopsis on some of the key areas follows: Genetic linkage maps are readily available on Internet to all U.S. scientists. Multidisciplinary teams have been formed and resource populations developed to identify QTL's in cattle, swine, and sheep. In the meat safety area, MARC has 10 scientists and research associates working to reduce salmonella and E. coli on meat, in both the pre- and
post-harvest areas. In the past year, we developed intervention methods (steam vacuum carcass washer) and made real progress on rapid diagnostic tests. Presently, we are collaborating with DOE at Sandia, Allied Signal, and Lawrence Livermore and with private companies to develop technology for food safety. Cattle feedlot waste is a relatively small project that is linked with the cattle industry, ARS scientists in Lincoln, and University of Nebraska researchers. Objective is to mitigate negative impacts on environment (ground water.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/94 to 12/30/94
Outputs
In 1994, two press conferences were held by the Secretary of Agriculture to announce major research achievements by MARC scientists. The first press conference announced the world's first genetic link cattle and swine and development of a unique database for livestock genome mapping. This database is being accessed via Internet by over 250 users worldwide. The second press conference announced the development of a 5-minute assay for generic bacteria on beef, pork, and poultry carcasses that can replace the standard 48-hour culture assay. Several other MARC research programs have also progressed extremely well. Cooperation with UNL scientists and staff is excellent. MARC has collaboration with over 25 university and programs and numerous commercial companies. Operation of MARC continued on a sound fiscal basis in 1994. Due lack of any appropriated increases for FY1995 and lower livestock receipts as a result of decreased prices, MARC program expenditures and permanent
obligations will be less aggressive in 1995 than in recent years.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/93 to 12/30/93
Outputs
Operation of MARC continued on a sound fiscal basis in 1993. The genome mapping project, involving 12 scientists and postdoctoral fellows plus technical support, has made excellent progress. A skeletal linkage map and a relational data base is being published and will be made available to universities and industry early in 1994. A new project to utilize feedlot waste while minimizing negative impacts on the environment has been implemented. This project is cooperative with ARS scientists at Lincoln, UNL scientists, and Nebraska feedlot operators. Collaboration has been established with Nebraska DEQ and the USDA Forest Service. Contracts were awarded for about $500,000 to renovate the beef feedlot. The cattle feedlot renovation will be done over a 3 to 4 year period. Total MARC funding for FY 1994 is $17.1 million, with $12.6 million federal appropriation and $4.5 million from the sale of excess animals. Payroll and other permanent expenses were reduced in 1993 by
$800,000 to conform with the flat budget and the need to absorb pay costs and promotions for both federal and state employees. No reduction-in-force of permanent employees will be required to meet this budget constraint.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/92 to 12/30/92
Outputs
Operation of MARC continued on a sound fiscal basis in 1992. The genome mapping project, involving 12 scientists and postdoctoral fellows plus technical support, has made excellent progress. A skeletal linkage map and a relational data base will be published and made available to the National Agricultural Library in 1993. A new project to utilize feedlot waste while minimizing negative impacts on the environment was initiated in 1992. This project is cooperative with ARS scientists at Lincoln, UNL scientists, and Nebraska feedlot operators. Collaboration has been established with Nebraska DEQ and the USDA Forest Service. Contracts were awarded for about $600,000 to renovate four swine buildings. This will complete the MARC swine expansion and facility renovation project. The cattle feedlot is being upgraded in 1992 and 1993. Total MARC funding for FY 1993 is $16.7 million, with $12.2 million federal appropriation and $4.5 million from the sale of excess animals.
