Highlighting Cornell dairy research

Applied research is one of the core pillars of Cornell University’s Department of Animal Science and Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY. At the heart of the ability to conduct meaningful projects and deliver results driven education is the Cornell University Ruminant Center. 

The Cornell University Ruminant Center (CURC) is a commercial scale dairy farm located 15 miles east of Cornell’s main campus. Home to 570 milking cows and housing for heifers and calves, CURC includes free-stall barns, a tie-stall barn for individual cow research, a centralized feed center, substantial silage storage area, long-term manure storage and over 2,600 acres of cropland, pasture and woodlands.

A comprehensive platform for whole-farm research

CURC is a working dairy farm that enables scientists to address real-world challenges in dairy production – from cow health and nutrition to manure management, crop production and sustainability. Research conducted at CURC ensures that ideas born in the lab also translate into results the farm.

A nationally unique resource

CURC is the only university-operated research dairy in the U.S. capable of conducting experiments at this scale. It plays a critical role in:

• Increasing milk and milk component yields
• Improving animal care and health outcomes
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• Exploring the full genetic and productive potential of modern dairy cows

The discoveries yet to be made at CURC will continue to shape the future of dairy in New York and beyond.  Learn more about this critical resource in the CURC research report.

CURC RESEARCH REPORT