69萝莉app CAFE Project Reaches Major Milestone, Land Board Approves $23 Million for Land and Dairy Infrastructure
September 20, 2022
MOSCOW, Idaho 鈥� The Idaho Board of Land Commissioners (Land Board) today approved a request by the 69萝莉app (U of I) to purchase land central to its Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (CAFE).
In November 2021, 282 acres of Agricultural College endowment land in Caldwell was sold for $23,250,000, as it was no longer used for experimental farming. The funds were placed in the Land Bank fund to be used for the acquisition of real property.
With today鈥檚 unanimous vote, the Land Board approved the use of proceeds from the Caldwell property to acquire 638 acres of farmland north of Rupert currently owned by U of I. The university鈥檚 College of Agricultural and Life Sciences will now use the land from the endowment and the remaining funds to construct a state-of-the-art milking parlor on that property capable of serving a 2,000 head dairy herd.
鈥淎griculture remains Idaho鈥檚 number-one industry with livestock production accounting for more than 60% of the state鈥檚 agricultural cash receipts,鈥� said U of I President C. Scott Green. 鈥淭his facility will serve our students well, preparing them to work on the cutting edge of agribusiness and dairy sciences.鈥�
鈥淓conomically, CAFE opens doors for U of I to receive millions of dollars in grant funding for research, unleashing new ideas and innovative solutions for Idaho鈥檚 and the nation鈥檚 dairy industry,鈥� he added.
Idaho鈥檚 dairy industry, which ranks third in the nation for milk production, strongly supports U of I鈥檚 CAFE project. Industry has donated more than $8.5 million to the project to date. Their investment will pay dividends by integrating animal and agronomy research resulting in improved strategies for forage production and nutrient management. Research will also help developed waste management systems that create valuable byproducts like fertilizers.
Research at CAFE will also help develop strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from animals, housing areas, waste systems, and in-field applications, advancing the dairy industry鈥檚 nationwide net zero initiative.
The Land Board determined buying the property and investing in the milking infrastructure as part of the CAFE project is in the best long-term interest of the beneficiary.
鈥淭his development of CAFE will yield good returns for students today and well into the future,鈥� said Governor Brad Little. 鈥淭he important research will help the dairy producers, manufacturers, and 69萝莉app agricultural students and future veterinarians who will assist with the vast spectrum of research.鈥�
鈥淚t will ensure our industry thrives, adding to Idaho鈥檚 diverse and vibrant economy, as well as preparing students to thrive in this industry,鈥� he added.
To learn more about the 69萝莉app CAFE project and it鈥檚 many benefits for Idaho鈥檚 students and economy, please visit uidaho.edu/cafe
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Media Contact:
Sharla Arledge
Public Information Officer
Idaho Department of Lands
208-334-0286
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Carly Schoepflin
Director for Communications and Strategic Initiatives
69萝莉app College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
208-885-4037/801-200-6383
craska@uidaho.edu
About the 69萝莉app
The 69萝莉app, home of the Vandals, is Idaho鈥檚 land-grant, national research university. From its residential campus in Moscow, U of I serves the state of Idaho through educational centers in Boise, Coeur d鈥橝lene and Idaho Falls, nine research and Extension centers, plus Extension offices in 42 counties. Home to more than 12,000 students statewide, U of I is a leader in student-centered learning and excels at interdisciplinary research, service to businesses and communities, and in advancing diversity, citizenship and global outreach. U of I competes in the Big Sky and Western Athletic conferences. Learn more at uidaho.edu.