Payroll and other permanent expenses are being reduced in 1993 by $800,000 to conform with the flat budget. No reduction-in-force of permanent employees will be required to meet this budget constraint.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/91 to 12/30/91
Outputs
Operation of MARC continued on a sound fiscal and programmatic basis in 1991. A new program was added at MARC to map the genome of cattle, swine, and sheep. Eight scientists and five postdoctoral fellows will work exclusively the next two years on mapping the cattle and swine genome. Six new scientists were recruited and reported to work September 1991 to begin work on the genome project. In other program areas, vacancies and new positions have been used to create 2- to 5-scientist inter- and multi-disciplinary teams to focus on specific projects. Contracts were awarded in 1991 to construct four additional swine buildings at a cost of $1.3 million. About $600,000 will be spent in 1991-92 to renovate existing facilities. This construction will complete the swine expansion and renovation activities. Total MARC funding for FY 1992 is $16.1 million, with $11.8 million from federal appropriations and $4.3 million from the sale of animals excess to the research needs. The
total FTE is 294 (145 federal and 149 state), but the total number of permanent full-time employees is 254. Budget payroll for 1992 is $10.5 million. We presently have 65 research scientist and postdoctoral positions at MARC.
Impacts
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Progress 01/01/90 to 12/30/90
Outputs
Development and operation of MARC continued in a very positive manner in 1990. New permanent funding was increased by $1.4 million. This increase included $1.2 million for a genome mapping initiative and an increase of $0.2 million for meat safety assurance. Renovation and expansion of the swine facility with a total projected cost of $2.6 million is progressing with site/utility work nearing completion. Four additional swine buildings will be constructed in FY 1991. Renovation of existing buildings is projected to be completed in FY 1992. Total MARC funding for FY 1991 is $15.5 million--$11.2 million federal and $4.3 million from the animal receipts revolving fund. Salaries for FY 1991 are $8.4 million for 279 full-time equivalents including 49 permanent full-time scientists and 12 MRC-funded Research Associates.
Impacts
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Progress 01/01/88 to 12/30/88
Outputs
Development and operation of MARC continued in a very positive manner in 1988. New permanent funding was provided for production systems, swine breeding, and animal health systems. Construction was awarded and initiated on the ARS Animal Health Systems Research Laboratory and the UNL Veterinary Service/Training Facility. An ARS Research Leader and a UNL Director began work at MARC on these two programs in FY'88. Plans were developed and initiated to import swine germ plasm from the People's Republic of China, and it is anticipated that 48 of these animals will arrive at MARC in FY'89. Due to the drought in FY'88, the cropping plan for FY'89 is being adjusted to produce substantially more forage to offset the anticipated low pasture and hay production in FY'89. We plan to add 4 SY's to our staff in FY'89 with no increase in support staff except for laboratory technicians.
Impacts
(N/A)
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Progress 01/01/87 to 12/30/87
Outputs
Development and operation of MARC continued in a positive manner in 1987. A favorable growing season provided for excellent pastures and feedstuffs of exceptional quality and quantity. Design planning for the two veterinary oriented buildings was virtually completed. A policy statement between UNL, Kansas State University (KSU), and MARC for carrying out the training of veterinary students from KSU is being finalized. The National Cattlemen's Association passed a resolution designating MARC to be a center of excellence in meat safety assurance, and the research program is being expanded into this area. New permanent funding was obtained for fat reduction in red meat animals. An IBM M-90 computer was purchased, and the data bank entry is almost completed. There are 37 SY, 8 postdocs and visiting scientists, and 260 total employees at the Center.
Impacts
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Progress 01/01/86 to 12/30/86
Outputs
During the past year, approval was given to construct a $4 million ARS veterinary research facility and a $3 million UNL veterinary service/training facility on MARC property. Thus, programs of requirements were developed for both buildings. The same AE was selected to complete both projects. Both buildings are scheduled for completion in May 1989. In addition, continued efforts are being utilized to improve the productivity of the pasture and cropland. A swine expansion proposal has been forwarded through channels to headquarters level. This plan would expand the present facility by 40 percent. Twenty Romanov sheep were imported from Canada. Scientific staff is now 35 SY plus 10 postdocs and visiting scientists conducting research. There are 250 total employees at the Center.
