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Last Thursday’s listening session regarding the University of Minnesota’s Future of Advanced Agriculture Research in Minnesota (FAARM) was insightful and impactful in discussing what the future look and impact of the facility might be.

Slated for a tentative construction date of 2027 or 2028, the U is in the very early design stages of the facility, which includes reaching out and talking and listening to area residents, landowners and governmental bodies.

The potential for FAARM and its impact on the future of farming and land usage is broad in scope as it focuses on a one-health approach. This approach will center research on soil/water health, animal health, human health, crop health and ecosystem health.

“We’re looking at that whole cycle to the plants, to the animals, to the humans,” said Dr. Brian Buhr, dean of the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural & Natural Resources Sciences. “As we are able to understand big data, we can really start to understand those interactions. Can we really understand what those influences are and start to manage those outcomes.”

Indeed, part of FAARM’s mission is to recognize and research the relationship all of those areas have.

It’s estimated that the facility, to be located in Udolpho Township, south of Blooming Prairie, will take up 1,600 acres of land, with over 1,300 acres already secured. The process will continue that work while the next steps  include looking at bonding money requests and continued refinement of its design.

This process will require more meetings and more listening sessions and we urge landowners in northern Mower County, specifically in Udolpho Township, to take part in this process.

There are benefits to this facility, which could include a positive economic impact when it’s all said and done. More dollars may be drawn to the area because of this facility.

But there are also valid concerns. Some landowners at the Thursday listening session voiced the concerns, which took the form of infrastructure impacts, road usage, taxes and quite simply being a close neighbor to such a large project that will include livestock.

With this mammoth $220 million project on the horizon and the concerns of the landowners, it’s important that all those involved take part in the project. Attend the meetings, voice your concerns and help build with the University of Minnesota as it works to bring this one-of-kind research opportunity to southeastern Minnesota.

We also urge you to not dismiss it out of hand. The U has taken steps to make sure they are being good neighbors to the area. They know the value of working with those local to the project.

FAARM very much represents the future, but we all need to be a part of that future to truly make it work.