Iowa State opens new poultry teaching and research farm

The new Robert T. Hamilton Poultry Teaching and Research Farm includes dedicated spaces for teaching and research and a welcome area where visitors can see firsthand examples of Iowa egg production systems and learn about Iowa egg production.

Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen and Arlene Hamilton cut the ribbon at the dedication ceremony of the Iowa State University Robert T. Hamilton Poultry Teaching and Research Farm on March 5. (Deven King)
Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen and Arlene Hamilton cut the ribbon at the dedication ceremony of the Iowa State University Robert T. Hamilton Poultry Teaching and Research Farm on March 5. (Deven King)

Iowa State University (ISU) dedicated the new Robert T. Hamilton Poultry Teaching and Research Farm south of Ames, Iowa, on March 5.

The new facility includes dedicated spaces for teaching and research and a welcome area where visitors can see firsthand examples of Iowa egg production systems and learn about Iowa egg production.

"This has been a project that has been shaped by so many hands, by the vision of so many individuals, and today we get to celebrate that, which is truly a wonderful thing. There was a vision to create a state-of-the-art environment to support cutting-edge research and discovery to meet the needs of farmers and producers all across Iowa and to provide the best learning experience for our students," said ISU President Wendy Wintersteen.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig was in attendance during the dedication ceremony.

Contributions and research wings

The nearly $7 million facility was made possible solely through private funding.

"The fact that the Hamilton Poultry Research and Teaching Farm has been funded 100% through private gifts signifies the incredible strength of the state's agricultural industry and the trust Iowa agriculture places in Iowa State University," said Wintersteen.

Wintersteen was present for the dedication of the new facility. She talked about her personal experiences with the Hamilton family over many years. The Hamilton family donated the lead gift of $3 million from Arlene Hamilton and the Robert and Arlene Hamilton Charitable Foundation. The Hamilton family is known for its successful poultry and hog operation near Iowa Falls, Iowa.

The new facility has two main research wings. The Iowa Egg Council Layer Research Wing was named in honor of the council, which committed more than $1.5 million on behalf of the state's egg farmers.

"The farm's modern facilities will be a vital asset for egg production research, education and extension, especially for training the next generation of leaders in Iowa's egg community," said Kevin Stiles, executive director of the Iowa Egg Council.

Stiles noted in a previous speech that he was pleased the design allows for a variety of production methods including conventional, enriched and cage-free facilities.

big-dutchman-isu-research-equipment

Big Dutchman provided the research center with equipment designs that allow for a variety of production methods including conventional, enriched and cage-free facilities. (Deven King)

The Hy-Line Genetics Research Wing was made possible by a major gift from Hy-Line International of Des Moines, the largest layer genetics company in the global egg industry, and Hy-Line North America, the largest U.S. commercial layer chick distributor.

The Hy-Line Genetics Research Wing will support research that includes work with Iowa State's historic, inbred poultry research line, the oldest of its kind in the world and the subject of many studies, especially in disease resistance.

"Adoption of new technology and improvements in the science of genetics drives progress for Hy-Line, as well as economic progress in our state and industry," said Jonathan Cade, president of Hy-Line International. "This facility will support the education of students who will go on to help our company and others assure a sustainable, welfare-friendly source of protein around the world."

Hy-Line and the Iowa Egg Council also are providing in-kind gifts of hens to stock the new facility.

The Henning Family Atrium, supported by a $750,000 gift from Jeff and Cindy Henning of Johnston, Iowa, provides a public entry and learning center. Its viewing windows and classrooms allow direct observation of laying areas and interaction with a poultry production barn, bringing new opportunities for education and training.

The facility

The two classrooms can be accessed by students or guests. However, there is a biosecurity system in place that prohibits certain people from entering beyond the viewing windows. Stiles explained that he thought these viewing windows were key in allowing for education opportunities so individuals could view the birds within each system without entering the area.

Iowa-State-poultry-research-classroom

The two classrooms can be accessed by students or guests and provide a hands-on experience with birds. (Deven King)

The facility is shower-in, shower-out for anyone who will be behind the glass working with birds.

The facility equipment and operating systems were provided by Big Dutchman Inc., Munters Corp., Once Inc., Best Veterinary Solutions, Fienhage Poultry-Solutions, L.B. White Co., NatureForm/Pas Reform North America, Chore-Time, QC Supply, Poultry Management Systems Inc., Vencomatic Inc. and Ziggity Systems Inc.

The new facility was developed on the 11-acre site of the former Iowa State University Poultry Science Farm three miles south of central campus and replaces buildings that were new to the campus in the 1960s.

The facility will accommodate education and research on poultry housing systems, nutrition, food safety and microbiology, flock behavior, health and welfare, and environmental issues, including waste management. Its special features include:

  • Dedicated areas for poultry housing and egg processing set up with equipment for students to study and practice contemporary egg production methods.
  • Research facilities that provide flexible space and equipment to accommodate multiple projects.
  • Enhanced levels of biosecurity and sanitation, plus zoned air-handling systems to independently control administrative, education and research wings within the facility.

The research center was not yet populated with birds during the time of the dedication, but plans were in place for their arrival.

"A new chapter of Iowa State poultry science begins today," said Daniel J. Robison, holder of the Endowed Dean's Chair in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. "We'll conduct research on innovative approaches to address challenges faced by these industries. And we'll have a more welcoming site for extension and outreach education and training."

He said universities that want to push forward with research and developmental aspects to advance the industry -- to make it more sustainable, profitable and productive -- need to be on the cutting edge of what is happening across the sector, nationally and internationally. He believes this new research farm will enable Iowa State University to train its students on the latest and greatest while also bringing in people who are not students but want training and exposure to the industry the opportunity to do so.

"You go to your doctor and you want them to have the latest and greatest of everything. That is what we have now, and we are really thrilled about it," Robinson said.

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