By Andi Anderson
On July 17, Michigan State University (MSU) celebrated the opening of its $75-million Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center with a grand tour attended by over 250 guests.
The state-of-the-art facility, located on MSU’s south campus, will serve as a hub for dairy research and education, marking a significant step forward for the university’s dairy program.
The center’s development was made possible by a $30-million investment from the State of Michigan, with continued support from alumni, donors, and dairy industry stakeholders.
The new facility replaces MSU’s outdated dairy farm, which had been in operation since the 1960s, allowing the university to modernize its facilities and expand research efforts.
The center features a 165,000-square-foot cattle barn designed to house over 600 cows, providing ample space for cutting-edge dairy science research.
George Smith, Director of MSU AgBioResearch, emphasized the importance of the new facility in helping researchers utilize the latest technology to address the needs of Michigan’s dairy producers.
“This facility brings MSU in line with industry standards,” said Smith, noting that the input from the dairy industry ensures the research is directly relevant to Michigan’s farmers.
The Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center is not just a research facility but also a hands-on learning center for MSU students in the Department of Animal Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Dairy Management Program.
Students will gain real-world experience on a modern farm, learning in a setting comparable to commercial farms across the state.
The facility also incorporates sustainable practices, including a circular operation that reduces dairy farming’s environmental footprint. The center is located adjacent to the MSU Anaerobic Digestion Research and Education Center, where waste products are converted into renewable resources like fertilizer, water, and energy.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ahavelaar
Categories: Michigan, Education