agInnovation North Central is one of five regional associations tasked with facilitating cooperation between regional and national agricultural research programs. Spanning 12 states in the heartland, it serves the Agricultural Experiment Stations by uniting Land-grant university researcher leaders and researchers, and other scientists. Through this collaborative network, agInnovation North Central ensures that research is aligned with both regional needs and national goals, driving innovation and delivering solutions that benefit farmers, ranchers, communities and the broader food and agricultural system.

The North Central Region is the backbone of U.S. food and agriculture, producing key commodities such as corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, rice, cattle, hogs, poultry and dairy, while also supplying fruits, vegetables, nuts, flowers, wood and bio-based products including biofuels. Agriculture in the region contributes significantly to state economies—ranging from 3% to nearly 26% of state GDP—and supports millions of jobs, making it a powerful driver of economic growth. Beyond production, the region plays a critical role in natural resource stewardship, protecting soil, water, and landscapes from the tallgrass prairies to forests and lakes, ensuring long-term sustainability for communities and ecosystems alike.

Through stakeholder informed science-driven strategies and cutting-edge technology, agInnovation North Central fosters resilient, productive, and profitable agricultural systems while advancing food security, protecting natural resources, and supporting rural and urban communities. Its work alongside critical federal, state and industry partners, strengthens U.S. agricultural competitiveness globally and exemplifies the critical role of regional collaboration in translating research into real-world impact.