State News

Breaking Ground for a New Era

Oct. 2003 -- A groundbreaking ceremony on Aug. 26 launched a new University of Illinois (UI) research facility that promises to have a major impact on the state?s agricultural economy. The $10 million Beef/Sheep Unit is the first phase of the U of I College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) South Farms Modernization Project.

Neal Merchen, head of the Department of Animal Sciences in the College of ACES, stated that the investment in this new facility shows ?recognition of the important role livestock plays in the state?s agricultural economy. Support of this facility demonstrates a confidence that university research will continue to perform its vital role in our society.?

?At a time when few land-grant universities are building new facilities for livestock research, the U of I is commended for its forward thinking in the area of agricultural advancement,? said Paul Rodgers, the American Sheep Industry Association?s deputy director of policy.

New Livestock Evaluation Facility Opens in Pennsylvania

Oct. 2003 -- A new livestock evaluation facility aimed at improving animal performance and meat quality recently opened in Pennsylvania Furnace, Pa.

The state-of-the-art facility ? at 178,345 square feet -- is ten times larger than the previous facility. It features an assembly hall, exhibit area, conference room, dormitory, classroom, manure management facilities, underground grain silos and a 700-seat arena.

The center, named in honor of former Secretary of Agriculture Samuel E. Hayes, Jr., has the capacity to conduct performance tests on nearly 600 animals ? cattle, sheep, swine and goats -- at the same time.

UW Receives Grant to Study Sheep Reproduction

Oct. 2003 -- The University of Wyoming (UW) recently received funding for a project involving the use of a new extraction method for the purpose of studying proteins that regulate sheep production.

The $54,000 grant was awarded to UW by the U.S. Department of Agriculture?s National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program for the ?X-Ray System for Central Nervous System Cannulation? project.

Wyoming Department of Ag to Study Feasibility of Mobile Meat-Processing Unit

Oct. 2003 -- The Wyoming Department of Agriculture has joined forces with the Sheridan Community College and Wyoming Business Council to analyze the feasibility and practical capabilities of a mobile meat-processing unit.

The $77,000 project will be funded by a federal matching grant program.

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