The Robert T. Hamilton Poultry Teaching and Research Farm was dedicated on March 5th. The facility located on an eleven-acre site, formerly the Iowa State University Poultry Science Farm replaces obsolete buildings erected in the 1960's. The new resource has dedicated areas for poultry and egg processing, research-standard housing and laboratories to accommodate applied projects relating to egg production.
The facility represents an investment of $7 million and was funded entirely by private donations.
These included:
· $3 million from the Arlene Hamilton and the Robert and Arlene Charitable Foundation
· $1.5 million from the Iowa Egg Council acknowledged in the naming of the research wingn
· The Hy-Line Genetics Research Wing was made possible by a gift from Hy-Line International
· The Henning Family Atrium was supported by a $750,000 gift from Jeff and Cindy Henning
Gifts in kind in the form of equipment and other contributions included:
· Big Dutchman, Inc.
· Munters Corp.
· Once Inc.
· Best Veterinary Solutions.
· L.B. White Company.
· Nature Form-Pas Reform North America.
· Chore Time Inc.
· Poultry Management Systems.
· Vencomatic Inc.
· Ziggity Systems.
Dr. Wendy Winterstein, President, Iowa State University noted "this is what Iowa State Land-Grant Mission is all about--- training the future workforce for the industry to grow our economy".
President of Hy-Line International, Jonathan Cade noted "this facility will support education of students who will go and help our company and others assure its sustainable source of protein around the world".
Jeff Henning commented "our family is proud to pay forward to future leaders in the industry by supporting and constructing this poultry facility". He added "we are committed to lasting relationships that move all aspects of the industry forward by way of research, education, construction and implementation".