Dr. Heins conducts his research at the University of Minnesota’s West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC). The Center has a 110-head herd in a certified organic system, and a 140-head herd in a conventional grazing system. Besides Holsteins, WCROC has been crossbreeding cattle with Jersey, Swedish Red, Norwegian Red, Montbéliarde, Normande, and New Zealand Friesian. His research and extension program focuses on crossbreeding, best management practices for reduced input and organic production, management intensive rotational grazing, and group rearing of calves in an organic production system and how they affect the profitability of dairying. He also serves on the Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force.