Background
Created in 1909, BREC is part of the Texas AgriLife Research (formerly Texas Agricultural Experiment Station), a state agricultural research agency affiliated with the Texas A&M System (TAMS). One of 13 off-campus research and extension centers that, along with Texas A&M University (TAMU) faculty, performs research and delivers education programs for the citizens of Texas to ensure a safe and affordable food supply; saves and restores the environment; and strengthens the economy. BREC shares research facilities with the Grassland, Soil and Water Research Laboratory (GSWRL) of the USDA/Agricultural Research Service (ARS). Texas AgriLife Research and ARS scientists have worked cooperatively at Temple for over 80 years. In addition, BREC research programs involving scientists from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), who are co-located at the lab, also exist. The synergism between Blackland and Grassland scientists is a principal reason for the success of the Temple laboratory. Research programs from both agencies are closely linked and scientists are able to capitalize on the strengths of one another. Resources (e.g. equipment, personnel, financial) are shared and joint research is planned and conducted.
