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 “The Illinois Farm Bureau’s collaborative relationship with the
College of ACES is long and impactful,” says Rodney Johnson,
head of the Department of Animal Sciences at U of I. “Their
financial support – the first significant cash gift from one of
our private partners – moves the Feed Technology Center forward
in becoming the national hub for new discoveries and advancement
in animal nutrition utilizing traditional and novel
ingredients.”
College of ACES researchers have shaped the feed and crop
production industries for decades in partnership with Illinois
farmers. As a prime example, Illinois animal scientists
pioneered the modern corn-soybean-meal diet for livestock and
poultry in use nationwide, using Illinois’ top crop products.
According to Johnson, the new Feed Technology Center will
further strengthen relationships between the college, industry,
and producers, and make possible animal nutrition innovations
that could impact the agricultural industry on a global scale.
“Breaking ground on the new Feed Technology Center is a top
priority for the College of ACES. As a long-time partner, IFB
wanted to show our support for this effort” said IFB President
Rich Guebert. “We view our funding as an investment in the
future of agriculture in Illinois.”
A unique public-private partnership, similar to a lease-to-own
arrangement, will enable the long-awaited construction project
to begin this summer in the ACES Legacy Corridor, as part of the
Campus Master Plan. The University of Illinois and the College
of ACES have committed $6 million toward the $20 million
project, with private partners invited to contribute toward the
balance.
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“Private gifts, such as this commitment from Illinois
Farm Bureau, assist with sustaining and advancing the valuable
discoveries, training, and translation this facility will support,”
Johnson says. “We welcome other stakeholders to join us in this
investment.”
College of ACES dean, Kim Kidwell, adds, “We are truly grateful to
the Illinois Farm Bureau for making this generous donation in
support of the advancement of feed science innovation, which will
benefit both livestock and crop producers across the region. This
gift reflects the success of our longstanding partnership with the
Illinois Farm Bureau to advance Illinois agriculture through
research, education, and outreach.”
The Illinois Farm Bureau is a member of the American Farm Bureau
Federation, a national organization of farmers and ranchers. Founded
in 1916, IFB is a non-profit, membership organization directed by
farmers who join through their county Farm Bureau. IFB has a total
membership of more than 394,000 and a voting membership of 79,000.
IFB represents three out of four Illinois farmers.
[News writer: Lauren Quinn, College
of ACES] |
