Scientists at the Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (MARC) develop new technology in order to increase the efficiency of livestock production and benefit consumers.  The MARC was authorized by Congress on June 16, 1964, and development began in the spring of 1966 on 35,000 acres near Clay Center, Nebraska.  Presently, research programs are using a female breeding population of 6,500 cattle of 18 breeds, 3,000 sheep of 10 breeds, and 700 swine litters per year.  The MARC is administered by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).  On October 10, 1978, President Carter signed into law a bill which renamed the research facility after former Senator Roman L. Hruska of Nebraska.