Overview

About ENREEC

The University of Nebraska Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC) strives to meet the diverse needs of Nebraska's rural sector and its growing urban population through the integration of research efforts and valuable programming of Nebraska Extension. The proximity of the ENREEC to 70% of the population in Nebraska provides the opportunity to engage learners in research-based education in and nearby their communities.

ENREEC was formerly the University of Nebraska's Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead and evolved into the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center in 2016.  "Education" was added to the title in 2022 to more fully convey the wide spectrum of educational programs that Nebraska's Research, Extension and Education Centers provide. 

ENREEC features integrated research and education programs. While Extension and educational programming reaches into Livestock Systems, Cropping and Water Systems, Early Childhood, Horticulture, Landscape, and Environmental Systems, Community Vitality Initiative, Food, Nutrition and Health, 4-H Youth Development, and Disaster Recovery Resources.

The scope and diversity of ongoing research projects at this location combines to make the site one of the most unique research facilities in the United States. The site is a major research and education facility of the Agricultural Research Division of the University of Nebraska's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR). The size and diversity of the center offers many research and educational opportunities. Through its strategic planning process, IANR has set a course for agricultural research, extension and teaching that will help ensure a financially solid and environmentally sound agricultural future for Nebraska. This site plays a key role in implementing the action plans that support this leadership process. Nebraska Extension is a key player in getting the word out on research findings to the public.

The site consists of approximately 9,663 acres (3,912 hectares).   About half of the land base is in row crops. Fifty percent of those row crops are irrigated. The balance of the site is predominately in cool and warm season pastures. Over 6,000 domestic farm animals used for research and teaching reside onsite as well.

The size and diversity offer many research and educational opportunities in integrated systems research. And our educational programs attract over 5,000 people each year.

The University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) operates three main Research, Extension and Education Centers (REEC) across the state with each having a network of farms, ranches and educational facilities to support the mission of IANR. Each REEC is unique to its own history and development since their inception. Learn more about the REECs.