By Scout Nelson
South Dakota State University (SDSU), known for its contribution to agricultural education, faces a significant change as its Dairy Research Farm is slated to cease operations by June 2024. The university's decision comes after assessing the financial viability of renovating the facility, which proved to be a costly endeavor.
Dean Joseph Cassaday of the College of Agriculture emphasized that despite the closure, SDSU remains committed to offering quality dairy production, dairy manufacturing, and food science programs. The university plans to collaborate with industry partners to ensure continued experiential learning opportunities for students.
Initially, the projected cost for a new dairy facility was estimated at $50 million. Even with considered modifications, the cost remained steep at over $28 million, far exceeding the $7.5 million allocated by the Legislature. This financial gap ultimately led to the decision to discontinue the farm's operations.
The South Dakota Dairy Producers association expressed concern over the closure of a farm, highlighting its significant role in the state's dairy industry, research, and workforce development. They also noted the evolving nature of dairy farming in South Dakota, with modern farms influencing research and innovation dynamics.
As the dairy community in South Dakota values collaboration, there is a collective effort to find a path forward that sustains and expands opportunities for students and the dairy department at SDSU.
The university's decision marks the end of an era for the SDSU Dairy Research Farm but opens avenues for new forms of collaboration and learning in the field of dairy science.
Photo Credit - south-dakota-state-university
Categories: South Dakota, General, Livestock, Dairy Cattle