By Scout Nelson
South Dakota State University’s Swine Education and Research Facility expansion receives final approval after House Bill 1118 is signed into law by Gov. Larry Rhoden. The project supports agricultural education, research growth, and stronger connections between the university and the pork industry across the state.
“This addition to the SDSU Swine Education and Research Facility expands our research capacity, improves the efficiency of our operations and increases learning opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students,” said Joe Cassady, SD Corn Endowed Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. “The existing facility has dramatically expanded our research, outreach and educational outputs, and we look forward to those areas continuing to grow.”
The existing complex includes a sow teaching and intensive research building, a wean-to-finish research barn, and an off-site production barn. The new expansion increases finishing capacity, allowing the university to raise pigs from birth through the market stage. This provides more hands-on learning for students and stronger research opportunities for faculty and industry partners.
"The expansion of the SDSU Swine Education and Research Facility is a significant step forward for both students and the pork industry across the region,” said Glenn Muller, executive director of the South Dakota Pork Producers Council.
“This investment will give students more hands-on experience, which helps prepare them as the next generation of producers, veterinarians and industry professionals. From the industry perspective, expanded research capacity means more practical real-world solutions for pork producers. The South Dakota Pork Producers Council board of directors is proud to support efforts that strengthen education and advancements in our industry, and the signing of House Bill 1118 is doing just that."
The project received bipartisan legislative support and strong backing from commodity groups including the South Dakota Pork Producers Council, the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council, and South Dakota Soybean. Funding raised by these groups is expected to cover the full cost of construction, showing the importance of pork production to the state’s agriculture economy.
South Dakota Corn Utilization Council President Jay Esser said, “South Dakota’s pork producers are valued partners of our state’s corn farmers, and strengthening that partnership starts with continued investment in research and innovation. The proposed expansion to the South Dakota State University Swine Education and Research Facility — approved by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Larry Rhoden today — represents an important step forward for our state’s agricultural future. The South Dakota Corn Utilization Council is proud to support efforts that enhance research capabilities and create lasting benefits for agricultural producers across South Dakota.”
More information about the current SDSU Swine Education and Research Facility can be found on the facility website.
Photo Credit: istock-songqiuju
Categories: South Dakota, Education, Livestock, Hogs