Impacts
(N/A)
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Progress 01/01/85 to 12/30/85
Outputs
Development and operation of MARC continues to be slowly upgraded. Most of the effort, however, is being devoted to maintenance of facilities. One of the swine barns was renovated and another is planned for renovation this year. A concerted effort is being made to reduce utility expenses and improve our efficiency for pasture and crop production. We anticipate adding 4 SY's to our staff in FY'86, bringing our total to 39 by October 1986. Support employees were reduced by 28 from October 1984 to October 1985; thus, we have automated a great deal, are measuring fewer parameters, and are conducting research more efficiently. A concerted effort was made last year to develop a data base and improve our computing status. A Prime 9650 is being delivered in the fall of 1985.
Impacts
(N/A)
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Progress 01/01/84 to 12/30/84
Outputs
Development and operation of MARC has changed very little during the past year. Additional corn was raised to offset purchases, and a "game plan" has been established to improve productivity of pastures. Repair and maintenance funds have been used to continue to keep the Center in excellent physical condition. Two new thrusts, genetic resistance to disease and animal health research, have been initiated at MARC during the past year. These were initiated through redirected funds within the Agency. Conducting research via CRIS units is rapidly moving into place with cost accounting being essential in this process.
Impacts
(N/A)
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Progress 01/01/83 to 12/30/83
Outputs
Progress in development of the MARC was similar in 1983, as in 1982. Few developmental initiatives were started because of economic conditions. Some pastures and grazing plots were established to strengthen our forage research program. Limited repair and maintenance funds were obtained to continue to keep the Center in excellent physical condition. The operation of the Center continued similarly to that of the previous year. Cooperative research with various universities continues. The research program is undergoing evaluation and a few new thrusts will soon be initiated in concert with the ARS's 6-Year Implementation Plan.
Impacts
(N/A)
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Progress 01/01/78 to 11/30/82
Outputs
Development of the MARC slowed considerably in calendar year 1982. However, a few outside buildings were upgraded and finished during this period of time. Due to the downturn in construction and also due to economic conditions, the number of support employees was reduced. Plans were made and repair and maintenance money was obtained to upgrade the low energy chambers in the Ag. Engineering Building. Cooperative research in the crop residue area with personnel in the Animal Science Department continued. Also, grazing studies as well as new basic thrusts in growth biology were initiated. Cooperative research with various universities continues. MARC has established itself in leadership roles in the intact male for meat production area and the animal care area during the past two years.
Impacts
(N/A)
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Progress 01/01/81 to 12/30/81
Outputs
The scientific staff count remained static at 36 in 1981. Also, the number of predoctoral students and visiting scientists remained at 7. Renewed emphasis was placed on the natural selection for twinning project with beef cattle. Several other research projects were initiated. Also, a small thrust was initiated with crop residue/forage research. Construction of outside facilities slowed during 1981. However, additional hardtopping of roads continued. Also, one or two barns were completed during this year.
Impacts
(N/A)
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Progress 01/01/80 to 12/30/80
Outputs
Development and staffing of the RLHUSMARC continued during 1980. At the end of 1980, 36 scientists and 7 predoctoral, postdoctoral and visiting scientists were conducting research at MARC. The meats research unit activated in April 1980 and currently has 6 scientists and supporting staff. Slaughter of animals commenced in August 1980. Recruiting emphasis was also placed onproduction systems research. Several new research areas were initiated across all species. Construction of a swine finishing barn, a necropsy building and a chemical storage building were initiated in 1980. The 5.5 miles of gravel road running through the Center was reshaped and hard-topped with asphalt. Several other areas, including the sheep area, were hard-topped to facilitate research.
