The goal of creating a modern facility at Iowa State University to support education and research for cattle production has taken a big step forward.
At its September meeting, the Iowa Board of Regents approved fundraising to begin for a new Iowa State Beef Teaching and Innovation Farm. The facility will be located south of the existing Beef Teaching Farm along 520th Avenue (State Avenue) south of Ames. Once constructed, the old facilities will be razed.
The existing Beef Teaching Farm has been in operation since 1965. The farm’s cattle support approximately 10 classes, attracting more than 800 students each academic year. The farm also provides animals for the meat science program and Extension short courses throughout the year. While the facility met the needs of students and staff at the time it was constructed, current beef cattle production practices are much different now. The planned new facility will incorporate technologies and best practices that align with industry standards.
“The Beef Teaching Farm at Iowa State represents our commitment to our students, faculty and stakeholders,” said Jason Ross, chair of the Department of Animal Science. “Modernizing these facilities is an essential step in elevating our land-grant mission capacity and advancing the beef industry through our teaching, research and extension programs.”
Source : iastate.edu