Closure of South Dakota State University Dairy Farm Due to Funding Shortfall
Source: The DairyNews
South Dakota State University has announced the closure of its dairy farm in June, citing insufficient funds for necessary facility improvements. Despite state funding and fundraising efforts, the cost of modifying the existing building proved to be too high, leading to the decision to discontinue operations at the facility.
The dairy farm, located just over a mile north of the campus, housed approximately 150 head of dairy cattle and served as a space for faculty research and student lab activities. Initially built in the 1960s and renovated in the 1990s, the farm faced challenges in meeting modern standards.
Joseph Cassaday, Dean of the College of Agriculture, expressed the university's efforts in exploring fundraising opportunities and modifying plans but ultimately decided to cease operations by the end of June 2024. The estimated cost for building a new Dairy Research and Training Facility was $50 million, and even with alternative modifications, the projected expense exceeded $28 million. The state legislature had appropriated $7.5 million for the project.
Cassaday assured that despite the closure, South Dakota State University would continue offering high-quality degree programs in dairy production, manufacturing, and food science. Collaboration with industry partners is planned to provide student experiential learning and internships in modern, large-scale dairy production facilities.
The South Dakota Dairy Producers also released a statement expressing concern about the closure, acknowledging the farm's deep history and its contribution to dairy research, student opportunities, and the dairy industry in the region. The organization looks forward to engaging with the SDSU Dairy Science Department and university leadership to explore a path forward that maintains the department's strength and expands opportunities for students in the future.
Joseph Cassaday, Dean of the College of Agriculture, expressed the university's efforts in exploring fundraising opportunities and modifying plans but ultimately decided to cease operations by the end of June 2024. The estimated cost for building a new Dairy Research and Training Facility was $50 million, and even with alternative modifications, the projected expense exceeded $28 million. The state legislature had appropriated $7.5 million for the project.
Cassaday assured that despite the closure, South Dakota State University would continue offering high-quality degree programs in dairy production, manufacturing, and food science. Collaboration with industry partners is planned to provide student experiential learning and internships in modern, large-scale dairy production facilities.
The South Dakota Dairy Producers also released a statement expressing concern about the closure, acknowledging the farm's deep history and its contribution to dairy research, student opportunities, and the dairy industry in the region. The organization looks forward to engaging with the SDSU Dairy Science Department and university leadership to explore a path forward that maintains the department's strength and expands opportunities for students in the future.
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