Impacts
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Progress 01/01/79 to 12/30/79
Outputs
A formal ceremony was held May 25, 1979, to rename the Center the Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in honor of former Senator Hruska from Omaha. Also, at this time the Agricultural Engineering Building and the Meat Science and Technology Laboratory were dedicated to service for the benefit of producers and consumers of livestock products. Construction and development continues at a good pace. In the swine area, a breeding barn and a multipurpose barn were completed. In the sheep area, drainage was improved and this project will continue into the next year. A beef cattle surgery unit and a cow-calf barn were completed in the intensive cattle area. The landscaping was completed in the headquarters area. Numerous other items were also completed to enhance the Center's ability to conduct research. Staffing was slowed because of a freeze on hiring scientists. Several pre- and postdoctoral candidates commenced their research programs.
Impacts
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Progress 01/01/78 to 12/30/78
Outputs
The development and operation of the Center continued at a normal pace during the past year. In the beef area the following outside facilities were completed: intensive cow-calf barns; weigh facility; waste handling system; 6 upright silos and finishing the steer confinement area. In the swine area the swine nursery was completed, while the enclosed sheep working area was completed during this period of time. In addition, asphalt paving was placed in the feedmill-beef-swine confinement areas. Environmental chambers were completed and are operational and several additional offices and laboratories were occupied by new scientists.
Impacts
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Progress 01/01/77 to 12/30/77
Outputs
This is the final report on this phase of the development of the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center. A new CRIS project has been approved for the continued development and operation of USMARC for the future. During the lifetime of this CRIS project, excellent progress was made in the development of the Center. Much of the construction was completed for swine research and a great deal of new sheep facilities were completed. Additional beef facilities were also built. The new meats laboratory and agriculutral engineering building were completed in November, 1977, thereby completing Phase 2 construction. A considerable amount of land was reworked for cropping purposes and irrigation systems were installed. Storage facilities for feedstuffs (feedmill, silos, bins, etc.) were constructed. Research laboratories have been developed and equipped to keep pace with the physical development. The physical plant has been developed to the point to provide excellent facilities
for beef, sheep and swine research.
Impacts
(N/A)
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Progress 01/01/76 to 12/30/76
Outputs
During 1976 excellent progress was made in all major development areas to provide for the physical plant requirements of comprehensive beef cattle, sheep and swine research programs. This has included field laboratories, internal improvements in animal and service buildings, land development for irrigation and the installation of irrigation systems, drainage, feed storage, fencing, livestock water and livestock handling facilities. The physical plant of the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center has been developed to the point to provide effectively for the requirements of comprehensive beef cattle, sheep and swine research programs. Important development items will continue to receive attention on a priority basis.
Impacts
(N/A)
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Progress 01/01/75 to 12/30/75
Outputs
Excellent progress was made in all major development areas to provide for the physical plant requirements of comprehensive beef cattle, sheep and swine research programs. This has included field laboratories, internal improvements in animal and service buildings, land development for irrigation, drainage, feedstorage and processing, fencing, livestock water, livestock handling facilities,etc. While there are still some important development items in need of attention, the total physical plant has been developed to the point necessary toeffectively support comprehensive research programs on which a high level of implementation progress has been made in 1975. Important development items willcontinue to receive attention on a priority basis.
Impacts
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Progress 01/01/74 to 12/30/74
Outputs
More than 30,000 acres of cool season and warm season pastures have been established. More than 2,500 acres have been developed for irrigation for ensilage and hay production (about 50% of requirements). More than 300 miles offence has been constructed. Livestock water development for about 225 pastures is about three-fourths completed. Silos for 30,000 tons of storage have been completed. Construction of facilities for breeding herds and flocks, and machinery maintenance and storage is continuing. Feedlots for experimental cattle and experimental sheep have been completed. Development of livestock handling facilities including calving sheds, artificial insemination facilities,etc., are nearing completion. Development of structures for swine research is nearing completion and internal improvements in other animal and service buildings are being continued as funding permits. Activities are continuing in all areas involving land and related resource development.
The total physical plant has been developed to the point necessary to provide for implementation ofa comprehensive meat animal research program. Development items will continue to be added on a priority basis.
