Welcome to the Midwest Area Agricultural Research Service!

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Postdoctoral research scientist Adriana Ortiz-Lopez uses a spectrophotometer to examine the different pigments contained in canola seed extracts while plant physiologist John Whitmarsh prepares a new sample for analysis.

Grassed waterways carry runoff from crop fields safely.

Woman testing microorganisms for converting soybean oil.

index Area Directors' Office

Larry Chandler
Director
USDA-ARS-Midwest Area
1815 N. University St.
Peoria, Illinois 61604
Phone: (309) 681-6602
FAX (309) 681-6684
larry.chandler@ars.usda.gov

Today agricultural research has a direct impact on nearly all aspects of modern life. Our scientists not only study crops and livestock to improve both quality and quantity but they devise new ways of using those crops to add value, increase exports, improve human health, and protect the environment. We in ARS, like all Americans, are very concerned about safe and nutritious food. We study the "bugs" that cause food-borne illness and find ways to reduce or eliminate the unwanted pests from the food supply. If agricultural problems arise such as a new disease of crops or livestock, we have the capacity to respond rapidly to find safe and appropriate solutions. We care deeply about the environment. There are extensive programs in our area focused on preserving and improving soil, air, and water quality. We are finding new and innovative ways to address animal waste management issues, prevent soil erosion and eliminate pesticides from surface and ground water. We are just as concerned about animals. We are finding new ways to measure health and well-being in livestock to ensure that all farm animals are treated in a humane and caring way. These examples represent only a few of the research programs in the Midwest Area and ARS that are dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the economic strength of American agriculture while improving the quality of life for each and every citizen.

Harry Danforth
Associate Director
USDA-ARS-Midwest Area
1815 N. University St.
Peoria, Illinois 61604
Phone: (309) 681-6601
FAX (309) 681-6684
harry.danforth@ars.usda.gov

JL Willett
Assistant Director
USDA-ARS-Midwest Area
1815 N. University St.
Peoria, Illinois 61604
Phone: (309) 681-6599
FAX (309) 681-6684
jl.willett@ars.usda.gov

Diane M. Strub
Deputy Area Director - Business Management
USDA-ARS-Midwest Area
1815 N. University St.
Peoria, Illinois 61604
Phone: (309) 681-6605
FAX (309) 681-6684
diane.strub@ars.usda.gov

Area Directors' Roles and Responsibilities

The Area Directors provide executive leadership of Agency scientific programs and oversight of personnel and facilities management in the Midwest Area.

The Area Directors have lead responsibility for staffing and implementing programs and evaluating accomplishments; they coordinate with the Administrator and National Program Staff to determine, prioritize and develop research thrusts within the National program structure.

The Area Directors facilitate cooperation and integration of research with other federal agencies, land-grant institutions, public entities, and private and international institutions.

The Area Directors represent the ARS Administration on all issues related to agricultural research to partners, stake holders and the public.