By Blake Jackson
The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents has approved two major capital project requests from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls designed to strengthen the state’s agricultural workforce and support Wisconsin’s $116.3 billion agriculture economy.
The proposals will be submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Administration for consideration as part of the 2027-2029 state budget.
UW-River Falls’ top capital priority includes funding for a new Plant Science Discovery Center and planning and design work for the renovation of its Agricultural Sciences Complex.
"UW-River Falls plays a critical role in preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders, scientists and innovators," said Interim Chancellor John Chenoweth.
"We appreciate the Board of Regents' support for projects that will help our students gain experience with the advanced technologies transforming agriculture, including artificial intelligence, automation and precision agriculture."
The proposed 48,000-square-foot Plant Science Discovery Center would replace the university’s outdated greenhouse facilities with modern classrooms, laboratories and research areas.
Planned features include automated greenhouse systems, precision irrigation technology and robotic monitoring equipment.
The center would give students opportunities for hands-on education and research while encouraging collaboration with agricultural businesses and industry partners.
The second proposal focuses on modernizing the Agricultural Sciences Complex, including the existing Agricultural Sciences building and Agricultural Engineering Annex. Built decades ago, the facilities face aging infrastructure, limited research space and outdated laboratories. These conditions have created challenges for teaching, research and partnerships with industry.
The need for improved facilities is growing alongside student demand. First-year enrollment in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences rose 18% between fall 2024 and fall 2025, while the college awarded more than 1,000 bachelor’s degrees from 2021 through 2025.
Agriculture and food processing employ more than 350,000 people across Wisconsin, while nearly one-third of workers in agriculture and natural resources are age 55 or older.
"These projects are about more than buildings," Chenoweth said. "They are about preparing students for careers, supporting Wisconsin businesses and ensuring the state's agricultural industry remains a leader in innovation for decades to come."
Photo Credit: university-of-wisconsin-river-falls
Categories: Wisconsin, Business, Education