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Minnesota Ag News Headlines
AGREETT Brings an Influx of Ag Talent to Minnesota
Minnesota Ag Connection - 03/22/2019

Three years in, the Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Tech Transfer program (AGREETT) has led to several key hires at the University of Minnesota that will pay dividends for the long-term health of Minnesota agriculture.

"[AGREETT] has been phenomenally successful," said Greg Cuomo, associate dean for research and graduate programs at the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS). "It has given the University the opportunity to fill key positions and address problems impacting agriculture in the short and long term."

Without AGREETT, Cuomo said few if any of the key hires spread across CFANS, the College of Veterinary Medicine, and Extension would be made at the University of Minnesota. In a world of higher education budget restraints, each college has been able to attract key talent to the University who bring more than their expertise.

"What each hire has is a youthful enthusiasm and a passion for making a difference in agriculture," Cuomo said. "It is not that we were missing that passion, but you bring new thoughts and new minds and great things happen."

Each AGREETT hire is made with the focus of how he or she will contribute to the larger puzzle of building a more sustainable future for agriculture in Minnesota, according to Cuomo.

For example, an assistant professor who was hired through AGREETT to work in CFANS' department of animal science researches the microbiome of animals to improve the health and productivity of livestock, while a hire in the soil, water and climate department specializes in manure management to improve on-farm efficiencies.

"At the highest level, we are working to ensure a vibrant ag industry in Minnesota, and there are a lot of pieces to that. We wanted to bring in people who can work together to help agriculture on a larger scale," Cuomo said.

While building a more productive future for agriculture, Cuomo said the economic struggles on the farm today are always recognized with each AGREETT hire at CFANS. There is a balance that exists with each new faculty member in how they can make an impact on the issues agriculture is facing today while always looking toward the future, Cuomo said.

The Minnesota Legislature will be considering future AGREETT funding during the current legislative session. Regardless of what is to be determined at the Capitol, Cuomo is thankful for each of the 21 hires AGREETT has made possible to date, and hopes they will be able to continue.

"[AGREETT] has really been a terrific opportunity that has made all sorts of things possible," Cuomo said. "I don't look at it as only a benefit to the University, I look at how well it serves all of Minnesota agriculture. It has been a partnership that really benefits the state."

For more information on AGREETT, visit AGREETT.umn.edu to learn about each hired faculty member and other goals of the program.


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