West Central Research, Extension and Education Center

District Interest

Since 1904, the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center (WCREEC) at North Platte has addressed problems and concerns specific to the counties of West Central Nebraska.

About Jerry

My name is Jerry Volesky and I am a Professor and Range and Forage Specialist with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln West Central Research, Extension and Education Center located in North Platte.  I have been with UNL for 28 years.  In January of this year, I also assumed the position of Interim Director of the Center for Grassland Studies. 

 What is your position at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center? 

About Rick

I grew up on a farm and ranch in central North Dakota. I have been in Animal Science for 19 years. Previously, I have worked as an extension educator, a nutritionist for a feed company, the rodeo coach for Chadron State College, and was a beef extension specialist for Montana State in Miles City. I received my BS from North Dakota State University, my MS from Montana State University, my Ph.D. from the University of Wyoming, and I completed a Post Doc at Colorado State University in Reproductive Biotechnology. 

About Julie

I grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and completed my PhD in Entomology at the University of Kentucky in 2012. I started at UNL in March 2014.

 What is your position at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center?

Dr. Andrew Belser, Dean of the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts visits North Platte

Dean Belser became the fifth dean of the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Perform Arts in July of 2022. His goal is to meet the needs of students and teachers across the state. Growing up in rural Pennsylvania Dean Belser has a great appreciation in developing the arts for rural students. In his visit to North Platte he found many opportunities to connect with teachers and students in the area. LISTEN to Dean Belser's goals.

District Resources

District Events

Follow Us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter



West Central Research, Extension and Education Center

Local Events

Search Local & National Extension Resources

Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources News

Latest from ianrnews.unl.edu

Stephenson named associate director of Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center

March 20, 2023
Mitchell Stephenson has been permanently appointed to the role of associate director of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center in Scottsbluff. The appointment took effect Jan. 1, 2023.

Read more

UNL Releases Preliminary Farm Real Estate Market Survey Results

March 16, 2023
UNL released the Preliminary Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey Results earlier this month.

Read more

Promoting Soil Health in Nebraska

March 15, 2023
Well over 60 area farmers, ranchers, agronomists, and agency representatives filled Bridgeport’s Prairie Winds Community Center to learn about soil health at the first installment of three Nebraska Soil Health School events taking place this year.

Read more

Hay speaks on energy conservation and savings with a solar array

March 10, 2023
How much people save on their electric bill after installing a solar array depends largely on local policies, John Hay, a Nebraska extension educator, told NRT students recently.

Read more