Institute for Agriculture
Facilities
While many institutions limit practical onsite opportunities, at Buena Vista University students get involved right away. Perform research in the state-of-the-art Estelle Siebens Science Center, or put theory into practice at our Agricultural Experiment Station, located just minutes from campus. Our facilities enable you to get hands-on with agriculture!
A Hands-On Approach to Ag
At Buena Vista University, your agricultural learning is enhanced by real experience on our Agricultural Experiment Station (AES). Located just outside the Storm Lake city limits, the diversified agricultural operation provides "real-world" spaces for BVU faculty and students to put concepts into practice.
Key Enterprises
Cow/Calf Pairs
Swine
Horses
Corn
Soybeans
Hay/Pasture
Located in the heart of Midwest ag country, you’ll have opportunities at BVU that you can’t find at any other institution. Institute for Agriculture
This is the Ag Experiment Station
The Agricultural Experiment Station is where we take the classroom outside. It a place for doers and cultivators to learn and collaborate in a practical agriculture setting. These real experiences will give you the edge for a successful future in ag.
High-Tech Research Facilities
Take advantage of the 70,000-square-foot Estelle Siebens Science Center, complete with cutting-edge labs and research facilities.
- Confocal microscope
- Spectrophotometers
- Gene guns
- Specimens and skeletons
- Sterile hoods
- Labs fully equipped to study DNA and RNA
- Thermal cyclers
- UV and chemiluminescent imaging equipment
- Greenhouse with three environmental growth chambers
From field to yield
Growing Experience
Your lab is hundreds of acres of farmland! Learning on a fully-functioning facility, like our AES, enables you to completely understand the logistics of crop production. You will literally get your hands dirty, exploring the science behind growth in the field. Your lab experiences have a real effect on crop yield and market.
Experiences Abound
There are countless opportunities for gaining practical agricultural skills in the Estelle Siebens Science Center, and on our AES. Whether you come from an agricultural background and are highly familiar with operations, or from a city with no rural experience, our facilities are the perfect place to prepare for a future in agriculture.
Mike Christen
Land Manager, Institute for Agriculture
In 2008, Mike started the Circle C Cattle Company on his family farm north of Storm Lake. Mike's focus is raising club calves, with a cow herd that includes pure bred lines of Angus, Simmental and Shorthorns. The focus of Mike’s management is to optimize herd genetics by emphasizing confirmation and structural soundness in developing quality seedstock to grow a regionally recognized cow herd.
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Explore an Agriculture Degree
Find out more about earning bachelor’s degrees in agriculture with BVU.