The laboratory is another tangible step in the growing partnership between IANR and NSRI that brings together researchers from both institutes to increase research and development in:

• Agricultural and natural resources security, defense and countermeasures;
• Biological defense in support of the U.S. Departments of Defense and Homeland Security, and other government stakeholders;
• Development and deployment of biosurveillance, biodetection and diagnostic tools; and
• Pandemic preparedness related to human, livestock and crop plant diseases that could result in disruptions to the U.S. and global food systems.

“This new effort is a perfect marriage of key strengths and priorities of the entire University of Nebraska system: national security, preparedness, and agriculture and natural resources. The lab will be a pride point for our university and state. I’m thrilled that IANR and NSRI are collaborating in this way, and I’m excited to see the innovations that will result from this forward-thinking partnership,”

said NU President Ted Carter. 

The new laboratory also aligns with Nebraska’s commitment to bold, innovative and important research, said Chancellor Ronnie Green.

“No university is better positioned to lead with a new collaborative biosecurity laboratory. We have a long history of seeking bold solutions to complex problems, and our expertise in agricultural and defense-related innovation is exceptional,”

Green said.

The location of the lab, adjacent to other molecular life scientists, biomedical engineers and the Nebraska Center for Virology, provides opportunities for NSRI researchers, staff and program leaders to engage with faculty, students and staff throughout IANR and the university.

“Ensuring the safety of our food supply is a wickedly complex endeavor. A broad, collaborative approach drawing on disciplines including virology, biological systems engineering, chemistry and biochemistry, statistics, animal science, veterinary medicine, plant pathology, natural resources, food science and many others will be key to the success of this exciting collaboration,”

said Mike Boehm, NU vice president and Harlan Vice Chancellor for IANR.

In addition to the lab, NSRI appointed 10 IANR researchers as NSRI Fellows in May 2021. One fellow is already contributing to the Nebraska Drug Discovery and Development Pipeline, a long-term project funded by the federal government through NSRI to develop drugs needed by warfighters. NSRI, the Department of Defense-designated University Affiliated Research Center of the University of Nebraska, and U.S. Strategic Command also recently leveraged IANR’s West Central Research and Extension Center to test unmanned aerial systems for a DOD sponsor.

“We are actively seeking opportunities to collaborate in a meaningful way with IANR. This lab demonstrates the foresight NU and NSRI can bring to the DOD — combining Nebraska’s tremendous strength and leadership in agriculture and biosecurity with NSRI’s deep understanding of the complexities of strategic deterrence across the threat spectrum and in multiple domains,”

said retired Maj. Gen. Rick Evans, NSRI executive director.

Joshua Santarpia, NSRI research director of chemical and biological programs and associate professor of microbiology and pathology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, leads the Collaborative Biosecurity Laboratory affirmed:

“This lab represents a host of new opportunities for both NSRI and IANR. Through this lab, and the collaboration that it represents, we can look at ways to leverage NSRI’s research into agricultural problems, bring new opportunities for IANR scientists to grow the research to support national security and build new programs in agricultural biosecurity together.”

Source: University of Nebraska 

The post University of Nebraska Celebrates Opening of Collaborative Biosecurity Lab to Pursue Ag Defense Research appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Claas formally opened the all-new 20,000-square-foot Claas Academy training facility. Located adjacent to the Claas of America headquarters and manufacturing plant in Omaha, the state-of-the-art facility will host on-site and virtual training for the Claas dealer network.

“We at Claas recognize the importance of continuing a high level of service and support. Therefore, we must train our dealer technicians in the best way possible. The Academy will offer Claas dealers a premium training experience in a highly professional learning environment that features innovative technology,”

says Adam Haworth, Director of Services, Claas of America.

Three classrooms provide a focused learning environment and include advanced technology to host both on-site and virtual training to the Claas dealer network. Temperature-controlled equipment bays allow technicians to get practical, hands-on experience with the largest Claas machines, from LEXION combines to JAGUAR forage harvesters and AXION tractors.

The academy expansion will also house the company’s workforce programs, which cultivate learning and engage the local community and technical schools through certification programs. The Claas Academy features an apprentice lab, home to the German-based ICATT apprenticeship program as well as the U.S. Department of Labor apprenticeship program.

“Claas is committed to growing the workforce within the ag industry. The Academy will support a wide variety of training priorities from service, product, and parts training to internal sales and leadership development programs,”

says Felicia Nichelson, Head of Academy, Claas of America.

The post Claas Expands to Include On-Site Training Facility in Omaha appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Nebraska Harvest Center has announced plans to open a new dealership just east of Columbus, NE. Construction on the new ag equipment retail location has already begun and should be ready for business as early as September of this year.

The Columbus location joins four other Nebraska Harvest Center locations in Seward, Kearney, Wayne, and Ogallala.

“We are excited to expand our footprint in Nebraska. Providing our customers with superior sales and service is our number one goal. With this new location, we will be able to improve response times and support for a growing number of farmers in the area who have discovered the advantages of our CLAAS long line of equipment,”

said Paul Westbrook, Complex Manager, Nebraska Harvest Center.

However, according to Westbrook, the new 24,000 square foot facility is secondary to the team of talented sales, parts, and service technicians the location plans to hire. “With the release of this announcement, we will begin hiring for all departments.”

“Nebraska is a critical market for us and is right in our ‘back yard. Our North American headquarters and combine manufacturing facility are located in Omaha, just an hour and a half from the new Columbus location. Nebraska Harvest Center has built a sterling reputation for customer service that reflects well on our company and the equipment we manufacture,”

explained Eric Raby, President and General Manager – Sales for Claas of America.

The post Nebraska Harvest Center to Open Fifth Location in Columbus appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.