The Intermountain Research and Extension Center is a 140-acre research facility located at 4,000 feet elevation near the Oregon border. IREC specializes in the following crops: potato, small grain, onion, peppermint, forage grasses and alfalfa. However, most cool season field and vegetable crops can be accommodated and grown on the center. Research topics of interest include variety development, integrated pest management, irrigation management, plant nutrition and agriculture-wildlife interactions.

Available IREC facilities and equipment include a greenhouse, controlled postharvest facility, drying ovens, an automated potato grading line, a mini-still for essential oil extraction, specialized small plot irrigation equipment, research-adapted small plot planters and harvesters, and a full line of commercial farm equipment for field and vegetable crop production. Technical assistance is available for all farming practices, field instrumentation and data collection.

IREC's Research Advisory Committee will evaluate proposed research for scientific merit and regional need. Approved projects will be eligible for center-provided support—land, labor, technical assistance, equipment and facilities.

Questions about the research proposal process or about research opportunities at IREC should be directed to director Rob Wilson at rgwilson@ucanr.edu or center superintendent Darrin Culp at daculp@ucanr.edu or by phone at (530) 667-5117.

Proposals may be submitted into the REC Manage System via the IREC website beginning Dec. 20, 2016, and are due no later than Feb. 10, 2017.