Research dates back to the early days of the school when several
types of trees were planted from 1918 to 1921 for high altitude
adaptability studies. Field crop research began in 1922 and was
discountinued in 1975. Beef cattle breeding research was conducted
in the early 1940's in cooperation with Fort Lewis College. Many
of the foundation lines of the present cow herd were established
in 1946. Range research became a part of the research program
in 1962.
The 6,300 acre research center has an elevation of 7600 feet
and receives 18.5 inches of precipitation annually. Crop varieties
adapted to the 100-day frost free growing season are limited
to small grains, forage and hay crops.
