UD's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) at the University of Delaware is one of the institution's seven colleges and serves as a center for agricultural education, research, and outreach in the state of Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic region. Established as part of the university's land-grant mission, the college encompasses programs in crop and soil sciences, animal and food sciences, plant and soil sciences, and applied economics and statistics. The college operates the Delaware Agricultural Experiment Station and maintains extensive research facilities across the state, including farms and laboratories dedicated to advancing sustainable agricultural practices and natural resource management. As of the 2020s, the college enrolls several hundred undergraduate and graduate students and employs faculty members conducting research on topics ranging from poultry science to environmental conservation.[1]
History
The roots of agricultural education at the University of Delaware trace back to the institution's founding in 1743 as the Academy of Newark. However, the formalization of agricultural programs accelerated following Delaware's designation as a land-grant institution under the Morrill Land-Grant Act of 1862, which provided federal funding for agricultural and mechanical colleges throughout the United States. The Delaware Agricultural Experiment Station was established in 1887, creating a formal structure for agricultural research and experimentation. Throughout the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the college expanded its offerings to include formal degree programs in agriculture, horticulture, and related fields, reflecting the economic importance of farming to Delaware's developing economy.
The college underwent significant reorganization and expansion during the mid-twentieth century as agricultural science evolved and diversified. New departments and programs were established to address emerging challenges in food production, soil conservation, and rural development. The creation of specialized research centers and laboratories enhanced the college's capacity to conduct applied research relevant to Delaware farmers and agribusiness operators. By the late twentieth century, the college had broadened its mission beyond traditional agriculture to encompass natural resources management, environmental sustainability, and food systems, reflecting changing priorities in land-use practices and resource conservation throughout the region.[2]
Academic Programs and Structure
The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources maintains several academic departments and research centers organized around core disciplinary areas. The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences conducts research and instruction in crop production, plant pathology, soil management, and horticulture. The Department of Animal and Food Sciences focuses on livestock production, poultry science, and food safety and quality. The college also houses the Department of Applied Economics and Statistics, which trains students in agricultural economics, resource economics, and quantitative methods relevant to natural resource management and agricultural policy.
Undergraduate majors offered through the college include agriculture, plant science, agricultural business and economics, and food science. Graduate programs at the master's and doctoral levels are available in several disciplines, allowing students to pursue advanced research in specialized areas. The college emphasizes experiential learning, incorporating internships, laboratory work, and field experiences into its curriculum. Many students participate in research projects at the university's experimental farms and facilities, gaining practical experience in contemporary agricultural and environmental management techniques. The college also offers extension and outreach programs that provide education and technical assistance to Delaware's agricultural community and rural residents.[3]
Research and Facilities
The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources operates an extensive network of research facilities and experimental farms throughout Delaware. The Delaware Agricultural Experiment Station, the college's primary research entity, maintains multiple field sites and laboratory facilities dedicated to advancing knowledge in crop science, soil management, animal science, and food systems. These facilities support faculty-led research projects addressing practical challenges facing Delaware's agricultural sector and broader environmental issues affecting the Mid-Atlantic region.
The college's research programs have historically focused on crops of particular importance to Delaware agriculture, including corn, soybeans, wheat, and specialty crops. Poultry science research has been a signature area of inquiry, reflecting Delaware's role as a major poultry-producing state. In recent decades, research initiatives have expanded to address sustainability concerns, including precision agriculture techniques, cover crop implementation, soil health, and water quality protection. Faculty members collaborate with federal and state agencies, private agribusiness firms, and other universities on interdisciplinary projects. The college operates diagnostic laboratories and facilities where farmers and agricultural professionals can submit samples for analysis and receive guidance on production and management decisions. Graduate student research at the college has resulted in numerous publications in peer-reviewed agricultural and environmental journals.[4]
Extension and Community Engagement
Extension education represents a significant portion of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources' mission. Through cooperative extension programs funded jointly by federal, state, and local governments, the college provides educational programs, technical assistance, and resources to farmers, homeowners, small business operators, and community members throughout Delaware. Extension educators deliver information on topics including sustainable crop production, livestock management, home gardening, food preservation, nutrition, and family financial management.
The college maintains county extension offices throughout Delaware where agents work directly with local constituents. These offices serve as information centers where farmers can receive advice on pest management, soil testing, crop variety selection, and other production decisions. The college also coordinates youth development programs, including 4-H clubs and agricultural education initiatives that provide training to young people interested in agriculture and natural resources careers. Community forums, workshops, and educational events conducted by college faculty and extension staff help disseminate research findings and best practices to broad audiences. The extension program particularly emphasizes sustainable and environmentally responsible agricultural practices, working to help farmers adopt methods that maintain productivity while protecting soil and water resources.
Collaboration and External Partnerships
The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources maintains collaborative relationships with other universities, government agencies, and private sector organizations throughout the region and nationally. Faculty members serve on advisory committees for agricultural organizations and participate in multi-institutional research projects. The college works closely with the Delaware Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service on research and outreach initiatives addressing shared priorities in agricultural development and resource management.
These partnerships extend to regional institutions, including land-grant universities in adjacent states with which Delaware researchers collaborate on shared agricultural challenges. Private sector partnerships with agricultural input suppliers, processing companies, and agribusiness firms support applied research projects that address industry needs. International collaborations have also developed, with college faculty participating in research and educational exchanges with institutions and organizations in other countries, particularly in areas such as crop improvement and sustainable agriculture. These diverse partnerships enhance the college's capacity to conduct impactful research and provide comprehensive educational and extension services to its constituencies.