Specialty Crop

The James C. Hageman Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Center (SAREC) focuses on research to assist ranchers, farmers, land managers, specialty-crop producers, and others in southeast Wyoming and surrounding areas concerning irrigated and dryland cropping systems, cover crops and reduced-tillage practices, integrated crop and livestock systems, and forage-based crop rotations.

In addition, SAREC personnel and University of Wyoming faculty and graduate students annually conduct a variety of other research, including studies (1) in the field relating to cover crops, such as chickpea, dry bean, lentil, pea, and potato; (2) in a high tunnel, among them the use of pyrolized coal and biochar as soil amendments; and (3) incorporating shade fabric as a way to mitigate extreme greenhouse heat in the summer.

Several new projects tie directly into specialty crops, including high-tunnel, small-acreage, and hops production, and the recent addition of a geodesic dome greenhouse. Among the produce being tested are several varieties of onions, carrots, sweet peas, cucumbers, and tomatoes. SAREC personnel also planted a demonstration fruit tree orchard. Each summer, SAREC hosts a public field day to showcase various research projects.