Wisconsin Ag Connection - UW-RF Dairy Learning Center to Open on Friday

Wisconsin Ag News Headlines

UW-RF Dairy Learning Center to Open on Friday
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 10/01/2007

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls Dairy Learning Center, a $9.3 million state-of-the-art agricultural learning facility, will finally be open starting this week. On Friday, a special ceremony will be held at 2:30 p.m. at the Mann Valley Lab Farm to dedicate the new project.

Speakers at the ceremony include College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Dean Dale Gallenberg, UW-RF Chancellor Don Betz, UW System Regent Jesus Salas, UW System Administration David Miller, Wisconsin Milk Marking Board's Matt Joyce and State Senator Sheila Harsdorf.

The new Dairy Learning Center, constructed at the Mann Valley Lab Farm, will replace the existing dairy facility that has been operating on the campus lab farm since 1957. The Learning Center will utilize an environmentally friendly composted bedding housing system for 100 milking cows plus calves and heifers, and is designed to provide a comfortable environment for the cows. After removal from the cattle barns, the bedding material will be placed into windrows and the composting process will continue.

"The official opening of the Dairy Learning Center marks the end of a 15-year effort by dozens of visionary and persistent regents, administrators, faculty, staff, students and friends of our College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences to secure this learning facility," says Betz. "Their efforts mark the beginning of a new era in the university's historic commitment to dairy education. We at UWRF salute and thank all those who made this day possible."

The UWRF Mann Valley Lab Farm is north of River Falls along St. Croix County Trunk Highway MM.

In addition to the dedication, a community open house and tour will be held Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. and an open house and tour for the public and alumni who are visiting during UW-RF's Homecoming weekend is October 13 from 8 to 11 a.m.