University of Idaho to open largest US research dairy

The University of Idaho has secured ground for a new research dairy, the largest in the US.

The Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment will comprise of three parts: a food processing research and training facility; a dairy with capacity for 2,000 cows; and a Discovery Complex, which will include classrooms, visitor center, faculty offices and student housing.

“It’s going to really tell the public the agricultural story,” said Jim Miller, University of Idaho College of Agriculture’s director of development and capital projects analyst. “We hope to make it a destination.”

The center will look at addressing constraints on water usage and environmental quality while supporting the agricultural sectors of dairy, livestock and cropland, as well as the food processing industries. A partnership between education, industry and economic development stakeholders will result in dynamic research and education to develop solutions to complex problems.

The project, predicted to cost $45 million, will break ground in 2021 and be ready to milk the first cows in 2024.

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