About AgNext
Colorado State University’s history is rooted in research and innovation in the animal agriculture space which makes it the perfect home for AgNext.
At AgNext, we are committed to finding sustainable solutions for animal agriculture. Our team of experts works with members of the entire livestock value chain to produce new solutions that help move the industry toward a sustainable future.
Our Focus Areas:
Resiliency
We advance human, animal and ecosystem health while improving food security and creating stronger communities.
Efficiency
We enhance the health, performance, efficiency and safety of the supply chain to optimize natural resource use.
Regeneracy
We create strategies focused on replenishing the natural resources that are critical to animal agriculture production through adaptive management that benefits the ecosystem.
Mission
Identify and scale innovation that fosters the health of animals and ecosystems to promote profitable industries that support vibrant communities.
Vision
Animal agriculture is a sustainable component of our global food system by providing economic, social and environmental benefits to Colorado, the Nation and the world.
Purpose
We advance the science of animal agriculture to ensure a continued safe, secure and nutritious food supply. We encourage the adoption of best practice and we convene critical conversations about sustainability in animal agriculture.
Research Capabilities
In 2022, we completed the renovation of our Climate-Smart Research Facility. Over one million dollars of donated equipment from our Industry Partners allowed us to complete this project. Today, this is the largest research facility dedicated to climate-smart research in the country.
The Climate-Smart Research Facility is located at Colorado State University’s Agricultural Research, Development and Education Center. The close proximity of the facility to the main campus enables the AgNext team to be closely involved with ongoing research projects.
The facility is equipped with SmartFeed, SmartFeed Pro, SmartScale and GreenFeed machines designed by C-Lock Inc. With this highly specialized equipment, AgNext can research both feedlot and grazing systems in-house. For feedlot systems research, there are 6 Climate Smart Pens. Each pen is large enough to hold 50 head of cattle, allowing a maximum feedlot research capacity of 300 cattle total. In addition to the Climate Smart Pens, AgNext utilizes the 200-acre grazing pivot for grazing systems research.
The combination of our state-of-the-art facility and our team of experts allows us to work diligently toward identifying innovative solutions that foster the health of animals and ecosystems.
Industry Partnership
Strong external partnerships are a key component to the success and innovation of AgNext, including leadership from our Industry Innovation Working Group.
This group provides input on strategic initiatives and programs, acts as a soundboard for new ideas and opportunities, promotes the AgNext in the livestock community, helps recruit talent and elevates AgNext on a global scale.
With the support of our partner Industry Innovation Working Group, AgNext works to address the urgent needs of producers and food systems through the lens of animal agriculture to ensure a safe and nutritious food supply.
