January 30, 2008

Monsanto to fund dairy research center in Idaho

Monsanto allocated US$1 million for a dairy research facility in Idaho to help fulfill the US$5-million pledge of the industry to Magic Valley.

Idaho dairies expect other large companies to follow Monsanto's move and provide a considerable amount of the industry's US$5-million pledge, J. Brent Olmstead, executive director for the Idaho Milk Producers, said.

The Idaho Center for Livestock and Environmental Studies will used as a research center for dairy and livestock and will operate as a self-sustaining animal feeding operation, officials explained.

The new facility will also include parts of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture and the Caine Veterinary Teaching Center in Caldwell.

Rich Garber, director of government and external relations for the University of Idaho College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, said that with the changes the total cost of the facility is up to US$37 million.