Welcome to UPREC
The Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center (UPREC) was established in 1899 at Chatham, Michigan to conduct, "experiments pertaining to agriculture and horticulture...beneficial to the agricultural interests of the Upper Peninsula." For over 120 years, UPREC has spearheaded research investigating the breadth of UP crops and livestock, and delivered educational programming serving generations of UP farmers and community members.
Today, the facility is comprised of two campuses totaling 827 acres, and serves as a hub for sustainable agriculture innovation and education. The UPREC South Farm maintains a herd of experimental grass-fed Red Angus beef cattle and conducts research on forage and field crops. The North Farm is dedicated to research on certified organic specialty crops and hosts a farm business incubator program to help grow the next generation of U.P. farmers. Staff at UPREC also partner with local schools, public agencies, agribusinesses and producers across Michigan to execute off-site research and outreach addressing critical local needs in food, agriculture and natural resources.
UPREC occupies the ancestral, traditional and contemporary lands of the Anishinaabeg – Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi peoples. In particular, the facility resides on land ceded in the 1836 Treaty of Washington. We recognize Michigan’s 12 federally recognized Native Nations, historic Indigenous communities in Michigan, Indigenous individuals and communities who live here now, and those who were forcibly removed from their homelands. In offering this land acknowledgement, we affirm Indigenous sovereignty, history and experiences.
UPREC Strategic Planning Report
Chatham Enviro-Weather Station
News
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Mentors matter for new farmers
Published on February 28, 2023
Michigan Sustainable Farm Mentors program connects 42 beginning and aspiring farmers with experienced farmers. -
Congratulations to the 2022 MSU Organic Farmer Training Program graduates!
Published on November 21, 2022
Eleven beginning and aspiring farmers write business plans, visit 26 farms, and learn hands-on farming skills. -
Grants available for sustainable agriculture research and education
Published on September 6, 2022
SARE annual grant request issued.
Events
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Mar 11
2025 Agriculture for Tomorrow Conference
March 11, 2025 9:00AM – 4:00PM Tuesday, March 11th, 2025 from 9:00am to 4:00pm ET Joseph Heirman University Center, Room 952, at Bay College in Escanaba, MI