The Southwest Research and Outreach Center (SWROC) in Lamberton links agriculture, communities and families to the research, education and outreach resources of the University. SWROC is one of the University's six research and outreach centers strategically located throughout Minnesota. It is a key unit of the College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS). As a resource for southwestern Minnesota, the Center is part of the CFANS Translational Research and Education division which functions as a unit and the Center has strong ties with numerous CFANS departments, as well as other colleges within the University. Today the Center's research and outreach programs are focused on finding the best options for production agriculture while concurrently addressing environmental concerns. These concerns have come to the forefront and have become a relevant driving force that affects production. An extensive range of ongoing research incorporates knowledge of efficient agricultural systems that are also economically, environmentally and socially sustainable. At the same time the Center constantly strives to support communities through strong K-12 and family education programs.