Montana
In 2007, Montana-based federal agencies and laboratories received a federal R&D investment of $654 million. They leveraged that investment via their technology transfer efforts to address societal needs, promote economic development and growth, and enhance U.S. competitiveness. From defense to life sciences to energy to agriculture, Montana-based federal agencies and labs are meeting the technology transfer mission envisioned by Congress.
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Federal Obligations for R&D in Montana, 2007 ($ thousands)
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| Agency |
Total |
| All Agencies |
653,627 |
| Dept. of Agriculture |
25,983 |
| Dept. of Commerce |
184 |
| Dept. of Defense |
39,832 |
| Dept. of Energy |
3,699 |
| Dept. of Health and Human Services |
552,755 |
| Dept. of Interior |
7,862 |
| Dept. of Transportation |
561 |
| NASA |
5,978 |
| National Science Foundation |
16,773 |
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Source: NSF Science and Engineering Profiles
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Technology Transfer Success Stories
USDA Collaborates with American Angus Association
The American Angus Association has collaborated with Dr. Michael D. MacNeil of the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) to implement a new paradigm to genetically evaluate Angus cattle for carcass traits.
Prior to the collaboration, genetics predictions and the single gene tests used were sometimes confusing due to genetic similarities. Dr. MacNeil's research combined an analysis of ultrasound and harvest data, thereby providing producers with a single set of carcass traits called expected progeny differences (EPD). This approach resulted in a truer picture of differences in genetic merit than had ever been available for Angus cattle. The impact of this research is far-reaching, with the potential to adding millions of dollars to the U.S. beef industry. The American Angus Association warehouses and analyzes over 16 million pedigrees and 18 million performance measures.
Connect with Montana Laboratories
To learn more about, and connect with, Montana's FLC member laboratories, visit the Montana Laboratories web page. The web-based, searchable database displays laboratory profiles with information such as contacts, areas of expertise, laboratory history, website links, and more.
Contact an FLC Representative in Your Region
J. Susan Sprake
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Phone: 505-665-3613
Email:
sprake@lanl.gov
