Scientists at the Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (MARC) develop new technology in order to increase the efficiency of livestock production and benefit consumers. The MARC was authorized by Congress on June 16, 1964, to work on problems facing the livestock industry, and development began in the spring of 1966 on 35,000 acres near Clay Center, Nebraska. The RLHUSMARC has made major contributions in the field of genetics, breeding, nutrition, biological engineering, production, and animal health. Adjacent to this center, the University of Nebraska also located a research station. The South Central Station provides specialized assistance to extension programs and conducts research on crops and irrigation. Presently, research programs are using a female breeding population of 6,500 cattle of 18 breeds, 3,000 sheep of 10 breeds, and 700 swine litters per year.
The MARC is administered by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). People from all over the world now visit the research facility which is located on the property of the former Naval Ammunition Depot built just west of town to produce bombs and shells during World War II. On October 10, 1978, President Carter signed into law a bill which renamed the research facility after former Senator Roman L. Hruska of Nebraska.
