Research at WARC
The Western Agricultural Research Center (WARC) conducts scientific trials focused on a diverse array of agricultural and horticultural crops and issues in Montana. On-site features include 30 acres of irrigated fields and orchards as well as several greenhouses and laboratories. All research is intended to help producers identify new crops for local markets or improve production efficiency. The data generated is useful for conventional and organic producers alike.
Follow the links below to learn about current and past research. See also the grower resources WARC has developed based upon this research.
Current Research Programs
Research from Former Faculty
- Integrated Livestock in Fruit and Vegetable Production: investigated the effects of livestock grazing on food safety, weed control, and soil health for fruit and vegetable farms
- Plant nutrition and agronomy: research on nutrient deficiency in plants and nitrogen utilization in small grains
- Biological weed control: beneficial insects were introduced to control spotted knapweed and other weeds on Montana rangeland
- Horticultural projects: evaluation of culinary and medicinal herbs for growth potential and financial return for Montana growers
- Biological seed treatment: a naturally-occurring soil bacterium was used to protect seed corn and cucurbitaceous crops from Pythium Seed Rot.
- Montana Strawberry Initiative: this study investigated the efficacy of annual high tunnel production of strawberries in Montana to determine if this is a viable production strategy.
