AMES, IOWA, U.S. — Iowa State University (ISU) on Sept. 13 broke ground on a new $21.2 million feed mill and grain science complex. The complex, which is expected to be known as the Kent Corporation Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex, will include a feed mill tower, feed milling and mixing structures, grain storage bins, a warehouse and an educational building with classrooms.

The complex is expected to be completed by the summer of 2021. ISU said it will have a capacity of approximately 20,000 tons of feed per year.

A number of companies have stepped up in support of the facility, including Kent Corp., which provided the naming commitment of $8 million in 2017.  Other key commitments have come from the Iowa Corn Promotion Board ($4 million), Sukup Manufacturing Co. ($2 million) and California Pellet Mill of Waterloo ($2.6 million).

“The feed, grain and livestock sectors are key to the success of agriculture in Iowa,” said Wendy Wintersteen, president of Iowa State University. “As a top land-grant university, Iowa State is at the forefront of critical and cutting-edge research, education and extension programs that support these important sectors. The Kent Corporation Feed Mill and Grain Sciences Complex will provide the space, facilities and technology to strengthen our ability to carry out our mission.”

ISU said the new complex will enhance its teaching programs related to feed technology, grain science and animal nutrition. Classes and short courses will be taught at the complex, ISU said. Research also will be conducted at the facility, and animal feed will be prepared there as well.

Other activities set to take place at the complex include a hub for continuing education and extension programs for employees in feed milling and grain industries, ISU noted.