Impacts
(N/A)
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Progress 01/01/73 to 12/30/73
Outputs
More than 30,000 acres of cool season and warm season pastures have been established. More than 2,500 acres have been developed for irrigation for ensilage and hay production. Almost 300 miles of fece has been constructed. Livestock water development has been completed for 225 pastures. Silos for 30,000 tons of storage have been completed. Feedlots for 6,000 experimental cattle and 6,000 experimental sheep have been completed. Development of livestock handling facilities including calving sheds, artificial insemination facilities, etc., for 6,000 cows is approximately 80 percent completed. Development of structures for swine research is progressing on an orderly basis.Activities are continuing in all areas involving land and related resource development. The total physical plant has been developed to the point necessaryto provide for implementation of a comprehensive meat animal research program. Development items will continue to be added on a priority
basis.
Impacts
(N/A)
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Progress 01/01/71 to 12/30/71
Outputs
Development of the U. S. Meat Animal Research Center was started in April of 1966. Major activities have related to the development of land and associated resources appropriate for the requirements of the beef cattle, sheep and swine research programs. Specific programs have involved establishment of pastures (29,000 acres), fence construction (200 miles), livestock water facilities, experimental feedlots, silos, limited irrigation development, and livestock handling facilities. Cattle and sheep inventories continue to be expanded to meet the requirements of the research program (approximately 5,000 cattle and 3,500 sheep of breeding age). During the next year, major development activities will focus on irrigation development programs and the completion of animal and service buildings. Development programs have progressed to a level necessary to provide for implementation of major components of the research program.
Impacts
(N/A)
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Progress 01/01/70 to 12/30/70
Outputs
Development of the U. S. Meat Animal Research Center was started in April of 1966. Major activities have related to the development of land and associated resources appropriate for the requirements of the beef cattle, sheep and swine research programs. Specific programs have involved establishment of pastures (28,000 acres), fence construction (175 miles), livestock water facilities, experimental feedlots, silos, limited irrigation development, and livestock handling facilities. Cattle and sheep inventories continue to be expanded to meet requirements of the research program (approximately 4,000 cattle and 3,000 sheep of breeding age). Land and associated resource development components have progressed to a level necessary for support of major research activities.
Impacts
(N/A)
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Progress 01/01/69 to 12/30/69
Outputs
Development of the U. S. Meat Animal Research Center was started in April of 1966. The development of land and associated resources has been planned to be appropriate for the requirements of the beef cattle, sheep and swine research programs. The development program includes the establishment of approximately 30,000 acres of cool season and warm season pastures (about 25,000 acres have been seeded) and land for hay, ensilage, irrigated pastures, and some grain production. Approximately 300 miles of fence is needed (about one-half completed), and livestock water facilities are needed in about 220 pastures (about one-third completed). Cattle and sheep inventories for research purposescontinue to be expanded. It has been the objective to develop the land and associated resources to provide for the livestock populations on a schedule synchronized with the construction program so that the total physical plant willbe ready for initiation of the research program when
the major buildings are ready for use.
Impacts
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Progress 01/01/68 to 12/30/68
Outputs
Approximately 22,000 acres have been seeded to warm season and cool season pastures since project was initiated. Approximately 100 miles of fence have been constructed. Progress has been made in developing livestock water facilities. A limited number of livestock shelters have been constructed. Cattle and sheep inventories for research purposes continue to be expanded. A contract has been awarded and construction started for Phase I facilities.
Impacts
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Progress 01/01/67 to 12/30/67
Outputs
Approximately 15,000 acres have been seeded to warm season and cool season pastures since project was initiated. Approximately 60 miles of combination sheep-cattle fence has been constructed. Livestock water development has been planned and development has been started. Three 50' x 192' livestock sheds havebeen completed and another has been started. Inventory of approximately 3,500 cattle and 2,000 sheep has been accumulated. Planning is almost completed for Phase 1 or facility construction.
Impacts
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