Iowa State University Feed Mill-Grain Complex

The ground-breaking ceremony of Iowa State University’s new feed mill and grain science complex was held in September 2019. Credit: Iowa State University of Science and Technology.

A feed tower, milling and mixing equipment, and grain storage bins form the core components of the complex. Credit: Iowa State University of Science and Technology.

The feed mill and grain science complex at ISU is estimated to cost $21.2m. Image courtesy of Kent Corporation.

Iowa State University (ISU) is constructing a new feed mill-grain complex in Ames, Iowa, US. The new state-of-the-art facility is expected to help ISU in teaching programmes related to feed technology, grain science and animal nutrition.

The facility will be named Kent Corporation Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex, following the approval of the Board of Regents, State of Iowa. The estimated total investment on the project is $21.2m.

A ground-breaking ceremony marking the start of the complex’s construction was held in September 2019, while completion is expected in summer 2021.

The research facility will complement the state of Iowa’s mission towards improving education and research. It will enable the state to become a recognised leader in supporting the feed industry.

Location of ISU feed mill-grain complex

The new feed mill and grain science complex will be located towards the south-west intersection of Highway 30 and State Avenue in Ames. It will be developed on ten acres of land owned by the university.

Crop research, seed operations and crop yield performance trials were being conducted on the selected land, which has been managed by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences for more than 50 years.

ISU feed mill-grain complex details

The main components of the grain science complex will include feed mill, milling and mixing equipment and grain storage bins. The facility will also feature a warehouse and an educational building to conduct classes and short-term courses.

The feed mill will be capable of producing 20,000t of feed a year, which will be used in classes, courses and internships carried out by ISU. The feed can also be used as ration for livestock and poultry.

The complex will allow the students and trainees to gain expertise on food system security and sustainability. It will enable researchers to study feed safety and biosecurity issues with regards to feed transportation.

The new facility will integrate feed production near the university’s animal agriculture teaching and research farms. The customised animal feeds developed by the complex will be useful for academic programmes.

Employees in the feed milling and grain industries can participate in the education programmes conducted by the complex. The employees can gain knowledge on how to meet the regulatory compliance issues and biosecurity concerns through the programmes.

Funding

The Iowa Crop Improvement Association approved $1.5m funding for the project in September 2019. California Pellet Mill (CPM) of Waterloo provided a donation of $2.6m in the form of equipment, automation and services in May 2019.

Sukup Manufacturing supported the new facility with a donation of $2m in September 2017, while Kent Corporation agreed to donate $8m in 2017.

The Iowa Corn Promotion Board approved $4m donation for the new feed mill and grain science complex.

The donations were raised as a part of the Forever True For Iowa State campaign, which is aimed at raising $1.5bn through private donations by 2021.

Contractors involved

Land O’Lakes developed a business case study model for the facility’s feed mill.

Todd & Sargent are responsible for the flow paths and initial design. ABE capstone group designed the grain handling and storage facility site and its integration within the complex.