MSU’s New Dairy Facility Sets the Stage for Student Success

By Sierra Jezuit

On a warm July morning, several Michigan State University students stood at the gates of the new MSU Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center, anxiously anticipating the arrival of the farm’s curious new residents. Spartan students spent days prior to the move working alongside MSU staff and faculty, preparing the new barn to comfortably house the hundreds of MSU dairy cattle living on the farm just south of campus.

Among the students helping throughout the transition was junior Animal Science major Anna Crosby. She recalled the energy of those early moments as cows explored the space for the first time.

“They came running into the new pen, and it was amazing to see them explore the space for the first time,” Crosby said. “When I first walked in, I couldn’t believe how open and bright it was. There are fans everywhere, so the air flow is great. It feels completely different from the old facility.”

Crosby said experiencing the move made her realize how much the project reflects MSU’s commitment to teaching and training as well as supporting dairy farmers across Michigan.

“It says a lot about the school trusting us with this facility,” she said. “It shows how much MSU cares about the dairy industry and the students working in it.”

When MSU opened the new dairy facility this summer, it wasn’t just unveiling a modern barn. It marked the start of a new era in agricultural education, research and workforce development.

The $75 million Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center on MSU’s south campus is one of the university’s most significant investments in student learning and agricultural innovation. The project began with a $30 million appropriation from the state of Michigan, supplemented by alumni, donors and industry partners committed to strengthening the state’s dairy industry.

Designed to operate like a commercial dairy, the facility offers students hands-on experience with the technology, practices and decision-making used in modern operations.

“This facility is going to make its mark on the world for Michigan State,” said Jim Good, manager of the MSU Dairy Teaching and Research Center. “We have always had one of the top university research facilities, in part because we have some of the best faculty in the world. This new facility will take us over the top. Our students will see direct benefit from that.”

Built for today’s demands and tomorrow’s workforce

The new facility is nearly double the size of the previous barn, built in the 1960s. Designed for cow comfort and worker safety, the new dairy farm allows staff and students the technology and space needed to manage and care for three times as many cows as the previous facility, while maintaining a focus on sustainable dairy practices. Recycled sand bedding and monitored energy and water use are part of the facility’s focus on efficiency and responsible management.