By Andi Anderson
Michigan dairy industry leader and Michigan State University alumnus Brian Troyer has made a significant investment in the future of dairy education and research by supporting the university’s new Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center. His contribution reflects both his strong connection to the university and his belief in the value of dairy research and student development.
A two-time graduate of Michigan State University’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Troyer credits the institution with playing an important role in shaping his professional journey. Throughout his career, he has remained closely connected to agriculture and the dairy industry.
Speaking about his connection to the university, Troyer said, "The college has done a lot for me. I've got two degrees from here, and it influenced pretty much my whole life. I've worked for the university, managed a teaching farm, worked in the agricultural industry for more than 20 years, and MSU has always been in the background."
Raised on a dairy farm, Troyer developed a lifelong passion for agriculture at an early age. He recalls the influence of Michigan State University Extension programs and dairy educators on his family and the broader dairy community.
"MSU is deeply connected to me," Troyer said. "I've been in agriculture my whole life and dairy most of it."
Troyer believes supporting educational and research facilities is essential as the dairy industry continues to evolve. He highlighted the value of university research in helping producers address challenges and improve productivity.
"When the opportunity came up to support the project, I wanted to do what I could," Troyer said. "There's a lot of good research that comes out of MSU that's going to impact the dairy industry, and I'm still working in that industry today. I see that work as being incredibly valuable."
The Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center opened in July 2025 and includes a 165,000-square-foot cattle barn housing approximately 680 cows. The $75 million facility more than triples the size of the previous herd and serves as a center for research, hands-on learning, and sustainable dairy production.
Discussing the facility, Troyer said, "The industry continues to change. Farms become more efficient, operations evolve and technology advances. Facilities like this allow us to conduct relevant research and provide students with the experiences they need to succeed."
After touring the center, he added, "When everything finally came together, it was one of those moments where you think, 'Wow, this is a modern dairy.' It's a facility people can walk into and be proud of."
The facility features modern freestall housing, robotic milking systems, research feeding technology, traditional milking parlors, classrooms, and meeting spaces that support education and collaboration.
"We don't have as many students coming from farming backgrounds as we once did," Troyer said. "Facilities like this give students exposure to different types of dairy systems and help prepare them for careers across the industry."
Beyond his financial support, Troyer actively promotes the value of dairy education and research within the agricultural community.
"I talk to people about the value of what MSU has done for our industry," he said. "This facility is a way for us to reinvest in dairy education and research and support something that's going to benefit the industry for years to come."
This fall, Troyer will also begin serving as President of the CANR Alumni Board, where he hopes to strengthen relationships between alumni and the university.
"The alumni board has an opportunity to help tell the story of what's happening at the university today," Troyer said. "Whether it's dairy, packaging, food science or any of the programs within CANR, we want alumni to understand what's happening and how they can stay involved."
Reflecting on the importance of continued support, Troyer concluded, "MSU has a tremendous history of serving the dairy industry. Supporting facilities like this and helping alumni stay connected ensures that legacy continues for the next generation."
Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu
Categories: Michigan, Education